My wife and I went to Frankenmuth Michigan yesterday and found a Blacksmith who would help you make a knife by forging.
I desided to make a knife from a railroad spike.

The Blacksmith was very patient and was very knowledgeable.
If you get the chance, you should do this.

That's nice! I have a few spikes and always wanted to try my luck at making a knife. Good job.

Railroad Spikes are fun to play with...but due to their low carbon content, they don't hold an edge for very long. What I use them for is making Oyster shucking knives. Also, I made one to look like a railroad spike from some round stock high carbon steel with a good edge...tippit