Simple Forged Bottle Opener
Skill focus: tapering, bending, shaping a notch
Difficulty: Easy–Medium
Time: 60–90 mins
Tools
Forge, anvil, hammer, tongs, vise, file (or grinder), centre punch (optional)
Materials
Mild steel flat bar: 25 mm x 6 mm, 180–220 mm long
(or 20 x 6 works too)
Steps
Handle taper: Heat one end and draw a gentle taper for the handle (optional but looks great).
Flatten/dress: Keep the opener end flat and square—this is your “business end.”
Create the hook bend: Heat the opener end (last 50–60 mm). Bend down about 30–40° over the anvil edge.
Form the lip: Reheat. Bend a tighter angle so the end resembles a shallow “J”.
Cut/shape the cap notch: In the vise, file/grind a notch that will catch under the bottle cap rim.
Test and tune: Use a sacrificial bottle cap. If it slips, deepen the notch slightly and tighten the hook angle.
Add a hanging hole (optional): Centre punch, then drill when cool.
Finish
Sand edges smooth → oil/wax warm.