Thread: "Ting" Day...Help me troubleshoot please

It's just folklore. I'm sure someone that knows more than I do could come up with many more things like this - full moons, black cats, whatever. You "proved" this one doesn't work. What's really important is what can be replicated.

I think it was the pending "blood moon" (lunar eclipse) I saw last night...

I think some of the guys that made swords back the "dark ages" said a good fighting sword needed blood in the quench.

I really REALLY need to know more about this mouse treatment thing! Does it have to be a field mouse? what about a larger NYC mouse? Will going with a sewer rat be too much stress on a smaller blade?

Originally Posted by Magpie

I really REALLY need to know more about this mouse treatment thing! Does it have to be a field mouse? what about a larger NYC mouse? Will going with a sewer rat be too much stress on a smaller blade?

Yes the size of the mouse correlates with the density of the oil which has defined limits on the accuracy of expected outcomes for the section thickness of the blade being quenched. However, the Heat Treater's guide has not considered this variable in the performance of the usual cutlery steels and is of unknown metallurgical significance.

Generally it is best to screen out organic residue before heating a series of blades as the acquired temperature of the oil will increase the negative outgassing of the decomposing mouse/rat giving a residual minor flavor to the oil that has some durability over time (years) and to the local atmosphere. Some may consider this offensive and vacate the premises, neighbors have been known to complain due to the proximity generated by an urban setting, and the constabulary may investigate for missing persons. It can attract curious felines and may be used to bait those. Other smiths have been known to cultivate such odors to relieve them of the burden of too many curious visitors.