Originally Posted by
WillN
Looking very good, keep on going.
If you are making your own charcoal, I am sure you have a great reason, but you can buy bags of natural charcoal from lot's of different places, even home depot. Hard coal isn't hard to find or expensive either if there is a smith in your area to ask.
You really shouldn't skimp on the fuel in your forge as you want to keep your work in the center of a generous sized heat(fire). Too low towards the tuyer and you are in an oxidizing heat and too high up on top and you are in a reducing heat. Right in the middle of a nice heat will give you the best results without taking anything away from your steel.
Keep on pounding, that is looking good!
Will N.