Thread: Ran the forge this afternoon

It didn't turn out too well. I think I over heated the steel too many times, and now it doesn't get hard enough to really hold a proper edge. I've been wanting to try again, but I've got to find another suitable file.

Two things come to mind.....
1. You may have started with a file that has low carbon steel that was case hardened. Be sure to use an old file, not one of recent manufacture.

2. At high temps the steel will lose carbon rapidly, thus the inability to hold an edge. Simply put the steel in the forge and watch it closely. Do not attach a magnet to it. The heat will destroy the magnetism in the magnet. Watch the color changes in the steel. when it is close to being hot enough you will see the dark "shadows" getting smaller and smaller. Then is the time to pull out the steel and start testing with a magnet. When the magnet no longer "sticks" to the steel then it is time to quench. You might also start thinking about just what portion of the blade you really want to pay attention to. The edge will get to non-magnetic faster than the spine will. To me, the hardness of the spine is nowhere near as important as retaining the maximum carbon in the edge and getting a proper heat treat on the edge.

Just my $.02

You could also wash a light clay coating over the blade to shield it from oxygen.