What is Heat Treating? Heat treating is a process used to alter the physical and mechanical properties of metals, including spring steel. It involves heating the steel to a specific temperature and then cooling it rapidly or slowly, depending on the desired outcome. The heat treat regimen for 5160 (spring steel) is pretty close to 10 series steel, especially 1084. Why is Heat Treating Important for Spring Steel? Spring steel is a type of high-carbon steel that is known for its ability to return to its original shape after being bent or twisted. Heat treating is crucial for spring steel because ..read more

Are you fascinated by the art of blacksmithing? Do you want to learn how to make your own blacksmith knife? Look no further! In this blog post, we will guide you through the step-by-step process of creating a blacksmith knife from scratch. Get ready to unleash your inner blacksmith and craft a beautiful and functional knife that you can be proud of. Step 1: Gather the Necessary Materials Before you begin, make sure you have all the materials you need. These include: High-carbon steel. Spring steel works ideal for this project. Forge Anvil Hammer Tongs Grinder Files And of course all the usual ..read more

How to Sharpen A Knife We all have them. That incredibly dull knife that you have to force through even the thinnest of materials. Not only is this aggravating but it can also be dangerous. I aim to help you with this guide to take your screwdriver dull knives into razor sharp tools for both your safety and sanity. This guide is broken down into several sections as follows:  Sharpening a knife for beginners with a whetstone Sharpening a knife to a razor edge Sharpening a knife coarse or fine? Sharpening a knife with steel (rod) Knife Sharpening Kit(s)   Sharpening a knife for beginne ..read more

In a world where technology rules and automation reigns supreme, there is something truly enchanting about reviving an ancient craft like blacksmithing. Step into the world of the blacksmith, where hammers strike iron with precision, sparks dance in the air, and centuries-old techniques are kept alive. In this article, we delve into the evolution of blacksmithing tools, tracing their journey from rudimentary implements to finely crafted instruments. Explore the fascinating history behind the anvil, tongs, hammers, and countless other tools that have stood the test of time. Discover how black ..read more

Too hot Overheating causes grain growth within the steel which will result in the blade not being hardened correctly. The remedy for this is to normalize the steel and repeat your heat treating process.  Old quench oil Quench oil loses some properties each time it is used and will lose its effectiveness over time. To ensure a consistent result from your quench it is advised to change your oil after 10 uses. This varies according to the oil used so check with your oils manufacturer. No thermal cycle If you are not doing a full thermal cycle on your knives you are doing yourself a dis-servi ..read more

Choosing the Perfect Heat Treatment Oven: Key Considerations and Information Are you in the market for a heat treatment oven but feeling overwhelmed by the numerous options available? Choosing the perfect heat treatment oven is a crucial decision that can significantly impact the quality and efficiency of your heat treatment processes. With so many factors to consider, from temperature range and uniformity to energy efficiency and safety features, it's important to have informed advice to guide you through the selection process. That's where we come in.  In this article, we will ..read more

Throughout my journey I've run into several questions that people ask about knife making so I thought it would be a good idea to try to answer some of these questions that the budding knife maker may have. Can I make my own Knife? Of course you can! You don't need tons of tools to make a knife. If you have the following you can get started right away. The most important thing you'll need is Patience. The process takes time and is a marathon not a sprint. Files - You will want at minimum a flat file but if you have a half round as well it will make your life a whole lot easier. Steel - You can ..read more

There are endless you-tube videos and books on the subject of bladesmithing and blacksmithing but there is no substitute for having a knowledgeable instructor guiding you through the steps. There is no replacing experience. Today I had the pleasure of working with and learning from a very experienced guy and I'm hoping some of that knowledge wore off on me.  Matthew at the Missouri School of blacksmithing and I walked though his shop and talked about his journey as well as a myriad of other topics. From the many powered hammers to the wall lined with coal forges he has filled his shop wit ..read more

What is heat treating? Heat treating is a process used to alter the physical and sometimes chemical properties of a material through heating and cooling. It is commonly used in the manufacturing of metal products, but can also be applied to other materials. The goal of heat treating is to improve the material's strength, hardness, ductility, and other properties, making it more suitable for its intended use. There are several different heat treating techniques, each with its own unique benefits and applications. Physical Process Metallic materials consist of grains or crystallites at the atomi ..read more

Blackening  your knife blades Whether you want to help protect your project from corrosion or if you just want your blades to look more tactical  or cool you may want to black out your blades.  There are several different methods that can be used to darken up your knife blades. I will do my best in this article to cover some of the more common methods for blackening (also commonly referred to as etching) your blades.  :Note: All products linked are affiliate links as I do not carry these products yet.   Ferric Chloride Possibly the most common method for etching blades ..read more