Bowl and Blade

[Will46r]

I used 1094 a few times, but found old files an leaf springs do better in the heat treatin..I use oil baths for temperin an water for the finish..you usin stones an paper for sharpin or the good ol file for personal gratification..

Lynn, I used to use files and leaf springs, right up to when I wasted 20 hours of work on a boar hunting spear. Lots of microfractures in the steel I had. My father in law is a really good copper and blacksmith, he says I'm one of them sciencey bladesmiths. LOL I quench in Houghton K heat treat oil. They sent some to me and my buddies I guess to get some advertising against Parks 50 and AAA heat treat oils. I temper in a modified electric oven. I sharpen using my variable speed 2x72" grinder, take most knives to 2500 grit then strop on leather loaded with chromium. Now the rare occasions I have students they forge then draw file to make a knife. It's how I was taught, "5 good minutes with a hammer is an hour with a file." They learn to forge clean, I also don't have many students

Hmmm... Ever make a chef's knife?

Yeah, I've made some, my brother used to be a chef, now he's in restaurant management. Most chef knives are 1095 high carbon or AEB-L stainless. AEB-L is a Sandavic steel that's about as close as you can get to a carbon steel's carbides with stain resistance.