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flint striker

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BowEd:
Nice job KHalverson.You've got a life time friend there.

TRACY:
That is awesome work! Going to have to get one to use at deer camp.

Tracy

M. Demetrius:
I've made a couple of those, but I don't quite have the knack of getting the hardening right.  Too hot of a quench and they're brittle, too cool, and they don't spark well.  Got a clue for a neophyte smith?

KHalverson:

--- Quote from: M. Demetrius on July 24, 2013, 10:43:06 am ---I've made a couple of those, but I don't quite have the knack of getting the hardening right.  Too hot of a quench and they're brittle, too cool, and they don't spark well.  Got a clue for a neophyte smith?
[/quote

I treat them the same way I treat a knife
I thermo cycle 3 times and the on the 4th heat to non magnetic
quench in cold oil
a little slower quench that way
no temper cycle

I hope this help ya some
KH

--- End quote ---

M. Demetrius:
I think it would help...if I understood what you meant by "thermo  cycle".  What color do you heat the metal to do this?  Cherry red and anneal in ashes?  Forging temp and quench isn't it...makes them too brittle. 

I have some of the older blacksmith books which use terms that are too vague for a dunderhead like myself.  "...quickly heat to light straw and quench in brine...."  Great if you know the terms and how much salt.  If not, well, it's back to guessing and nearly infinite experimentation.  Best would be to take a class in blacksmithing, but these are summer classes at the local community college, cost a couple of hundred dollars (unattainable presently) and with the last 30 days being above 95 degrees, not very inviting.  It's hot enough by the forge without the weather.  So--

I remain your most ignorant servant,
David

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