A2 Problem?

This is a question best suited for the makers section, but yes it most probably air hardened on you.
 
Yea it is best suited for the makers area, but I can answer this question. A-2 being an air hardening steel will harden after forging. It requires a slow very closely controlled annealing process to obtain a machinable/fileable state. I did as you did once. Forged a really nice bowie from a $30 piece of A-2. Carried that blank around for years to remind me NOT to do that again. A-2 is not a friendly steel for pounders. Try 1084 or W-2 or the like. If you are looking for round material O-1 or W-1 drill rod is readily available and will work well for those of us who beat hot steel.

Good luck
 
Sorry for posting in wrong area, when there's more than one option i am easily confused.

Thanks for the help.
 
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