Charcoal

[crackerjack1945]

I have heard that using hardwood charcoal will put carbon back into a RR spike knife. Does anyone know this to be true? Thanks, Crackerjack

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

This is basically an old Blacksmith story. I won't say it is pure baloney because it is based on a small amount of fact. While there will be a minor amount of carbon that could infuse into the low carbon steel IF the charcoal forge was in a reducing atmosphere, and IF all circumstances are right. However, the amount would be small, and only a few microns deep. Sanding, grinding, or sharpening the blade will remove this higher carbon skin from the cutting areas.....and you will be right back where you started from, minus a few hours and a bag of charcoal.

The conditions required are :
Reducing fire and the blade buried deep in the charcoal away from all oxygen.
Being at the exact right temperature.
As long a soak in this environment as possible.

The results will be:
A thin case hardened skin.....if any change at all.

 

[crackerjack1945]

Thank you for responding. That makes sense!