Cleaning off scale

[ncrowner]

What is best way to clean up blade after heat treating ... thanks .... novice neil

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

Soak the blade in sodium bisulfate solution overnight. You get it at the pool supply as Ph-Down. About a cup full of SB to a gallon of water is good.

 

[Don Hanson III]

I use a belt grinder.

 

[stezann]

After heat treating you should have minimal scale, and even better no scale if you use PCB antiscale compound to protect your blade finish and minimize decarburation.
After forging you may have more scale, and you'll spare belts if you soften it as Stacy suggested.

 

[tattooedfreak]

I soak them in vinegar overnight.. or a couple of months if its a smaller blade and I forget its there...