Recommendation? Finding wrought iron

[John mc c]

Wait, too dirty to weld? Is that a thing? It's always seemed that the dirtier the wrought the better it welded because of all the silica in the slag

Ive read of wrought bursting apart when forged so maybe i should have said too dirty for a lot of forging
Ill be doing san mai with integral bolsters so thats a lot of forging
At least now i know if it survives the intial forging the welding part should go well

 

[Metalhead0483]

That I can confirm for a certainty from grim personal experience. That coarse WI splits like crazy unless you work it at or above welding heat.

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

Wrought iron welds at a very high heat - 2400-2500°F.
It also should be forged very hot 2100 - 2300°F.
Forge or weld too cool and it will mush apart.

 

[Ryan Duran Geiger]

Thank you everyone for all of the awesome information and recommendations.

I found some on online and a bit in person.

Ended up making a kiridashi with a 1095 edge.

Now to start practicing with some san mai gyutos.

 

[Ryan Duran Geiger]

It was my first san mai blade, and it was my first time really forging wrought iron other than the kiridashi.

I ended losing more to scale than I was expecting while drawing it out. It was a lot easier to work and draw out, but that led to some deeper dents than I intended.

Really loved working with it. Going to continue practicing with it.

52100 clad with wrought. 153x38mm petty.


Thanks again, everyone.

 

[3fifty7]

Well done.