first two knives (warning pics of terribly ugly micarta)

You've got what it takes by your excitement, something to be said for the enthusiam of a child. I don't mean that cause of your age, I'm 55 and been making knives for 30 years and still with bright eyes show my wife my latest proud accomplishments. I'm still crazy with excitement just before I push the submit new thread in folders for sale, some may think thats childish for me I love it, keep pounding steel!
 
I think you did great- made your own micarta, made your own forge and anvil...plus you've posted some photos- I still havent done that yet and its been 2-3 years. Keep at it, you will only get better the more you make. Don't get out of the habit of making your tools; for me I've noticed a drop in my creativity since I've been buying tools/timesavers instead of making them. For grinding, mark the blade with a thick sharpie marker to follow the grind better- maybe use the file to make the plunges so you don't have to match them up with the grinder- a millimeter too far back on one side turns into a 1/4 inch past on the other. Enjoy it-this madness called knife making can be put down for a while but you'll just kick yourself for lost time if you do put it down.
 
when i heat treated it i quenched it in water, but i recieved my 9th edition of heat treating book and found that i should have quenched it in oil. after doing an edge quench in oil i etched it in viniger and lemon juice and got some blotches of darker and lighter color. is this because of the two quenches or my poor hand rubbed finish?
 
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