My first time doing heat treat.

[J. Hoffman]

I have always sent blades out to be heat treated, but a maker that lives a couple hours away offered to have me come over and heat treat at his place. I learned so much. We did both salt bath and differential (clay) heat treat in a small forge he has. I really enjoyed watching the salt bath heat treat. I also got a good feel for doing it in a forge. I plan on getting a kiln later this year, but for now I'm grateful to have such a talented person show me his methods. I walked out of there with 5 heat treated blades (two have great hamons) that all Rc'd at 59, years of free information, two free Loveless screws and some free brass for doing guards (which I have never even thought of attempting yet). I can't wait to go back.

I would like to thank all the makers that are willing to share there years of experience.

 

[Rhinoknives1]

Aren't knife maker's a great bunch!
So different than most other groups of interest.
When I started back in 98 I was amazed at how friendly most makers were and so willing to take time and share their knowledge with others. When I get to share with a new maker I always think back to those times and remember the patience that was shown to me.