KNEW I should have been paying more attention to this forum lately... How do I get a blade to be 'scary sharp'? I have some old Arkansas stones, but the guy that had them last didn't know you were supposed to clean them. I soaked them in gasoline (no kerosene around at the time) & scrubbed them down good with a stiff-bristled toothbrush...but I wonder if the surfaces still aren't clogged! I also have a coarse-fine ceramic stone as well. So, how can I get that edge so sharp that it slices a free-falling thread, cleanly?
BTW, I haven't been here in a bit because I was invited to the NeoTribal Metalsmith forum. GREAT place! Just the place to hand out for a scavenging, improvising, make-not-buy, urban survivalist like me. I love it there...but I never forgot anyone here! Now, I tried to anneal two pieces of steel. It didn't work, but I will try again, & will build a small, portable forge soon. Wish me luck.
Jsitm
BTW, I haven't been here in a bit because I was invited to the NeoTribal Metalsmith forum. GREAT place! Just the place to hand out for a scavenging, improvising, make-not-buy, urban survivalist like me. I love it there...but I never forgot anyone here! Now, I tried to anneal two pieces of steel. It didn't work, but I will try again, & will build a small, portable forge soon. Wish me luck.
Jsitm