Pounding mushrooms

[Lieblad]

Us fortunate guys have a press. Heat up the poll & push down the mushroom.
Wont remove touchmarks either.

 

[Gator39]

You know.......I was thinking a press would be perfect for this job.

 

[Square_peg]

Sounds like a good time to learn. I would assume a simple carbon steel and go from there. Plenty of information here on this site on heat treating.

First of all I don't recommend changing the temper of your axe. Whether a temper line shows or not your axe is likely properly tempered. If you want to tinker with it just as a learning experience it might be fun and educational.

As Garry said there are some basic principles for heat treating simple carbon steels. Alex Weygers in his 'The Complete Modern Blacksmith' walks you through the process. I think there's a better than 50% chance you could get a decent heat treat following his directions.