I found the experience very rewarding and not as hard as I thought it would be. I'm sure that there are more precise ways of getting the process done and someday I will attempt them I'm sure. However, for now, I enjoy what I'm doing and it hasn't been too expensive for me which has been a consideration. I grind out my design, coat it in refractory material on the thick part of the blade leaving the edge exposed. I then heat it up using a magnet to monitor the heat and quench in ATF. At the appropriate time I heat treat in a toaster oven at 350 for one hr twice cooling to room temp. in between. I think I'm at RC 62 at the edge and still somewhat mild where the "clay" was. I have chopped a small log and two 2 x 4 boards (through knots) and it will still shave my arm without touching the edge since the first sharpening. Again....I'm no expert, but so far it has been working for me and I'm having alot of fun. There are alot more knowlegeable people here than me, but I can give more detailed info if your interested and probably post some photos as well (maybe!).
