what coal?

[dalr753]

hey guys i was wondering, for heating a knife your supposed to use wood coal right? will something like oak coal from walmart work?

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

That would be charcoal, not coal.

For forging and HT, there are three types of materials burned in a coal forge.
1)The primary fuel is soft bituminous coal. The prefered type is called Pocahontas #3. Most blacksmith suppliers sell it by the bag. Check with your local blacksmith/bladesmith guild, as they often make a large purchase and divvy it up.
2)The other common one used is lump charcoal. Briquettes are not usable.
3)There is a third choice for some, called coke ( AKA coked coal).