number1001

Oh Boy -- we are in this side of the world have not know how other do-it. When I travel throught Japan, China, and Thaniland. I saw these people used what they have and what they don'ty have. You must understand that those smiths over there did not have the luxury that we have here -- so straw ash was a best solution and available for them to use. We are in America barely see a stack of hay straw -- so the idea introduced by someone on this forum is not dump and stupid as others think. Please do not insult this man -- Sharing knowledge is what we wanted here. I have noticed that some comments were full of red-neck. Don't ever think that you are better than other. Back then we look at the black people same as dog. Our current President is a black now. Does it change everyone mind now. Sorry to make someone mad, but the truth is alway the truth from one mind and heart. No one was calling the poster names, it was a misunderstanding one other person got and it went south from there. let it drop. Also hay is all over american if you are in the correct place, its rice that is harder to find

Hi, Very nice sword --- I have make my with 1095 steel -- your picture were very attempted for me to try the clay temper. Some folk told me the temperature should be around 1400 degree, but I am not sure -- so many different story. The clay can be thin from the edge and thick on the top. I am thinking for my next one -- I will do the sanmai technique -- hard steel 1095 outside and the soft steel 15n20 is in inside ( I have home made power hammer ). Anyone have any suggestions Thank you in advance.

Hi Maillemaker, I am in San Jose -- California. Thank you

Hi Thomas, You are enlighting me -- Well taugh -- Thank you for your comments and sharing the knowlwdge.

Hi Geoff, Thank you for your comments. I have all of the tool which I needed. I have been a hobby for about 1 year now. I have make couple knife and sword before. i guess the more I ask the more I learn about it. I hope that no one upset with my questions (sometime stupit). Thank you very much

Hi Steve, Thank you for sharing your knowledge. i have done buying 3-in wide and 36-in long to make a sword -- I also learn how to heated and tempered. It is okay, but I want to get to another level. Again, thank you for your comments. Best regards

Hi All, I am new to this hobby. I am trying to built a viking sword with 9260 steel because I like the flexibility of this steel. My question are: 1. Where can I buy this 9260 steel cheap -- dirt cheap 2. How good the the steel can hold for the edge compared with others 3. Are there any advantage if I fold the steel 4. How can I make color black and red out of the steel -- I saw it on ebay -- some katana use 1060 steel and able to produce this kind of color. 5. Casting vesus forge a sword which way is better in the menaning of produce a quality sword. Thank you all in advance