Zpyke

That makes sense. It goes along with what Maillemaker said that it is purely cosmetic. The sword in the video was basically made for a one time use so it would not have to be very durable. I will look into the gun blue though. Thank you for your help.

Thank you for your help. That is exactly what I was looking for. I just noticed the toast analogy now and that was perfect. It's amazing how quickly you were able to clarify this for me when hours of reading could not answer it. Thank you again.

So if I want the steel to stay blue I would anneal for a longer period of time and then apply a surface protectant?

I have read all about heat treating and tempering but I did not find anything that said the metal would stay blue after it was quenched and the heat treating was finished. So I am confused how the steel would stay blue or if it is even possible.

Is it possible to make a blade stay blue after quenching? I just watched a video that showed Tony Swatton heat treat a sword made out of 5160 spring steel to a blue temper and then when the sword was completely finished it was still that same blue color. I am new to blacksmithing and the heat treating process but from all my research I did not think that was possible. So my question is is it possible? and if it is how is it done? The part in question is at 3:58

Thank you for the replys. The anvil definitely has life left in it. It's actually in very good shape except for the broken horn. Either way I got it for free so it's a great deal.

I got an anvil from a local scrap yard today that I think is an American Star Anvil (1850-1860). It has a five pointed star on the side of the body and has an oval cavity on the bottom. It has a steel face and either a cast or wrought body. I think it is wrought since the body pings. The only markings on it are the five point star. The handling hole in front is square and the one in back is round. It has no table on the horn which makes me question if its an American star since all the other American Star anvils that I've seen have a table on the horn. Can anyone help me confirm that it is an American Star? Also what would be it's value? Dimensions: Height: 11 1/2" Face: 14" x 4 1/4" Horn: currently 6" but missing tip Hardy hole: 1 1/4" Pritchel hole: 1/2" Star: 3" wide, 2 1/2" tall Oval Cavity on bottom: 2 1/2" x 1 3/4" x 8 3/4" deep Notched rear foot: 1 3/4" Waist: 8 3/4" weight: 100+ pounds Rebound: 60%-90%