cgee

Hello All, My first Post!!! I am very new to this blacksmithin' and just the other day read that Jim Hsisoulas advice in "The Complete Bladesmith" is that he sands and soaks all his hammers, head and handle in in oil for two-three weeks. He also stated that he uses tempering oil for this and that he has only replaced one handle in five yrs. This "prevents handle breakage and prevents splinters as well." Hope this adds another thought for you to try. I will be posting a new idea (one I could not find anywhere) on making your first forge utilizing a gas hot water heater!!! Works pretty good, I think....as I have never used anything else....Maybe ignorance is bliss! That will be my second post! HappyHammerin" to All.........chuck