Metal Masher

Just wanted to take a few to introduce myself. I am a retired Navy Vet that like to mettle in a little bit of everything and making things from metal is the latest endeavor. I just built my forge, have the burner but need to install it. Funds and time are in short supply for me for the next few months but will do what I can when I can. I have a small shed that houses all my gear including the wood carving station, archery tuning press, arrow making station, pipe bender band saw, vice etc. Would love to get into making knives and stuff but right now just want to mash some metal and see what happens. Can't wait to see how many times I can burn myself in the process. LOL!! if any one in the area is new as well and want to chat or mash some metal then let me know. Glad to be here and look forward to the discussions. Eric

Hello All, I am a newb to the forum and to the blacksmithing thing. I just got a Stainless Steel Round Stock 6" Wide X 7" Long as my first anvil. It appears to be fairly soft at the moment. I hit it a couple of times to test it on a edge that I intend on squaring off. Should I try to harden it or just go with it as it is? How would I harden it if that is what I should do? I did flatten a 1/8" thick flat stock cold to see how it would hold up and the first several strike left corners of the stock in the face of the SS. I am assuming this would tbe less when the stock is hot. Any suggestions? Thanks in advanced for your help. Metal MAsher