ConstructionK88

Don't be afraid of good gloves and good pliars either. That's what I used until I made my own.

Absolutely no disrespect but you're using the wrong rebar and possibly the wrong methods. Rebar is graded by strength. I use #8 or #80 tomato tamahtoe. It's a straight xxxxxxxxx  to forge out but #10/100 would break your arm. #5 and under a toddler could bend. Rebar is no different than any other steel. Simply graded differently based on its purpose. You can make an envelope out of cardboard and boxes from notebook paper but isn't each used sensibly to its purpose? Both are also paper but never considered the same right?

The grade/batch#/code is a great way to find out. Google is pretty good at that. All you really need is the company that made it. It's not at all hotdog meat. Lives literally depend on that stuff. I know it has high shear and the one that means pull strength ratings. It's an absolute pain in the xxx  to forge but I like it. I don't mean to diss other countries but if it's American made then it likely is a good metal in this case. Always go with large rebar. It''s large for a reason so it's very likely up to the task.

Bit of an old post but what's wrong with rebar? It's composition is stamped into it. Also it's intended to prevent buildings and bridges from collapsing under tens of thousands of tons of its own weight. It makes great knifes if youre careful. It will absolutely get hard and yes to hard but if you do a differential heat treat it should be great! My first knives were from rebar and that was 10+ years ago and I still have them 

It certainly can! Though it wasn't intentional. Cuts copper wire just fine. They swing open so easily yet have no "play" in them. I plan on making more but for now I'm quite happy with the design. It's awkward at first for round stock but Im warming up to it.

Pliars for reference 

At first I was like "how in the h"...."do they work" then I was like "ohhhhhhh". Short yet intense roller-coaster ride my friend. Love it.

Modeled after my favorite pair of pliars that I've been using to forge. Needed a longer pair as I've recently discovered fire is very hot to flesh. Also decided to sneak in my oil forge blower box. 

I'm more partial to them myself. Not because of free fuel but the quick temp and yes still it's cheaper than most other fuels except charcoal (if you make it). I'd show a pic but a drawing for now. Think of it as a square paint can on its side. 

3/8inch thick 7inch long. Took about 15-20seconds to reach temp indirect of blower exhaust 

If this topic is open I do have a simple oil fed forge blower design I can give you. Reaches at least 2000f, is fairly efficient, easy to build or have built, and small.