I recently purchased a 1450 degree Tempilstik marker for use in indicating critical temperature for some 1095 steel I have been using to make fire steels. Finally had a chance to use it yesterday and was rather dissapointed. First, it really didn't make much of mark on the steel (nothing like regular chalk or soapstone) and second, in my gas forge it was very difficult to observe it changing to indicate that its temperature had been attained.

I went back to the old way and used a magnet.

Any suggestions on how to use this better? I am doing something wrong?

Thanks.

Heat the steel and take it from the fire rub the stick across it and see what it looks like if it is crubly it is not hot enough, if it melts it is at least as hot sa the stick is rated for. Critical temp is when the steel becomes non magnetic see ifr a magnet works for you.

Rich is right. When the material reaches the temp that the stick is rated for ( or hotter) when its rubbed across the hot surface the stick will melt leaving an easily seen indication. Sort of like a melted crayon mark on a very warm surface for lack of better words.You do not rub it on and then put the pc in the fire.
Heat a test pc , pull it out as the temp is going up and rub the temp stick across it lightly, you might see a slight mark or indication, back it the fire and continue raising the temp and repeat. Once it does reach the temp of the temp stick the melted mark will be readily apparent. Once you see it happen you will understand.

As stated in the first 2 posts you mark the hot metal with your stick at those temps. when useing a lower temp. (I think 600F or less) you can mark the steel first as you did. Perhaps you misread the directions.