If anyone cares, I re did the bend test to double check my HT. I passed, but this time the edge cracked on the second bend. In all fairness I belive that metal fatigue was a factor. And, it passed a 2x4 twice and the shaving hair bit of the ABS journeymans test (no rope cut though).

That's what I was waiting to hear, Greg. Any old piece of dead soft mild steel can be bent several times, but it isn't going to ass the cutting and edge-holding tests. That yours passed all the tests says you *have* gotten the heat treating correct. Good for you!

Now that you seem to have a real handle on the heat treating, are you going to make one that you finish all the way - the filing, handles and other furniture, etc? All that finishing work takes more time than the forging and heat treat, but it's where the real payoff is in terms of creating an heirloom piece you can be proud of.

Glad to see you're still working at it - keep us posted on your continuing efforts.

Rich

heck yeah! I have to finish a few for customers before I can attempt my next uber project, and i have a few new hammers, hawks, hatchets, and some top tooling to finish too. My latest knife passed all the tests as well (minus the bend) with only a 4in blade!

I have done a few knives since i last posted, so here are some pics of my latest forays into knifemaking
cutlers hammer

pocket knife
frank (my new forge)
an ugly work knife (it works for doing jobs i won't do with my good knives)

tacti seax (the cord and blade seem to contrast niceley)
sheepsfoot work knife (i sold this as a blank)
a kitchen knife
a 52100 whittler
that pretty much sums up all my recent (interesting) stuff.
Greg