Shotley Bridge swordmakers

[urbanspaceman]

Ah so! Nickel plating eh? Well that would explain the shine. Mind you, I have bought hand-made knives in the USA that are carbon steel and have a superb shine, so maybe it's just the steel well polished. Thank you for all that info, I'm learning so much writing this book.

[Hotspur]

p.s. - i've yet to hear them refer to tempering on 'forged in fire' on the history tv channel. probably why they snap so many blades.

In discussing this with one of the contestants, it has been related to me that the show omits the tempering phase but I have been assured that the makers do indeed temper the blades. Whether deemed a waste of air time or trade secret, that's why.

Of course, the History channel is for entertainment and not any primary source I am aware of. If someone has a question for a smith, ask the smith.

Cheers

GC

[kronckew]

Originally Posted by urbanspaceman

Ah so! Nickel plating eh? Well that would explain the shine. Mind you, I have bought hand-made knives in the USA that are carbon steel and have a superb shine, so maybe it's just the steel well polished. Thank you for all that info, I'm learning so much writing this book.

some people are strongly allergic to nickel, in objects that will be handled, like coins or sword/knife blades, or grips, even zippers, buckles, pins, needles, stainless steel may contain some nickel. the 5 cent US nickel, so called because it is 25% nickel, so is to be avoided if you are allergic.

there is a certain khukri making firm in nepal that produces an amazing mirror polish on their 5150 steel knives. they use a home made polishing disk made from old rags sewn together and a 'magic stone' rouge powder dressing stuck on the wheel with bees wax. the making of the powder and the stone they make it from is a trade secret. (most of the knives they make for the local villagers are left rough or black). the pictures of their 'factory' is scary. OSHA would have a field day. of course period sword factories in the west were not very safe either. before electricity the nepali kamis used a similar wheel turned by hand, with a line wraped around the spindle and pulled alternately one way or the other to get the speed up. no water power either.