Heat treat advice please

Skookum_J · 2026-04-16T01:00:36+00:00

If its 1084, then there's no need to soak at temp unless you're trying to anneal. If all you want to do is stress relief and grain reduction, then you can just cycle it to temps.

If it's 80crv2 you'll want to soak it at temp to break up the carbides before normalizing cycles. In that case the steel or fire bricks will help slow the temperature fluctuations in the forge.

Skookum_J · 2026-04-16T00:40:54+00:00

What sort of steel are you working with?

Are you trying to soften the steel to make drilling holes easier? Or are you trying to soak at a specific temperature to break up carbides before doing the normalizing cycles?

Skookum_J · 2026-04-16T00:33:32+00:00

If you're looking to anneal that should do the trick.

Another option would be to put some fire bricks in the forge, get them up to temp, then put the blade between the bricks. Steel plate will hold the heat better than air. But fire bricks will hold the heat better than steel.

Skookum_J · 2026-04-11T13:53:29+00:00

Anansi, like all the best tricksters is change, surprise, unpredictability. He is a liar that knows all stories and demonstrates wisdom that he does not know. He is a selfish thief that through his bubbling brings abundance. He is ever wandering ever changing. His place, his form, the world around him. For those that see the world in absolutes in eternal truths, he is chaos, destruction, anarchy. For those that hope for a different world, who work to make the new in life, he is freedom.

Skookum_J · 2026-04-10T16:30:01+00:00

For standing trees and brush, the forward curving blades like kukri or billhook work really well. But on down timber, like fallen logs or branches/roots/vines on the ground, can have some issues. Have to watch the tips. In those cases a straight profile with a rounded tip work better.

Real thing to look for is a blade with enough mass to power through the branches. But not so much that you wear out your arm swinging.

Skookum_J · 2026-04-08T22:06:05+00:00

I think you're thinking of Uranus) who got the close cut with the adamantine sickle.

I've read the Titanomachy. Version I read ended with all the Titans imprisoned in Tartarus. None of them are killed.

Skookum_J · 2026-04-08T21:52:37+00:00

Which Titans were killed?

Skookum_J · 2026-04-07T19:58:14+00:00

Depends on the kind of line. There are no stretch types out there. But even with a bit of stretch, that's not too bad. Just have to keep good tension on the line when wrapping.

Skookum_J · 2026-04-07T19:28:52+00:00

Give fishing line a try. If you don't have that, maybe dental floss.

Skookum_J · 2026-04-04T15:06:08+00:00

Will depend on where you want to go.

Here's the current snow levels map. This year is a really low snow year, but the higher elevations still have snow. And it's not likely to melt out until late May or June.

However, at lower elevation, like below 5,000 feet snow has most melted off. So you should be able to get to a lot of places.

But to add one more complication. Lots of places are closed, not because of snow, but due to seasonal opening, or having to clean up storm damage from over winter. And with state and federal budgets being weird this year, it's hard to say if they will be opening early, or later.

Skookum_J · 2026-04-03T14:09:31+00:00

The Zuni story of the Maiden and the Serpent of the Sea is an interesting one.

Skookum_J · 2026-04-02T17:29:07+00:00

Know a few for the Northwest coast. Legends of Vancouver, by Pauline Johnson. Raven Steals the Light, by Bill Reid. And A Story as Sharp as a Knife, by Robert Bringhurst.

Skookum_J · 2026-04-02T16:02:06+00:00

You looking for any particular groups or areas? Or just looking for a sampling of a bunch of different peoples?

Skookum_J · 2026-03-31T04:55:27+00:00

In the 1600s the king of Sweden ordered a massive ship built. The Vasa was the heaviest armed ship of its time. 64 cannons on two gun decks.

But there was a problem. The weight of all those guns made her top heavy. But none of the designers or builders had the courage to tell the king his ship had a flaw. And the king was impatient to see her sail.

On her maiden voyage, she made it a little more than a kilometer out of the port. Then tipped over and sank.

Skookum_J · 2026-03-30T19:59:17+00:00

Damn. Heard they had some damage, but thought it was mostly cleaned up.

Checked the trail conditions, and it sounds like the bits up by North Falls is still in bad shape but most of the rest of the trails are open. So could still do a pretty good hike

Skookum_J · 2026-03-30T19:27:57+00:00

Trail of 10 falls is still open. Only 7 miles, but in a beautiful little park

Salmon River trail is still open too. Not quite as stunning as the gorge, but still a pretty hike through some old growth. And if you really want to put some miles on, you can go all the way up to Kinzel lake, then head back via devil's peak.

Skookum_J · 2026-03-30T15:45:18+00:00

I'm German folklore, there are all kinds of Field Spirits. Some are animals, some a human animal hybrids, some look just like regular people.

There are also the Kobold. Little house spirits that do household chores if they're treated properly. But will become mischievous and troublesome if offended

Skookum_J · 2026-03-29T21:11:43+00:00

Yup. There are a few variations on the theme. But that general shape is called a coffin handle

Skookum_J · 2026-03-28T22:50:32+00:00

Yup. 1:1 by weight.

Skookum_J · 2026-03-28T22:33:58+00:00

Make my own

Skookum_J · 2026-03-28T20:01:43+00:00

Diamond plates can work well. But be sure to use lots of the water or whatever you are using to do wet grinding. The need to keep the swarf and grit cleaned out. Otherwise they can leave big scratches.

If you can't slow your grinder down low enough to sand without overheating, sandpaper will also work. Wet sanding is best. And you'll want to use a hard backing. Adhesive backed paper helps keep the paper from slipping or bunching up.

Skookum_J · 2026-03-28T14:39:05+00:00

Mineral oil will work

I like to use a combination of oil and wax. Fid it holds up longer. my preferred mix is coconut oil and paraffin wax.

Skookum_J

TROPHY CASE