Joe The Blacksmith

This is the initial stack of 17 alternating layers of a nickle alloyed, Swedish bandsaw steel, and the high carbon tool steel that I use. (15n20 and 1095). The dimensions of the billet is 1.5"x1.5"x3". It is tacked together and ready for forge-welding.

I'm using metallurgical coke (green coal baked to remove impurities that could contaminate the steel) in my coal forge with a heavy duty blower. This reaches temperatures in excess of 2500F. Tending a traditional coal forge is an art of its own, and more work than other means, but the versatility and reliability is unmatched to this day.