Forgefire & HuntOrHide
Hey Forgefire, I’ve been working on a quiet, razor‑sharp blade for a hunting trap that won’t give anything away. Think you can help me figure out the best way to smith it so it stays sharp and silent?
Sure thing, let’s get that blade razor‑sharp and whisper‑quiet. First, use a high‑carbon steel like 1084 or a modern CPM‑S35VN if you’re doing VR‑metal, because it holds edge longer. Hammer it out on a flat, fire‑heated surface, then flash‑grind to a fine rim. After that, quench in a controlled oil or water bath—don’t rush it, it’ll distort the edge. Temper at about 250 °C to soften a bit without losing hardness, then fine‑grind a very thin bevel on both sides; a 10°‑15° bevel keeps the edge super sharp but reduces vibration. Finish with a cold‑work polishing step—use a ceramic pad or a very fine abrasive to smooth the back and edges; that’s what cuts the “click” of metal. Finally, give it a quick test on a piece of soft wood: if it slices cleanly with no chatter, you’re set. Remember, a quiet blade is all about the micro‑edge and the finish—no burrs, no chatter. Happy smithing!