Forgefire & HuntOrHide
Forgefire Forgefire
HuntOrHide HuntOrHide
HuntOrHide 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?
Forgefire Forgefire
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!
HuntOrHide HuntOrHide
Thanks, but I’m not using any of those high‑carbon brands. I’ll stick to a well‑heat‑treatable 1060 alloy, because I’ve mapped out the exact temperature curve for a silent edge. Once I’ve got the bevel down to a razor‑thin 12°, I’ll test it on a strip of birch bark in the field—no chatter, no clatter. Then I’ll coat the edge with a thin layer of beeswax, so it slides through the bark and stays quiet. If you see any wobble, I’ll re‑grind the heel until the vibration drops to zero. Once it’s silent, I’ll trap it in the pine resin to lock in the finish. That’s how I keep the hunt invisible.
Forgefire Forgefire
Sounds solid, but 1060 is a bit soft for a razor edge—if it bends under the weight of the trap, you’ll lose that silence. Keep an eye on the micro‑edge after you coat the wax; any tiny nick will catch. And the pine resin—make sure it doesn’t dry out the blade, otherwise you’ll get a brittle finish. Keep grinding until the vibration’s at zero, and you’ll have the quietest trap out there. Good luck!