How do you forge a blade?

By setting a hone line and quenching.

What is W2 high carbon forging steel?

A type of steel for blade making.

To control the hardening process.

Based on hone line visibility and functionality.

Contestants in the blade-forging competition must create a 12 to 14-inch blade from W2 high carbon forging steel within a 3-hour time limit, facing challenges like establishing a hone line and sharpening the edge.
The judges scrutinize the blades based on factors like hone line visibility, aesthetics, and structural integrity, leading to the elimination of a participant due to a subtle and possibly inadequate hone line, emphasizing the critical role of attention to detail and precision in the competition.

How do you forge a blade?
By setting a hone line and quenching.
What is W2 high carbon forging steel?
A type of steel for blade making.
What is the purpose of applying clay before quenching?
To control the hardening process.
How long is the time limit for completing the blade?
3 hours.
How are blades evaluated in the competition?
Based on hone line visibility and functionality.

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Participants are tasked with designing and forging a blade from a block of W2 high carbon forging steel, with a length requirement of 12 to 14 inches.
The process involves setting a hone line, with the challenge of completing the blade within a 3-hour time limit.
The honing process includes applying clay before quenching the blade in oil, with the last 30 minutes dedicated to grinding the edge to sharpness.
One contestant opts to forego using clay for the hone line, leading to uncertainty and a bold move in the competition.
Judges evaluate the blades based on criteria such as the visibility and functionality of the hone line, overall aesthetics, and structural integrity, leading to the elimination of one contestant due to a subtle and potentially ineffective hone line.