: @ Mike, been a long time since i was right in the head(if ever!)
Thanks for the welcome.
So what are the good points and bad points of 0-1 and 1084?
Also, since stainless hasnt been mentioned, i assume that it is not a good beginner metal? think i'll stay away from it for now anyway. and can a blade be hollow ground by hand? i don't have a belt grinder, but i do have a 8 inch bench grinder.....can i use that?also, how much transmission fluid do i need for quenching?

Thanks,
Ben