Quantitative metrics for forgeability

[Gabe Newell]

I was reading through a chapter in ASM Metallurgy Volume 1 on Bulk Forming/Forging and it had several charts on the forgeability of various carbon steels.

There were a variety of tests used (twist test, wedge test, ...) and it was interesting to me to see how much more forgeable 1040 was than steels of higher and lower carbon content. It was also interesting to see that at about 2300? Farenheit the forgeability of 1040 dropped substantially.

What I'm curious is that if these tests correspond to what bladesmiths see when they are forging?

[rhrocker]

Would 1040 be right on the edge as far as having enough carbon for a blade? It would be combined with some high carbon and pattern welded, should produce a good contrast. I can't answer your question about the corresponding tests, sorry.