Decarburization worries

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Well-Known Member
Hello All - I am attempting to forge some curved flat awls from O1 rod. My question is should I be worried about decarburization when working with such a thin cross-section of steel (0.10”) and if so, how would I minimize the effects when working with a gas torch.
Or possibly I’m just overthinking things like I usually do.
 
The possibility exists, but the key is to avoid high heat for long duration. If you get anything that looks like sparks when heating, you're way above the heat you should be using. Thin material like that is always a struggle to forge without making a mistake somewhere along the way. Personally I stick with the old adage.... "For the edge that wins, forge it thick, and grind it thin".
 
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