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Hi everyone I'm new here but wanted to post my forge build, sorry if this is wrong place. Just lookin for any pointers or advise. Got two one inch layers wool, coated completely with satanite and been re coating one day for last three days. Fired burner few times briefly to help cure. Like I said just looking for any and all comments , ideas, etc. also sorry not the prettiest forge but I'm sure it'll work, used an old cast iron lid that fits perfect lol. I'll post more after its cleaned up. Thanks!

Really sharp files help with the time. Also, good filing technique will help keep the files sharper longer. If the guard is thick enough (say 3/16" or more) you can remove metal from the backside with the drill press and a slightly larger bit for half the depth of the guard. This makes filing much easier as the cross section becomes thinner for the file to cut.

Here are some progress shots, the hilt begins to immerge. It's about 10 inches wide.

I find the ballooning of the black Rutland's (as I used to apply it, and as most still apply it) a tiny bit irritating, as it absolutely does change the hamon. It will follow the 'line'...but the effects above and below that line will be different. The 'habuchi' for example, will not be the same as if the clay were dried properly. That said, you shouldn't be using a thick enough layer to balloon much, and if you dry that thin layer in a tempering oven for 30-60 minutes, you'll find the puffing up of the refractory to be pretty much eliminated.

Excellent work Josh!