No Tempering required - Forging tools from Atlantic 33

[@weregecko]

i had bursitis in my elbow a few years ago (it wasn't even from smithing, it was from my habit of my putting my weight on my elbow when i sat at a desk), and i wouldn't wish that one anybody. i hope you make a speedy recovery. thanks for another great video.

[@jimTB.]

Hi John, I started blacksmithing in 1985. I’m not sure when I bought my first bar of flu tag on. It is 5/8” and I still have a small piece of that bar. The first hot cut I made is 9” long with a very thin long chisel end. I believe Dan Boone demonstrated it while making a dragon head. We had to get a group together to purchase it because crucible steel had a minimum order. I don’t thin 5/8” is available anymore. I didn’t forge the flute on the end you hold in your hand. It makes a great gripping surface. Glad to see you feature it in a video. I recently bought some 3/4” from Canonball forge. I’ll be making several new tools with it. I’m still using my original tools I made from it. I have redressed the cutting end some through the years but that is all. Great steel for hot work tools.

[@jimTB.]

My bad I meant Atlantic Steel Company.

[@Vikingwerk]

I’t is great to hear from someone who has used it successfully for so long, makes me pretty sure I should get a bar to make my future tools from!

[@DireWolfForge]

Hey John, another great video! I’ve never heard of Atlantic 33 before. But one thing I noticed that is worth mentioning is the lack of scale while you forged it! Not sure if that is a byproduct of the process but I did notice that even with repeated heats, the huge reduction of scale from some other similar steels you’ve made chisels and punches with. Thanks for the video and the knowledge.

[@kellenbigman]

Every video you put out is a wealth of knowledge. Thank you for doing what you do. I appreciate that you teach not just the hobby but you teach it as a profession. I hope your shoulder recovers well.

[@BlackBearForge]

Thanks

[@joewehner9837]

Very interesting, please keep us updated on how it works out. Thanks!

[@BlackBearForge]

Will do!

[@davidlansing1870]

Thanks for enlightening us on this material. Sounds like the ideal alloy if a person want to make tools that will last a very long time without the worry of heat treating over & over.

[@BlackBearForge]

Glad it was helpful!

[@erikyoungquist903]

Metallurgy is an amazing science. I hope your shoulder gets better soon!

[@manminusblood]

I just made a really beautiful cold chisel in my millwright machinist course. Cut through cold 1/8th inch plate without edge deformation. I used 4140. This was a nice little refresher.

[@joeybillings780]

Nice. Why’d you choose medium carbon though? I’d prefer something with a higher carbon content like 5160 if I were concerned about edge deformation

[@manminusblood]

@@joeybillings780 a couple of reasons. First, that was the tool steel that we had on hand. Secondly, the higher chromium and molybdenum content of 4140 actually makes it more wear resistant than 5160. In addition, 4140 is easier to forge than 5160. Both steels are nearly identical in performance aside from those factors.

[@roberthahn5945]

Thanks for helping me for along time now I swear u make it look easy but I'm self taught through these viedos

[@ilee3544]

Hi John. Sorry to hear about the bursitist. I’m an osteopath and if you would like some help with your shoulder, let me know. I’ll be glad to give you a few exercises that will help. Thanks for all the videos.

[@BlackBearForge]

Thanks, its doing better and something that comes around every few years to remind my I'm not as young as I once was.

[@ga5743]

Another lesson learned from you John, thank you. Bursitis is a real “pain” take care.

[@paulorchard7960]

Never heard of this John, I will do a little homework to lo learn more and find a supplier! Hardening and tempering is still one of my hit or miss things, it an experience thing that I have not yet mastered!

[@bradmccormick358]

As always great video with good info. Take care of your shoulder. None of us are getting any younger.

[@hammurambi]

Haven’t heard of this steel before now. I’m definitely a little skeptical about it, but it really piques my curiosity as a materials and heat treat process engineer. When something sounds too good to be true, it is usually is. It seems like a fair few smiths use it for striking and struck tooling with good success over the years. I’d be interested to get my hands on some to do hardness tests. My bet is the steel is fairly high alloy, but low carbon content (that would explain the high cost). The microstructure is likely only partially martensitic with areas of retained austenite and bainite.

[@RRINTHESHOP]

Looks like a good material.😊

[@NeilGraham.I.M.F]

Boy i miss watchin your videos! So much goin on lately have had the time

[@BlackBearForge]

I understand how it goes. Way more to do than there is time it seems like.

[@NeilGraham.I.M.F]

@@BlackBearForge yes sir. But I'm going to start trying to catch up when I can

[@richardsurber8226]

what a beauty of a punch! Thanks John

[@Vikingwerk]

John, I finally have a tip to pass your way! I got tired of burning up brushes applying paste wax, on a whim, I picked up a silicone basting brush at the dollar store, figured it was cheep, and if it didn’t work I was not out much. Works absolutely brilliantly! Definitely an improvement over incinerating dozens of cheep bargain bin brushes when I misjudge how hot the piece is applying wax.

[@Whipple1]

I had tossed that same idea around in my head. Thanks for vocalizing it for me! Just burned my last boar bristle chip brush down to a nubbin. Will definitely give this tip it a try. Cheers! Whipple

[@josephtinsley7212]

I, like a lot of others in the comments, haven't heard a lot about A33 so I'm so glad you did this video. I agree that the no tempering qualities seem like either it's too good to be true or some kind of marketing gimmick. From what i saw in your video, it looks like it hardens/tempers on the softer end. would this be good for tools that often get overheated from going through large pieces, like drifts, and then quenched? or would you still stick with hot work steels (H13, etc) for something like that?

[@BlackBearForge]

I like this for hot work tools because even if it picks up color in use it can be cooled in water and put right back to use. H13 and other air hardening steels have to cool before quenching to avoid over hardening. Long term durability will be the main thing to find out.

[@garethbaus5471]

It definitely seems to be towards the lower carbon end of hardenable. I can't seem to find specs for it but assume that it has a few other additives to improve its toughness further.

[@mountainwolf1]

Thanks again for sharing your wisdom with us. And i hope you had fun on your vacation i'am happy your taking time for yourself godbless besafe.

[@BlackBearForge]

Thanks

[@douglasfathers4848]

I remember you talking about this steel before John , If it works out all write it will be a time saver . 👍⚒🤠

[@Mitchasauraus]

This steel rocks for tools. Great video sir!

[@olddawgdreaming5715]

Good morning John, great video this morning lots of good information about new metals. Thanks for sharing with us, stay safe and heal up some over the winter if you get the chance. Fred.

[@BlackBearForge]

Thanks 👍

[@BlackHoleForge]

You know John in the beginning I thought the information was the most important thing. But being able to see somebody use proper technique has helped me even more than just the information. Thanks John

[@tijlaerts]

Take care of yourself John! We need you to keep teaching for a good while ;) We'll adjust to some more powerhammer use without a hitch!

[@mrjoe332]

Oh wow! That's a very comprehensive video that greatly explains the processes for something I don't have The space The tools The time The skills To make but that I'll watch it and enjoy it anyways

[@SmokeyBuiscuit]

A pleasure to watch as always. Thank you so much for sharing this information with us 🤗

[@BlackBearForge]

Thanks for watching!

[@dannyfiendsforge7325]

Another great video John. Thank you for another amazing lesson. Enjoy your vacation.

[@BlackBearForge]

Thanks, we were gone about three weeks and have been home for a week now. Time to get back to work

[@ethicalaxe]

Hoping your shoulder heals up soon. Always enjoy your videos. I have learned a lot. Most of my experience is with wood and sharpening so it's always interesting to watch these videos.

[@wayneheitz8390]

Another fine group of tools and video. Thank you for all of your work. 👏👏👏

[@BlackBearForge]

Glad you like them!

[@NiViZi]

Love it, John. You continue to generate the best smithing content on yt… I would love to see a series of videos that focuses on all the different types of high carbon steels and addresses what they’re best used for, how to heat treat them etc etc. kind of like hook of the week, but maybe “steel of the week” instead… I would find that extremely helpful… and would probably watch them again and again as needed… thx for all you do! Keep up the good work.

[@AtholIronworks]

Thanks for the video. Ive never worked with this steel and am looking forward to see how it holds up.

[@Bangalangs]

Thanks for the video on flutagon. I’ve been interested to trying some out to make punches or drifts.

[@frankgaletzka8477]

Hello John Thank you for the Video . Thank you for sharing your knowlege and your skills. This Tools are very usefull . Take care a good New Week Yours Frank Galetzka

[@BlackBearForge]

Thanks for watching!

[@markmoreno7295]

Greetings from Japan! Here visiting family, but checking out the hardware stores, one at which, I saw a dog’s head hammer. I will go back to that hardware store for sure. Wondering which other video demos this Atlantic 33?

[@SchysCraftCo.]

Very interesting and very informational and nice video this week John. Hopefully you get great use out of them for many years to come my friend. Can't wait to see more videos soon John. Keep up the great craftsmanship and hard work my friend. Forge On. Fab On. Weld On. Keep Making. God Bless.

[@BlackBearForge]

Thanks 👍

[@SchysCraftCo.]

@@BlackBearForge not a problem at all

[@FallenAnvilForge]

Hey John, I'm curious to see how these hold up in the future with everyday use. As always Thanks for the video, If your not back from the vacation I hope you enjoy the rest. Hope your shoulder heals up soon.

[@BlackBearForge]

We actually got home a week ago.

[@FallenAnvilForge]

@@BlackBearForge I hope it was a great trip. 😀

[@steinarkverneng2616]

Nice job John 😃🇧🇻

[@johnsranchlife8634]

Thanks for the video John good information as always I’m intrigued with this steel

[@BlackBearForge]

You and me both!

[@paulbilodeau9882]

John, ANOTHER great video!! I had not heard much about Atlantic 33 so THANK YOU so much for explaining this steel so well! This look like a good choice for tooling and now I am going to check out getting some for my own chisels and punches.

[@BlackBearForge]

Glad it was helpful!

[@jeffgrier8488]

I'm not familiar with A-33, so i'm looking forward to seeing how it works out!

[@davecoombs6060]

Nice vid & I'm going to have to try & find some A33

[@ValhallaIronworks]

Very interesting stuff. I'd love to get my hands on some to have a play, but it's like hens teeth out here in Australia!

[@AdamToney]

Sir if you could, let me know what you think.. tries this after I seen your video on em!!

[@kjodonnell511]

For a moment there I thought this was your Halloween episode and you were channeling Brent Bailey and Mark Aspery!

[@Aminuts2009]

I had a guy the other day tell me that "real" blacksmiths always hand hammer and using a power hammer is basically cheating. He got upset when i told him about the water power hammer farms the Romans had on rivers in Spain. 6 power hammers in a row on a river. 2000 years ago.

[@bradmccormick358]

It's not cheating if it makes you more productive. Why wear your body out and become useless at an early age. I like the answer you gave.

[@Vikingwerk]

I’d say that hand hammer is essential for learning techniques, but power hammer is essential for doing lots of work long term. I’m just starting out, and I’m pretty sure a power hammer would just let me ruin pieces at an accelerated rate. It is much harder to overshoot when you are supplying every hit. But as my control and skill improves, and bigger projects become tempting, a power hammer will be seriously considered.

[@Twobirdsbreakingfree]

Why did he get upset when you told him that? He thought that people that lived 2,000 years ago can't be cheaters?

[@kuriakos]

Very cool. I've never heard of this steel before. Speaking of testing how things hold up, how has the anvil held up? I remember you mentioned it isn't as hard as some anvils.

[@BlackBearForge]

So far its just fine

[@wolfsforge2]

I'm curious about this A33 now. Let us know how the tools hold up. Thanks.

[@billkent8809]

Try turmeric and maraschino cherry juice for that shoulder.

[@mikehodges6598]

I bought a piece of Atlantic 33 about 2 years ago from Blacksmith Supply based on an earlier video you posted on it. I haven't made any tools with it yet, but will now that you've reminded me I have it. They have a better price than Canon Ball for the .75" flutagon (only type they carry) of $23.60 vs $38.

[@BlackBearForge]

There is certainly a wide range of prices and its not cheap in any case.

[@jimTB.]

With shipping Blacksmith Supply’s price to my door is $45.00 for 1’ of 3/4” flutagon. Canonball forge does not charge for shipping.

[@mikehodges6598]

@@jimTB. Good to know. When I bought it from them a couple of years ago I got it w/ some other stuff and ended up with free shipping. All I did today was see what the price had changed to.

[@jimTB.]

I noticed also if you buy more than one 12” bar like John did it is cheaper at Blacksmith Supply. I’m curious Mike what have you used Flutagon for. At this time I have only used it for hot chisels. I make mine now with a 3” piece and I make a pair of tongs to hold it. These work great at the anvil or treadle hammer. That does make it more affordable to use. I can get 4 tools out of a 12” bar. I think I’ll try some punches next.

[@mikehodges6598]

@@jimTB. I haven't done anything w/ it yet. I'm thinking of hand held tools, so I'm looking at a hot chisel and a square punch.

[@joakimfrostblacksmithing7127]

Very interesting tool steel, I am wondering if there exists an European equivalent? 🤔💭

[@jamesmudra7943]

Have you ever made a wood chisel? I am learning to forge and want to try a wood chisel around 2 inches to use on larger timbers.

[@threeriversforge1997]

I've got a chunk I was given as a gift, but it's too big for me to think about forging by hand since it's only about 4" long and would need to either be made into a hammer head ... or drawn out considerably for a punch or chisel. One of these days I'll get around to doing something with it. I wonder how it would work for things like hatchets and adzes. While it's not the hardest steel out there, I could see it being nice for things that take a whallop every now and then. If it'd hold a decent enough edge.

[@BlackBearForge]

Good question, I have heard of being used for hammers, but I don't know about edge holding for and axe

[@threeriversforge1997]

@@BlackBearForge How's the chisel you made originally holding up? I always worry about the fine edge curling in the work as you're cutting.

[@leroybennett2754]

Con you make stone cutting tools out flutagon?

[@jackdawg4579]

there doesnt seem to be any information available regarding the chemical composition of this steel, so I have my doubts it is any better than the other usual suspects for struck tooling such as S7 or H13. Your trials and tribulations with the material will be very interesting.

[@OuroborosArmory]

I have a hammer made out of this.. it’s currently my favorite hammer…

[@David-fv7zg]

Have you ever considered taking on an apprentice? I am not at a point in my life to do this, but I'm curious how you would go about it if you were interested. Where would you start (assuming they had some entry-level skills), working through the process of completing the apprenticeship, assuming this may be a 6 month or one-year process. I realize Blacksmith apprentice typically takes a lot longer than that.

[@andreasfrank6544]

Hallo John as always a very good video! But I have a question how is it possible to file the tool after it's hardn? Hope you're doing fine 👋🏻👋🏻👋🏻

[@Mitchasauraus]

It because of the type of steel it is, it is non tempering meaning you don't have to go through the softening process after hardening and the hardeness level depends on quenching temperature. So if you quench in the lower end of the spectrum it's overly possible to be able to file it. Knife steels are a different story tho if you can file those after hardening you didn't harden it properly.

[@BlackBearForge]

As long as its not as hard as the file it can be done. Certainly annealed steel it the easiest to file, but files are extremely hard and still have some benefit in all but the hardest steels.

[@maknifeandrods7701]

John after hardening you were able to file the tools. What hardiness do you get.

[@yoman2854]

Would this steel be useful for making thing like knives , axes , and woodcarving tools?

[@frenchcreekvalley]

I am surprised that you sharpened the edge of that hot cut with a file. The spec sheet that I have says that once hardened and water quenched, , you get Rc 58 - 62. Hard on the file?

[@Earth-bornGraffics]

What material would you suggest for a hot set? And what size bar?

[@gavsgav90]

Hey, sorry to bother you with such a silly question, but was that leather you put under the bar before cutting through with your chisel? Ive only just started my journey as blacksmith and trying to get as many hints and tips as i can and your channel has been fantastic, so thank you for all your hard work and all your fantastic content!

[@BlackBearForge]

No, just a scrap piece of mild steel to protect the anvil

[@gavsgav90]

@@BlackBearForge Thank you. I only started blacksmithing 3 days ago 😆. My first project is a twig with little leaves along it. Trying to follow your tutorials has been an amazing advantage, and each attempt is getting me that little bit further. So Many thanks again!

[@swblacksmith.7445]

Hi John, It'll be intresting to hear your thoughts on A-33 once you've had a chance to youse those tools for a while. You've been using that hammer from Tmmothy for a while now, what are your thought on it?

[@BlackBearForge]

I like the hammer, but will be replacing the handle to provide more grip surface for my hand size.

[@swblacksmith.7445]

@@BlackBearForge thanks for sharing your thoughts.

[@wesleymccravy901]

I have never worked with the material... And here is why I would try it if some stock landed in my lap at no cost and also why I never plan to do so. I WOULD try it because the heat treatment seems forgiving and it has good reviews as far as durability. And as far as material density you only have something like a 3%-4% variation when compared to 4150 so a 2lb hammer made from Atlantic 33 would only have to be made from like 1/32" - 1/16" longer of a cut to achieve same weight as if were made from 4150. Here is why I would NOT use it. It's 4 times the price of 4150 so not gonna use Atlantic 33 to make a hammer or large item. And I don't trust anything with a 2" or larger cross section to be dunked into water and not crack. I've got 30 years of metallurgy under the waist band... Not gonna trust it... Idc how fancy the metal is. As for chisels and punches... I'm gonna always use 4150/5160 for my hand tooling when working cold. They hold up fine and again @ 1/4 the price of this stuff.... And for hot work I will always stick to s7 or h13 because again they are tried and true, they don't deform under heat conditions if used appropriately and s7 or heck even s5 are 3 times cheaper and h13 is still just 1/2 the price of this ATLANTIC 33. I cannot see a reason to even give it a chance. Being able to quench in water does not even peak my curiosity when weighed against my wallet becoming 4 times lighter. Have fun with it though folks. If you can get it cheaper than its available to me... Go nuts and I hope you find a use for it making some really quality stuff that lasts a lifetime and brings you joy and makes your life easy and that it makes you loads of money or helps teach people things. Best positive wishes.... I'd just assume save $100 bill and buy the elderly widow up the road some groceries.

[@doylerabjohn3435]

Never heard of this steel.

[@BlackBearForge]

It doesn't get talked about much, but its been around for quite some time. I suspect the cost puts people off

[@doylerabjohn3435]

@@BlackBearForge Definitely will be watching you use it. I need a few chisels & punchs.

[@fredfchopin]

I just ordered a couple of bars of it, going to make a round punch and a hammer out of it to see what happens. I see you filing it there though, so if it files then how can you tell if it's hardened? Is a file check just not very useful for this steel, or will the file at least sort of skate if it's hard?

[@fredfchopin]

Update: I forged a round punch from this tonight and it was awesome! Was able to punch a hole about 2 minutes after quenching it. Was surprised at how well it hardened. I ordered from cannon ball forge and they had excellent customer service and fast shipping, would strongly recommend.

[@FeatherHorseforge]

Never even heard of this steel🙂

[@deryiousbarzee627]

Good morning

[@goldskula]

morning

[@BlackBearForge]

Good morning

[@bernardhill1622]

Correction " Middleburg Steel " not Mital..: Erratum

[@recycle343]

Smart, take care of your body, I was force to.

[@Raul28153]

None of the places where information about Atlantic 33 is available talk about hardness with any specificity. That's a bit mystifying. Have you had an opportunity to do any hardness testing with files or a rockwell tester? Cannonball says to quench in "clean cold water" What temperature is cold? No salt to avoid hot spots?

[@kaikuschel651]

Nice Video, as ever 😉 unfortunately this steel is not available in Germany under this name 😉 But if you know the composition , I can Look for an similar steel 🤔 It would be perfekt for farrier tools i think☝️

[@BlackBearForge]

You might find that information on Atlantic Steels web site www.atlanticsteelcorp.com/services.html

[@kaikuschel651]

@@BlackBearForge thank you 👌

[@madhounddog04]

Do you know anyone who has a extra hand cranked forge blower for sale? I'm a disabled veteran and I'm on a set budget. I can't afford a new one so I'm looking for a good used one. I'm just starting out with coal forging and I have just about everything that I need. I'm hoping that this will help with my PTSD. Thank you.

[@BlackBearForge]

Sorry, I don't

[@farmerboy916]

Please look into your local blacksmith association; if you don’t care about form but just function, you may want to consider a used hair dryer, or could in make up something that would work if you’re crafty (I’m sure there are yt tutorials)

[@patshes1951]

Dont know this steel . Pebably not available here in SA 🇿🇦

[@BlackBearForge]

Hard to say and shipping from the US might be pretty expensive

[@urbanbasementoperator]

Bursitis? John, check out KneesOverToesGuy here on KZbin! He has a shoulder rehabilitation program that is second to none, should help you out well within the first two or three sessions. If your knees bother you, that can be fixed too. I recovered a torn MCL to better than it was before the injury in 3 months. 9 months on to today, I'm stronger, more flexible, and no pain anywhere! Hope this helps!

[@GodschildinNC]

Take care of that shoulder. Bursitis is no fun.