Blacksmith Notes on iPhone: Steel Alloys, Forging Technique & Commission Notes

Note-Taking for Blacksmiths

Blacksmithing combines centuries of empirical knowledge with modern metallurgy. Heat color judgments, forging sequences, quench medium selection, tempering temperatures, and the behavior of different steel alloys under the hammer all build into a personal knowledge base that takes years to develop. That knowledge deserves documentation.

Nemos captures it between sessions — when you have both hands and a moment to reflect.

What Blacksmiths Track

Steel and material: - Steel alloy notes by application (high carbon for edge tools, mild steel for decorative, spring steel for blades) - Heat color reference notes (yellow-orange for forge welding, bright orange for heavy drawing, cherry red for finishing) - Material source notes — steel supplier, grade, bar stock dimensions, and cost - Metal behavior observations by alloy (how 1084 moves compared to 5160)

Process and technique: - Forge weld technique notes for specific joint types - Drawing and upsetting sequence for complex forms - Quench medium observations by steel type (water vs. oil vs. brine) - Tempering temperature notes by application (spine flex vs. cutting edge vs. structural)

Commission and production: - Commission client specifications (dimensions, steel type, handle material, finish) - Commission progress notes and delivery schedule - Production run notes (how many pieces per day at peak, failure rate, finishing time) - Pricing notes by complexity level

Tools and maintenance: - Hammer face maintenance notes - Anvil condition observations and surface maintenance - Forge temperature calibration notes - Coal or propane consumption notes for production planning

The Value of Empirical Notes

Modern smiths often work with steel where published metallurgical data exists. But the real performance knowledge — how a particular batch of steel from a specific supplier behaves under your specific setup, at your altitude and humidity — comes from experience. Notes turn random experience into searchable pattern.

FAQ

Should I note every heat and hammer sequence? Not every routine operation — but any time you're working a new alloy, attempting a technique you've rarely used, or producing a significant commission piece, capture the key parameters.

How do I handle tempering color observations? Note the observation and the application outcome (blade holds edge, or snapped in testing). Paired observations build a personal tempering reference faster than any textbook.

What commission notes prevent problems? Client contact, exact specifications with dimensions, agreed materials, price, deposit status, and promised delivery. A brief note at the commission intake saves uncomfortable conversations later.

Is Nemos useful for tracking tool inventory? A running list of hammer weights, tong sizes, hardy tools, and their condition helps you know what you have before a project and what to acquire before a production run.

What about blade geometry notes? For knife or edge tool makers: bevel angle, grind approach, edge profile notes per design. These become templates for repeat orders and portfolio descriptions.

How do I organize notes by project type? Tags: `#knife`, `#blade`, `#architectural`, `#decorative`, `#commission`, `#technique`, `#materials`. Cross-reference project type with technique notes.

Related Reading

• Glassblower Notes on iPhone
• Welder Notes on iPhone
• Watchmaker Notes on iPhone
• Craft Tradesperson iPhone Workflow

Sources

• American Bladesmith Society and ABANA (Artist Blacksmith Association of North America) technical resources
• Metallurgy for blacksmiths: steel alloy behavior documentation
• Traditional and modern forging technique documentation