@topolina - You seem to know your metals so I'd say your just as helpful as John B. Just for different things. Pleasure talking to you as well.
@Stefan - I appreciate the luck, I wouldn't call myself an engraver, not yet. If I were to self identify as anything it would be as a maker since it...
@ topolina - Hmm that is unfortunate. I may try making a second one out of the same stuff anyway. Practice is practice so its not a complete loss if adjusting the geometry does help.
Since you mentioned twist drills I actually attempted to make a little wood chisel out of the shank of a...
I imagine you're correct in that is goes geometry being the primary problem followed by it heat treating unevenly. I'm sure if I etched it there would be visible differential hardening. Sadly I have no etching solutions on hand. It certainly cut easier after I annealed it and passed a file test...
Greetings and salutations!
I come to y'all as more or less an absolute beginner. I have some metalworking experience (MIG welding, knife making, etc) but no engraving. I figured I'd dip my toe in by making myself basic hand gravers (spoiler: its not working out great so far).
[Lest anyone...