Ron: I hadn't thought about the mass, but you're right. Bette Barnett is using thin metal (small mass) as she works in jewelry. Of course it would be much easier to heat small, thin pieces to temp than a firearm or a knife. Thank you for pointing this out.
Chris: Hi Chris, I haven't read anything from you in awhile - but that may just mean that I haven't been paying as much attention to the threads. Anyway thanks so much for taking the time to write. It's good to hear from you again. Bette Barnett studied under Chris Nelson. In her Bio on her website, she says that she has expanded beyond his explorations and she apparently has developed a technique to apply foil similar to the keum-bu technique. She is most definitely working in the mild steel - cold rolled steel- that you mentioned, so that may answer the question as to whether or not her techniques can be applied to firearms and guns, as well as the heat required. I'll do a copy/paste from her website at the end of this.
Jerry: According to Bette Barnett on her website, Chris Nelson experimented with the Japanese techniques, so I wonder if the article you read mentioned Mr. Nelson's work. Thank you for your time in answering my question. I appreciate it.
Dave: You are most welcome
Ok, the following is from Betty Barnett website:
"In 2013 I began studying the steel/gold processes and continued with advanced workshops with the late Chris Nelson, whose explorations of ancient Japanese techniques were instrumental in launching wide-spread interest in applying fine gold and silver to steel. I have built on those studies by perfecting additional techniques and processes, including Keum Boo and galvanic etching of steel. Currently I am developing techniques to fuse various metals and alloys to steel."
"I continually experiment with fusing various gold alloys on steel. I also apply gold foil to steel using the Keum Boo technique. I alloy gold to ensure the proper karat and color and use different techniques to add interest, including electro-etching, chisel texturing, gemstones and patination. I seek to create jewelry that is unexpected yet artful...surprising yet wearable."
Thank you everyone for taking the time to read and comment.