A few years ago I came to the realization that I need to abandon the use of modern alloys, and find a more natural and organic steel in order to conceptually grow and level up the work that I have been doing. There have been lots of changes and new directions, and one of them was to carburize wrought iron to achieve a more organic texture while I learned how to smelt my own steel.

Over this past summer I have done just that. About 7 attempts into the process I finally started to get something that resembles progress and results that I consider usable and worth the time, effort, and expense. I documented the furnace and various parts of the process and put together two videos to share. For this interested in checking them out, I hope that you find them informative.

Also please note that a swear word was uttered once in the second video, please don't watch with young children around, or if you will take offense. After the bloom is under the hammer the coast is clear and volume can be turned back on. I apologize for this in advance.

Enjoy and keep chasing the flame!
Michael Pikula

http://youtu.be/moTl283uy9k

http://youtu.be/pwZyoqm-oQA

This bloom ended up weighing just over 5 pounds after being refined. Extremely low in carbon, almost low enough to be considered iron, which is exactly what I was going for.

I just got chills down my spine watching that. That, and the background music.......BRAVO. I can't wait to see the beauty that comes from it. Well done, sir. :D ..............McM