Demonstrations
Okay, this is all fine in theory, but rather dry when it is only a
bunch of numbers. What does it look like?
First, here's me hitting a piece of iron to deliberately make it
glow hotter. I tried to capture the color change in a nail
body on camera and it just isn't showing up with a phone
camera. I can see it happening in real life, but it is
apparently too subtle for the video. So, I did it again with
the whole purpose being to show the heat at the tip of the iron
rod.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9oVG6wvb1Ss&spfreload=10
Pay special attention at about the 10 second point to see the
obvious heat increase. It looks like the GIF on the Index
page. I'll put it here so you can see it again. The
video link will show you the process of hammering a round rod to a
point, but only about 2 seconds clearly show the color change from
what I will call hammer heating.
GIF by and of Patrick Woolery
Second, taking it to an extreme I have not yet managed, here's a
more experienced blacksmith. He starts cold. Pay
attention to what he is doing, but please don't think I am
responsible for the "explanation" of the physics involved.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tXF60MOWUeY
Finally, utilizing the skill for practical purposes. After
all, how are you going to light your forge if you don't have
matches? Well, now there's a way!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yq_uyk7gWJQ
While it may or may not be true, I have heard anecdotally that it
is traditional for Japanese swordsmiths to light their charcoal
forges with a piece of iron hammered until it is glowing
red. Certainly, as the above videos demonstrate, that's
entirely possible. Sadly, I was unable to find any videos of
this being done. I was also not able to substantiate it with
any written sources. I leave it as an urban legend for now,
but one that is entirely plausible.
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