Once the handles were twisted, each nail is held in the forge for several moments until the blade comes to critical temperature. This is called heat treating and the purpose is to bring the metal to a hardened state. The blade is heated to the point when the iron and carbon separate into a molten state while still holding shape. The final product needs to be hard enough to hold a sharp edge yet flexible enough to withstand the forces of using it without breaking. The knifemaker's aunt keeps an eye on it to know when to take it out.
When the blade is ready, it is taken out of the forge with a sure hand and plunged into water to cool. It is swirled around a little because the water immediately around the blade and tongs holding it will heat up. Moving it around makes sure the blade is cooled effectively and efficiently. When the molecules reconfigure, a magnet will not stick to the blade.
After about 25 blades, the water became too hot to use and had to be replaced with another water jug. In all, 40 nails are ready for polishing and buffing.
Once the handles were twisted, each nail is held in the forge for several moments until the blade comes to critical temperature. This is called heat treating and the purpose is to bring the metal to a hardened state. The blade is heated to the point when the iron and carbon separate into a molten state while still holding shape. The final product needs to be hard enough to hold a sharp edge yet flexible enough to withstand the forces of using it without breaking. The knifemaker's aunt keeps an eye on it to know when to take it out. 
When the blade is ready, it is taken out of the forge with a sure hand and plunged into water to cool. It is swirled around a little because the water immediately around the blade and tongs holding it will heat up. Moving it around makes sure the blade is cooled effectively and efficiently. When the molecules reconfigure, a magnet will not stick to the blade.
