[TheForge] old wife's tales

[Andrew Vida]

Bob Willman wrote:
> 	A story I heard about a local smith searching for a better quench
> method when a "friend" recommended horse urine specifically from a mare. The
> smith happened to own a mare and keeping a close watch on her started to
> collect enough to properly fill the quench tank which took a considerable
> period of time. When he finally had enough, the day for testing came. I
> understand that the first iron into the quench tank evacuated a considerable
> chunk of real estate.
> 
> 	"Practical Blacksmithing" by Richardson mentions a smith that swore
> by liquid mercury as a good quench medium. Did not say if he lived to a ripe
> age or not.  
> 

	I bet mercury would be a great quench from the material results 
standpoint, though probably very violent.  From the health standpoint...