Forged Steel Tones

When steel is worked hot by a blacksmith, the intense heat of the forge creates a tenacious layer of black oxide (called millscale) on its surface. Any loose scale can be burnished away with a wire brush to reveal the pewter grey steel underneath. This gives the forged metal its characteristic mottled grey-black appearance. Specially formulated wax can be used to protect the freshly exposed steel and enhance and highlight its tone and texture.