Spotting defects in reclaimed steel

[Shorttemper]

When I was working with some reclaimed steel, I stumbled upon a strange pit that really made me stop and think, definitely not something I want to end up in my project.

What quick checks, simple habits, or tricks do you have for spotting defects before the hammer hits the metal?

 

[forgeandforget]

Start by using a wire brush to remove the scale and examine the surface under bright lighting. You’ll see pits, cracks, and inclusions much more clearly on clean metal. Gently heat it too; uneven colors can indicate hidden defects.

 

[Tempered3dge]

Give it a tap with a hammer and pay attention to the sound, quality steel has a clear ring, while cracked or flawed steel sounds dull. Grind a small test area to check for delamination or hidden rust before making a final decision on the piece.