"Thanks so much for all this info, It's really helpful. Due to sickness, I haven't done the handle yet, but I plan to do it soon. "

"You are so right Oshadhi... The term hardwood and softwood does not refer to the hardness of the wood, and some hardwoods are very soft while some softwoods are very hard.  Jelena, you may have already made your handle (post a photo?) but for…"

"I really like this idea, I think it would really motivate people to learn different skills. Unfortunately, I don't have access to a video camera, so I can't make any videos. What about pictures? If you can't make a video, you could…"

"Thanks for replying, don't worry about the delay, I've come down with some sort of lung infection/whooping cough, so I've had to postpone my next annealing attempt anyway. I'll try it this way, keep your fingers crossed!"

"Thanks for replying, just a couple of questions: What did you use to elevate the file? How long after it went red did you keep the fire going? Any other specifics that could help? Thanks a lot."

"I heated it until it went orange, then buried it in a bucket of ash and left it for the night. Today I tried drilling it, but if anything, it's harder still. The drill barely dents it.   I think it might be cooling to fast, but I…"

"I just can't seem to get the knife hot enough! I can get it red, but can't keep it red. Should I bury it in ash once it gets red, or let it 'soak'?"

"What sort of fuel would you recommend?"

"Well, I'm going to have another go at annealing, because I just know I'm going to have problems drilling the holes. I've made a forge of sorts, and what I plan to do is make a fire, and when there's a bed of coals, put the knife…"

"The reason why I didn't anneal it again when I found out, was because I thought that if I could get it shaped, sharpened and holes drilled, then it wouldn't need to be soft, because I'll harden it, then temper it, ending up with the…"

"Unfortunately, I didn't anneal it properly, and it's still quite hard in the middle, so the files simply slide over it. That's why I switched to the grinder."

"On the subject of knifesmithing, I'm having trouble getting the bevel at the tip even. I'm doing it on a bench grinder, which is working, but the tip is hard to get right. any advice?"

"I found a large milo tin in my parents shed. It is unlined and would make a great billy. it has a click down lid so it has multiple uses i.e carrying water/equipment as it is water tight. I'm going to try and attach a handle without making any…"

"Kanuka/Manuka, Matai, Totara, Akeake and others are all suitable and I've used all of them. By far the best I have used is Rosewood but it's hard to find."