Ancient braids are no longer as common as they once were, but even today there are often situations where there is simply no reliable tool. But only few people know how to bring an old tool into working condition.
For example,
how to beat off a braid? We are sure that you can’t even approximately imagine this process, but an unprepared banner (or incorrectly broken off) not only does a poor job of its task, but can also be dangerous for a mowing man!
Some information
It is necessary to prepare the tool not only after purchase, but also throughout its operation. At first glance, it seems that there is nothing complicated in this work. Seasoned mowers are well aware that this is a complex business, requiring considerable knowledge and experience. No wonder once the beating masters were respected by all the villagers. Not to mention the fact that people went to the “right” master from afar.
What is it for?
For beginners, the question is not even how the braid is beaten, but why it is needed at all? After all, you can just sharpen it! Alas, it’s not so simple.
As a result of beating, the blade becomes perfectly thin along its entire length. In addition, metal hardening (influx) is formed on it, which not only increases its strength and stiffness, but also greatly increases its service life.
How and what do they do
The process is carried out on a special small anvil, which is called the headstock. There are wide and narrow options. Since the braid is often beaten off in the field, they use a special small hammer that is convenient to carry with you. Important! The working surfaces of the anvil and hammer must always differ in a uniform metallic luster.
Occasionally, craftsmen perform beats with a wide hammer, but this requires a special skill. In any case, the metal of the anvil should be softer than the material of the braid itself.
Work
It should strike, going from the heel of the knife. The hammer is raised by five centimeters maximum, tapping them with literally every millimeter of the instrument. In no case should you beat at an angle, in passing, or strike more than once at the same place. It is recommended that you make several passes until the best blade condition is achieved.
And how to beat the braid in marching conditions? To do this, you have to buy a special holder in a specialized store. It is driven into a stump or a deck specially transported for this purpose, after which the braid shank is clamped. Substitute the anvil and begin to work.
Process features
It is very important to choose a hammer so that its weight does not overload the hand much. Working with a heavy tool, you will quickly get tired, and therefore a high-quality beat will not work.
In any case, with heavy and strong impacts, the blade will become “chipped”, which is why all the work will have to be redone. In general, the braid is a very delicate tool, and therefore become masters in this matter only after a few years. After beating, the blade must be sharpened. For this, a special bar is used.
Now that you have learned how to recapture and sharpen your braid, you can safely go into the field.