Per the quest in Khenarthi's Roost, blood sacrifice can be used to generate and release a lot of energy very quickly - the Maormer were using it to power their storms. There's also a blood-powered forge in Wrothgar, that if I'm remembering right had a Dwemer origin/influence. Given that the Nedes stole Dwemer tech to make the Celestials it makes sense that they used similar tech in other areas. And I seem to recall Daedric equipment requires Daedric blood to forge too. So...it's pretty common in Tamriel.

Tyrobag wrote: »

As for using blood to cool metal, it actually probably has an advantage over water. Blood is thicker than water, much like oil, which would make for a less harsh quench. Not saying I'd recommend blood for smithing, but its probably better than water.

After some research it seems neither urine nor blood would allow a blade to temper properly. Even in RL, outside of movies, if/when blood was used for superstitious purposes, only a small amount could have been used.

https://www.scribd.com/document/225255165/Facts-and-Myths-about-Swords-docx

Tyrobag wrote: »

Dustfinger81 wrote: »

Tyrobag wrote: »

As for using blood to cool metal, it actually probably has an advantage over water. Blood is thicker than water, much like oil, which would make for a less harsh quench. Not saying I'd recommend blood for smithing, but its probably better than water.

After some research it seems neither urine nor blood would allow a blade to temper properly. Even in RL, outside of movies, if/when blood was used for superstitious purposes, only a small amount could have been used.

https://www.scribd.com/document/225255165/Facts-and-Myths-about-Swords-docx

Can't read that document.

Anyway, I don't see why blood wouldn't work. Its not likely the best quenching medium, but it shouldn't be much different than brine (besides the mess of coagulated burnt blood on the blade). Blood is mostly salt water. A quench is about cooling metal quickly so the metal takes on a primarily martensitic structure (as opposed to an austenitic one). With certain metals, this can even be done with just air cooling. Blood should be able to do the job as well as any water based liquid.

I was watching Forged in Fire. There was a contestant who was really into Vikings. he stated that legend told that their blacksmiths would put a bit of their own blood in the temper to strengthen the blade. the judges commented that blood would weaken the blade so, admittedly, I already had an idea of what to look for.

Here it is without needing to sign up for anything: www.albion-swords.com/articles/images/sword-myth-quiz.pdf

WhiteCoatSyndrome wrote: »

@Tyrobag I'm sorry but I have to disagree.

Touche. That note does make an interesting point though; If the forge is of Dwemer origin and the hammer wasn't, where did it come from? Was the forge built for the use of the hammer? What did the Dwarves use the forge for? So many possibilities

Thanks for the replies, it's interesting as it's something that southeast Asian cultures have their keris or kris forged. I remember old tales from my late granddad how he would forge his with both blood and water. It's like a binding contract between blade and owner.

If that is true though, then I would side with @Tyrobag about why blood would work, as oppose to not being able to.