1084 question

[Scott Roush]

I have some 1084 stock 1/8" thick, 1 1/4" wide that was purchased.  I'm planning to use it to make a hook/crooked knife (I use these for shaping bow and, now, knife handles).  So I understand that when you buy this stuff, it is soft enough to grind for the bevel... but is it completely annealed? I need to put a curve in the blade, from the side, and this is traditionally done by tapping it with a mallet over a rounded surface. But the steel has to be very soft for this.  I'm afraid to snap it if I just try it...So should I anneal it?

[Lin Rhea]

See if it will cut easily with a file. If it will, it should bend. Lin

[Scott Roush]

Thanks Lin.

But is there any standard to the bar stock that you buy as far as to the state that it's in?? Or is it different according to who you buy it from, etc???