Reforges

Reforges, or reforging, is the metalworking practice of taking a preexisting metal piece and heating it and working it again by hammering, drawing out, and shaping to alter its geometry, restore structural integrity, or refine its microstructure. It is distinct from primary forging or casting and is commonly used after damage, to resize a piece, or to convert an existing object into a new form.

The process typically involves heating the metal to a workable temperature, then repeatedly deforming it through hammering, upsetting, and drawing. In steel and other alloys, a cycle of work-hardening is often followed by stress-relieving heat treatment, such as annealing or normalizing, and, where appropriate, quenching and tempering to achieve the desired hardness and toughness. Some reforging also includes reworking material removed from damaged areas, or cutting and reassembling to a new design. Cold forging may be used for minor refinements, but hot forging is common for larger changes.

Materials most commonly reforged include steel and ferrous alloys, but nonferrous metals such as copper, aluminum, gold, and silver can be reforged as well. In jewelry, blades, tools, and decorative artifacts, reforging serves to repair flaws, reshape contours, or repurpose existing metal.

Limitations include the risk of cracking from uneven heating or excessive work hardening, and the skill and equipment required for precise control. In modern production, reforging remains primarily a craft technique for repair and customization rather than a routine replacement operation.