Well John after seeing your results you can bet my next billet will not have any time spent grinding 18 or 20+ plates. I do stick my billet in kerosene but it's just to keep it clean until welding. My welding pressure is 7 psi on a blown forge.
Yes, that is pure nickel, I went by Jim Hrisoulas book (The Complete Bladesmith), he said that a blade of a min of 70 layers and an excellent edge with 175 layers.I went with 260 layers. When I am done with the blade I will test and post the results.
Opaul , where are you located ? I have a Peter Wright I am willing to part with, it is a 148 lb. if I remember right. I live mid-way between Detroit and Toledo. I will take a pix or two tomorrow.