procne has written
i think its a bit confusing. maybe hard iron rod should be removed and iron rod renamed to iron bar? or maybe hard iron rod should be used to make tools instead?
You really only need to remember 4 simple rules:
1. Soft metals are what you mold into other items, using the hammer.
2. Hard items are 'finished' and using in combinations.
3. Make hard metal soft by heating it to red hot in forge then letting it cool (by removing forge fire).
4. Make soft metal hard by heating it to red hot in forge then dousing it with water using clay bucket.