[MENTION=302603]bikemig[/MENTION] - That is the issue, isn't it. We don't know what we are working with, other than the difference in geometry that is visually tangible. The differences between steel's is so small that it is hard to know the difference unless there are certain operations or functions we are doing that exposes them and then only because we have done them before (experience).

I had the opportunity to "straighten" a fork that was in a front end accident. A number of people told me it was toast. What is often forgotten about steel forks is that they were not made with the bend to begin with. It was the frame or fork maker that bent the fork end to the desired geometry.

The risk in bending them back is about work hardening (changing the material properties) and the possible impact of undesirable deformation. If you can't see any damage, it is likely ok. You would not be able to tell the difference in the ride before the two bending events and after.
[MENTION=381793]gugie[/MENTION] - Great that you are having fun with such stuff! We are enjoying every thread that you share your experiences. The only thing better would be to do some of that stuff! I would love to build my own frame and maybe some day I will.