Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith
ilmarinen - MODERATOR
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Knifemaker / Craftsman / Service Provider
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- Aug 20, 2004
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I sat back and watched this thread to see how it played out. As you now have probably figured out, there is a very good reason that knives are rarely HTed in a pottery kiln.
One thing I would suggest is that you put a wash of satanite on the blade to prevent decarb and also add a thin refractory coat to even up the heat distribution. Make a little satanite up about as thin as cream. Put a thin "wash" layer on the blade and let dry with the tip or edge down ( put the tang in a vice).
I also would bring the oven up to temperature, quickly put in the coated blade ( no need for a muffle), let sit for 15 minutes to recover the temperature and soak the blade, remove and quench in one smooth stroke. Practice the removal and quench with a cool oven. It needs to be smooth, but not dangerously hasty.
One thing I would suggest is that you put a wash of satanite on the blade to prevent decarb and also add a thin refractory coat to even up the heat distribution. Make a little satanite up about as thin as cream. Put a thin "wash" layer on the blade and let dry with the tip or edge down ( put the tang in a vice).
I also would bring the oven up to temperature, quickly put in the coated blade ( no need for a muffle), let sit for 15 minutes to recover the temperature and soak the blade, remove and quench in one smooth stroke. Practice the removal and quench with a cool oven. It needs to be smooth, but not dangerously hasty.