1095 problem

B

buckaroo2219

Joined
Feb 13, 2013
Messages
47
Last July or August I bought 6 feet of 1095 CRA 5/32. I just can not get it to harden properly. I have tried both heating with a forge and a kiln. Have used this same steel from the same supplier purchased last winter with no problems. So I know my process is right.
I think I received the wrong steel.

My question is has any one else had this problem with 1095 purchased last summer.
 
Can you do a vinegar dip or spark test to compare it to your old 1095 that you know is good?
 
The old 1095 is long gone. I will be ordering from another supplier and will check when I get it in. Can you enlighten me on the vinegar test. Don't know that one.
 
Who did you get it from if you don't mind answering. I used to get it from Jantz religiously... Now, no more. Had two sticks, shipped the same time, presumably should have been the same batch. One performed predictably and reliably. The other... well, you could have combed your hair with the quenched edge. Same blade design, same thickness, temperature controlled, etc etc etc. Aldo is the 'baron' for a reason I guess... lol.

Edit: Not to slam Jantz, I use them for a lot of other stuff, and they have done me right every time. Just not for steel.
 
I have sent the supplier an email. At this point I will hold off giving the name. I want to see what if any response I get. Also interested if others are having this problem.
 
What I have been finding lately is that my hardness tester has been invaluable. I did a run of 15N20 knives this week, and three of them hardened to Rc62/63 after first temper. Two didn't register on the meter (ie. Rc10!!!) Same supplier, but different thicknesses of the steel. I used the exact same recipe a month ago with another bar of the 15N20, and same hardness as the good knives out of this batch. I did the two unhardened blades a second time, double checking all of the variables, and they didn't harden again. I am going to cut some coupons and test different temps, and quench mediums and see what the deal is. Basically, s--t happens sometimes. I have a piece of 1084 that won't harden, and the supplier of that bar tried some from his cutoff bin and got Rc64/65 with 1/4" steel quenched in oil. Nothing wrong with that! I have to dig out my bar and try a couple more coupons of the 1084 and see what is up with my piece. God forbid trying to make sense of reclaimed steel!
 
I had some 5/32 presumed 1095 not harden for me as well. I have posted in a few threads that have been floating around the internet. I definitely heat treated it right both times I tried. I have long got over it though and just chalk it up to "mistakes happen". Wont be the first and doubt it will be the last. I also want to add it was the same time frame as you.
 
Thanks for the reply Marko. I am over it. It happened. But with the information on your time frame I will not be ordering any further from this supplier.
 
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