1095...So what's the verdict?

Using an engineered quenching fluid won't make you a better knifemaker. However, using canola on 1095 will probably force you to... :)

There's an old saying,... "An unworthy craftsman always blames his tools."
 
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Tai Goo said:
Using an engineered quenching fluid won't make you a better knifemaker. However, using canola on 1095 will probably force you to... :)
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we're talking about improvement--period. if using a commercial quenchant improves the quality of your blade, or reduces the failure rate making you more efficent you ARE becoming a better knifemaker.

"will probably" doesn't cut it
 
SShepherd said:
we're talking about improvement--period. if using a commercial quenchant improves the quality of your blade, or reduces the failure rate making you more efficent you ARE becoming a better knifemaker.

"will probably" doesn't cut it
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Neither does "If".
 
Really though,... you guys can work with whatever concepts and ideals you want, if you think it helps. I have my own way of looking at things, "perspective" and my own personal goals too. I've never claimed that they are the "best" or right for everyone. I'm just trying to give folks a different perspective or alternative to think about is all.

The work speaks for itself.

Some people like it and others don't. I'm not out there trying to please everyone,... just myself. :)

Sorry if we got off track.
 
Tai Goo said:
Neither does "If".
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I'm not going to play your little "it depends on what the def. of "is" is game"

The OP was asking about results from a procedure. The results from using canola oil.
You stated , "I just try and make a consistently "good" knife… Beyond “good” is where the BS really comes into play"

Your "good" may be ok for you- but I want you to prove that using a commercial quenchant is "BS" as you say.

"You can do a good job with canola, if you realize that it is not perfect or ideal"
Here, you even admit it's not an "ideal" quenchant. Thats the most honest and straight foreward thing I've seen in your posts in along time.
 
No present day quenching medium is truly "ideal" or fool proof. Nothing is perfect. It’s what you do with it that matters.

I like canola... in spite of it's limitations. Being aware of it's limitations is really the key to using it to it's "best"... like anything else. :)
 
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Tai Goo said:
Using an engineered quenching fluid won't make you a better knifemaker. However, using canola on 1095 will probably force you to... :)

There's an old saying,... "An unworthy craftsman always blames his tools."
Click to expand...

Depends on how you look at things I suppose. But in my world view, making better knives makes me a better knife maker, it's just that simple. If a process improvement, or a new tool in the shop makes my work measurably better, that process, tool, etc has made me a better maker.

This particular conversation has nothing to do with blaming tools. What's being argued here is that one "tool" simply does a better job than another when used as prescribed, in an identical fashion.

-d
 
Tai Goo said:
Using an engineered quenching fluid won't make you a better knifemaker. However, using canola on 1095 will probably force you to... :)

There's an old saying,... "An unworthy craftsman always blames his tools."
Click to expand...

AH, now I see your going to start going back and editing your posts:rolleyes:

there's alot of "old saying " Tai

just like "you should quench your blades pointing magnetic north"

or, "forging produces a superior blade"
 
deker said:
Depends on how you look at things I suppose. But in my world view, making better knives makes me a better knife maker, it's just that simple.

-d
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See, I look at it just the opposite. Making myself a better knifemaker makes better knives. :)
 
SShepherd said:
AH, now I see your going to start going back and editing your posts:rolleyes:

there's alot of "old saying " Tai

just like "you should quench your blades pointing magnetic north"

or, "forging produces a superior blade"
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I like quenching north and forging. I just hope it's not hurting anything. :D
 
SShepherd said:
this thread isn't about you
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No, but,... I was referenced and asked a direct question in the original post. The thread has wandered, but it's all loosely related to the topic.

It's not like I'm selling boot leg computer software,... fake Rolexes or anything.

I tried to answer the question and explore some of it's philosophical ramifications. :)

... Is there a problem with that?

I can only speak from my own experience.

Canola oil is a natural product, inexpensive and readily available. I like that about it. It fits with my personal bladesmith/knifemaker concept.

I'm not interested in "engineered quenching fluids" any more than stainless steel, CZ or micarta,... but there's nothing wrong with those things if you like them.
 
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Tai Goo said:
No, but,... I was referenced and asked a direct question in the original post. The thread has wandered, but it's all loosely related to the topic.

It's not like I'm selling boot leg computer software,... fake Rolexes or anything.

I tried to answer the question and explore some of it's philosophical ramifications. :)

... Is there a problem with that?

I can only speak from my own experience.

Canola oil is a natural product, inexpensive and readily available. I like that about it. It fits with my personal bladesmith/knifemaker concept.

I'm not interested in "engineered quenching fluids" any more than stainless steel, CZ or micarta,... but there's nothing wrong with those things if you like them.
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That sounds exactly like me too!:D I like the idea of using something that is a natural oil or a simple carbon and iron steel. I don't like micarta or specially formulated high alloy steel and stainless. I want to make knives in the quality and "spirit" of the old days....simple and functional. I like your philosophy most of all Tai. It is an inspiration.
 
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Stress relieve, stress relieve, stress relieve... :)

I like to “baby” my steel along in HT, avoid excessive shock and stress. Stress relieve, stress relieve, stress relieve. Don’t force the steel! Just “encourage” it to do what it wants to do naturally.

I probably could have done just as well professionally forging wrought iron blades and work hardening the edge,… maybe even better! But,… Heck! I like heat treating, quench hardening and messing with “steel“. It’s weird stuff! :)

... I think of it as a super sensitive recording medium. :)

There's something to be said for a gentle touch of encouragement. That's usually all it takes. Don't overkill it!
 
SShepherd said:
Good....water

better... canola oil

best.. a commercial quenchant suited for the steel being used.
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I don’t think it’s quite that simple...

... Good, better, and best,… are subjective philosophical value judgments.

I like to try and be a little more "scientific" about it. :)
 
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R.C.Reichert said:
That sounds exactly like me too!:D I like the idea of using something that is a natural oil or a simple carbon and iron steel. I don't like micarta or specially formulated high alloy steel and stainless. I want to make knives in the quality and "spirit" of the old days....simple and functional. I like your philosophy most of all Tai. It is an inspiration.
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so, from your OP, you were merely looking to justify you're using canola oil.

next time I won't take the bait. you got me on this one;)
 
Why are some makers being so hostile toward use of canola oil? It works great, is readily available, and the initial quench is actually faster than formulated quench oil. You pretty much end up with the same as-quenched hardness as the expensive quench oils.
 
SShepherd said:
so, from your OP, you were merely looking to justify you're using canola oil.

next time I won't take the bait. you got me on this one;)
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:)I was actually lookng for a viable alternative until such time that I can acquire or afford something potentially "better" if need be...may not need it though. It is good to know that there are commonly available, inexpensive alternatives that will work. I will probably get the Houghton Quench K at some point in the near future, but for now, at least I know from an experts point of view, that my 1095 blades quenched in canola will still make good hardworking knives. I wasn't quite sure before. Sorry if my post seemed misleading.:(
 
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