1095 steel tempering color?

[Nathan Williams]

Hey everyone. I am currently making my first knife, and am currently tempering the 1095 steel blade. I watched a couple of videos and determined 450°F and a 2 hour cycle should be good. I am concerned on why my blade became sort of blue color, when I seem to find that 450 should be a tan color. I am just wondering what peoples thoughts are.

 

[A.McPherson]

Don't worry about the color.
If you're oven holds temps well it should be fine.

The oxides that form colors are effected by lots of things, oils from your fingers etc. Will make the colors change.

 

[GABaus]

Hey everyone. I am currently making my first knife, and am currently tempering the 1095 steel blade. I watched a couple of videos and determined 450°F and a 2 hour cycle should be good. I am concerned on why my blade became sort of blue color, when I seem to find that 450 should be a tan color. I am just wondering what peoples thoughts are.

If you are really worried about it get an oven thermometer to double check that your ovens temperature is accurate, if the temperature is accurate you will be fine.

 

[TheEdge01]

This should give you an idea of what to look for. When I temper at 400f the blade usually ends up with a straw color. It sounds like your oven is getting a little too hot.