154CM Quench Clarification: Plates, Air Quench, Nothing

[David Schott]

Hi,
I have seen a ton of quench recipies for 154CM, all of which conclude in a plate or "air quench."

I assume air quench is not referring to simply taking the blade out and letting it cool in the air but instead some kind of forced air?

What if one does not have any plates...how much hardness would I sacrifice? I can find TTT charts for 1095 telling me generally how much time i have to get below the nose and get full transformation but I havent been able to find the same for 154CM.

Can anyone explain the air quench as a standalone and these effects without either or point me to some 154CM charts?

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

Plate quench is between thick aluminum plates. It can be after an oil quench. Plates pretty much eliminate warp and assure full hardening.
Air quench is normally just letting it cool in the air. Hang it by a wire from the tang and let it cool. Thicker things in industry are cooled by high pressure air flowing over them. Knives cool more than fast enough to harden in still air.

 

[David Schott]

Perfect, thanks for the clear and concise answer!