4130 ???

A

AKHammonds

Joined
Mar 22, 2007
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I know there was a post about 4130 awhile back, but I could not find it. I have a whole bunch of this left over from the last bicycle I built and would like to try and make a set of wood carving knives for my Dad with it. I don't have any idea how to heat treat it for making a blabe. It may be too brittle to make a good knife but I thought it might be ok for carving knives because the blades are all so small...Any ideas on heat treatment?????

Thanks
Allen
 
The 30 is the number that represents carbon in the steel, 4130 has .30% carbon, give or take. I don't think it will be too brittle, I think it will be too soft, especially for wood carving which can dull a knife quickly.
 
yep what acrid said. Get ya a 1/4" W1 rod from fastenal. and a propane torch, heat the end of the rod to red. Hammer out your wood carving knife, move up the rod 3-4" and cut off the knife. Next heat the blade part to non magnetic and quench in water. temper in your home oven @ 400ºF for 2 hours 2x. get ya some 3/4 - 1" oak dowl rod from the hardware store and drill a 1/4" hole on center 1/2" deep fill it half -3/4 full with JB Weld and insert the knife, now finish your handle however you'd like and voila' custom wood carving knives!

Jason
 
Yes, as already said, it wont be the best choice for a carving knife. You would want at least .5% carbon for a knife, preferably 0.7-1%. 1/16" O1 would be nice as well. (that thin you may be able to plate quench in copper... hmm, I will have to read up on it, but don't take my ramblings as advice :D)
 
You already have it so USE IT!

We use 4130 all the time. You can quench directly into water (yes, even COLD water) and see Rc around 50-52 as quenched. Typical hardness into a fast quench oil is 48Rc but of course you dont have warping issues.

Little less hardness then most guys aim for but it will work just fine.

I wouldnt temper unless you expect him to pry a bit, then just take it to straw with a torch and quench.
 
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