440c ?

[timos-]

Good to hear James,You guys are the best resource I have.I want to do the right thing,just need a little push in the correct direction.I am looking at the different SS selections now.I'm going to do 1 or 2 in carbon to make sure it's what i want,then pull the trigger on some SS.
Eddie

I think your right to make some in carbon for yourself and stainless for family. If you are gonna order some SS consider paying a little more for the surface ground stuff. Then just add a couple bars of inexpensive carbon steel so the shipping cost is a bit easier to justify

 

[Ken H>]

While I've read that "good" 440C is a very good knife steel, it does require more soaking time than does Sandvik 12C27 SS. I've heat treated both using a gas forge with a muffle pipe, a thermo-couple to monitor temperature. The 12C27 only requires a 5 minute soak time so it's easier to hold at temperature than 440C for the 15 minutes it requires. HT'ing specs are from from USAKnifemakers.com site for 440C and 12C27 is from the Sandvik website. Temperature control is by watching temp, and adjusting regulator and OFF/ON valve. I can usually hole ±5ºF to 10F for the 5 minutes. TC tip MUST be inside the muffle pipe for valid reading. I use a plate quench for both 440C and 12C27 - plate quenching seems to help prevent warping.

Am I getting the max from each blade with this method of HT'ing? Not sure, but they sure do polish up nice and sharpen to hair popping sharpness nicely - and stay sharp for a while in kitchen use. Wife loves them.

Eddie, you idea of making a couple of carbon blades, then trying SS is a good idea - Admiral's is the only place I've found the Sandvik 12C27.

Good luck and have fun<

Ken H>

 

[gredpe3]

The carbon run is to test my pattern,I need a good BBQ knife anyway and can handle the carbon like it needs to be.Stan you not only hit the nail on the head but drove it in with one whack.It's OK I'm growing and need the truth,hence the interweb statement.Thanks for the help guys.
Eddie