A2 Plate Quench?

[Mitchell Knives]

I know that A2 is an air hardening steel, but would plate quenching A2 cause any problems? (Blades are not ground.)

I don't mind letting them quench in still air, but I'm thinking that plate quenching might reduce any potential for warp and save time.

Any ideas?

Thanks!

 

[Nathan the Machinist]

A2 plate quenches well. No problems.

 

[Mitchell Knives]

Awesome!

Thanks Nathan!

 

[Bruce Bump]

I plate quench A2 also. Nice steel to work with.

 

[David Wesner]

I'm with Nathan & Bruce :thumbup: A2 makes an excellent blade.

Good for fixtures and other tooling around the shop too.

IMHO, to get the most out of an A2 blade, you'll want to follow up austenitizing & the plate quench with cryo.
LN or dry ice + acetone/kerosene will work great.
And of course after cryo you'll want to temper ~2 hrs x 2 at your chosen temp.