anyone recommend where i can get HT services in Portland OR?

U

Uhurungus

Joined
Jan 8, 2015
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i have some stuff i'm ready to HT and until i can build a forge i'll be paying for it. I've looked around and there are options but i was just hoping someone would have a recommendation they've used before. I'm trying to find someone locally that might be able to teach me a few things in the process but that's a LOT to ask of a company. Arnon @ Bridgetown Forge is a super nice guy and seems to be willing to show me some stuff but he only does his batches once a month or so. i have 4 blades ready now and i'm chomping at the bit :D

also, thought i'd ask as well if anyone knows where i can buy 1084 locally.
 
I tried 1 heat treater in PDX and had very bad luck - the knives came back bent. I recommend Tru-Grit, they did a great job for me. You can reach them at (909) 923-9932.
 
What kind of steel?
I'd recommend Kelly Cupples for 1080, he's in Yakima Wa so not quite local but ships quick and his prices are great.
He also carries a few other carbon steels.
 
I actually just moved out of Portland and it is surprising how little HT services and knife steel suppliers there are considering it is the "knife capitol of the world." Most of the steel distributors in Portland only cater to the big companies or only carry structural steels.

While I was there I never did find a good heat treating service or steel supplier. I always just used New Jersey Steel Baron for steel and Texas Knife for low volume heat treating.

My suggestion would be to try and network and find other makers close by (which it sounds like you are already doing). There are quite a few established makers in the area that are likely to have their own HT ovens that may be willing to help you out. The Oregon Knife Show in Eugene is a good place to try to form a network.

As for steel, if you really don't want to order it online, I know many of the local machine shops and water jet cutters actually do work for Benchmade, Leatherman, and do quite a bit of blank cutting for local makers. They may be able to hook you up with some steel.
 
Pacific Machinery and Tool Steel has various flat stock, 5160, 1095, 1070 and some others i didn't bother to remember cause i'm so new but my precious 1084 is non existant. i bought 12 feet of 1095 from PMTS for $40 this week and if i bought from Aldo it would cost me $30+$20 for shipping for less than half that amount. The shipping is a killer. being as new as i am i want to be somewhat comfortable doing coffecan forging (LOL i know) or goddard's 1 brick forge stuff and use forgiving steel. i can read about color all day long and when it comes down to it i don't have a clue so yeah, reaching out is a big thing for me if i want to get anywhere on the budget i'm on.

thanks for all the suggestions.
 
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