- Joined
- Aug 26, 2012
- Messages
- 136
While I've been doing this trade for over a decade, it's only been this year that I decided to move forward into tool steels; before I just made stainless wallhangers for friends and random contacts. I have also just started to experiment with differential hardening by means of clay/mortar application, and I am hoping that some of you would be able to enlighten me about this miracle mortar called Satanite. I have seen from browsing that a LOT of bladesmiths love it. I've used Rutland's refractory with mild success during test runs (30 - 60 percent chance it will crack and crumble to dust in the forge). I'm very interested in hearing why so many smiths prefer Satanite. I would just like to gather input before I do anything serious with differential hardening.
How well does Satanite stay on the blade, and does it stay on better with a medium-fine or coarse polish before and during heat treatment?
How does it fare in both fast oil and brine quenches? Will it bust off completely like regular clay mixtures and if not, how easy/difficult is it to remove from a blade after quench?
How thick should Satanite mortar be applied to pull off a successful differential hardening?
How well does Satanite stay on the blade, and does it stay on better with a medium-fine or coarse polish before and during heat treatment?
How does it fare in both fast oil and brine quenches? Will it bust off completely like regular clay mixtures and if not, how easy/difficult is it to remove from a blade after quench?
How thick should Satanite mortar be applied to pull off a successful differential hardening?
