Do I drill/tap before or after HT?

[Atlas Knife Company]

I'm working on a folder blade out of s30v. I have the profiling and grinding done, sanded to 400 grit. Should I drill and tap the thumb opener now or after HT? Now, right?

 

[65535]

Well it will be nearly impossible to tap without spending some $$$ on carbide taps after HT. Just be wary it is possible that the threads warp. But shouldn't be much of a concern.

 

[Atlas Knife Company]

Thank you. I just wanted to make sure before I did it or screwed up and didn't do it. It's now done and looks great.

 

[Nathan the Machinist]

Carbide taps don't do well tapping hard steel either. They just wear better in abrasive materials. About the only way to thread hard steel is to mill (with a carbide thread mill) or grind the threads. Can be done, but best avoided...

I thread hard steel starting at about $50 a hole...

 

[Leu Custom]

Don't know how many blades you have tapped, but if it starts to make a funny screeching sound...STOP...the tap is trying to tell you that any further in this manner and it will break...getting a tap out can be a royal PITA especially if there's nothing left to grab onto! (ask me how i know lol)

 

[Alarion]

I'm working on a folder blade out of s30v. I have the profiling and grinding done, sanded to 400 grit. Should I drill and tap the thumb opener now or after HT? Now, right?

Oh, yes.
Definitely.
Don't ask how I know.

Plus, since it's SS, be really careful while drilling. SS is a bitch.
Drill nice and slow, with LOTS of cutting oil