Does this make sense to anyone?

Raker,

Soldering coffee cans together and making their joints water proof is a test in soldering expertise. If you're not good at it when you start you will be when you're finished. I was once upon a time taught to NASA standards but coffee cans seem to require a tighter standard.:eek:

Roger
 
Thanks Ray

Bill,
I too believe that expermenting is the way to get the best results out of a particular batch/type of steel. It (knifemaking)is always about learning new tricks.

Thanks,
Mike K
 
Because I am stuck with a Kiln to do my HT for now I usually try to do at least 2-3 blades per heat. Starting from a cold oven they heat pretty evenly on the way up to temp.
That can take as long as 2.5-3hrs. Texaco HT oil is what I use and it works very well. Never had a cracked blade yet.
5160 is my favorite with O1 a close second and yes I have tried S5 with some success. Need some more time to experiment or maybe just hand it over to Paul Bos and see if he can HT it, it will air harden if done right.

I will tell you a neat test for a blade that turns out ugly and you don't mind messing up.
Use it for a throwing knife for an afternoon:p it's a great way to see how it will hold up. I threw one of the small bowies I just made for 2hrs and all it did was stick (When thrown correctly) with a resounding thud when it stuck. Just got a bunch of goop on the blade. After the handle finally cracked from too many pommel hits I decided to try the brick fence. That did it handle came off after a few throws but the blade was fine, just scratched up. This one is now my personal carry, knowing what it's capable of handling gives a good sense of confidence in your blade.
 
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