Edge quenching

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

If memory serves, retained austenite is a problem due to it gradually transforming over time. Any comments on minimizing retained austenite?

Retained austenite is not an issue with the steels that can be edge quenched.

RA applies to stainless steels and high alloy steels...these are air hardening, and that is where the supersaturated austenite can become stabilized and retained.

Maybe Nathan will have the exact numbers, but I believe RA is very low on any oil or water hardening steel. After two tempering cycles, it is virtually non-existent.

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

It would just take more steel on the differentially hardened blade to achieve the same amount of strength.

Specious argument....not apples to apples. Of course a thicker blade will take more force to bend than a thin one.

(I know you are just kidding, BTW)

 

[Tai Goo]

It’s apples and oranges to begin with.

How about a "T" back?