First attempt plate Quenching D2, what do you see?

B

Beken

Joined
Aug 27, 2005
Messages
3
My first attempt and it threw me off a little with the color rainbow and dull grey at the plunge(normal?). The dull area towards the edge at the plunge line initially let a file bite, but after the light third pass of the file is started "skating." Any feedback is appreciated.

The process details:
Plate quenched(1" thick Aluminum) inside of SS foil envelope(paper inside for Oxygen consumption), but no forced air(still air). The steel is 3/16" D2 and the bevel is probably 1.25" wide.

What do you see going on?

Obbgw2f.jpg


Thanks,
Mark
 
Looks like normal discoloration from some oxygen in the envelope, or maybe some residue left on the blade when cleaning, it happens from time to time, it should be fine.

Stan
 
Hole in the packet from crimping too close to the plunge? In that case, it's a little bit of decarb and could come off just fine when you polish. Other than the dark area near the plunge, the colors are normal.
 
Sometimes it's fun to sharpen and leave that rainbow as is, long as the sharpening goes past any possible decarb...it's not a very sturdy finish, but nonreflective and looks cool.
If you like that sort of thing.
 
I appreciate everyone's responses. Thank you. Based on what I could find I figured the colors were relatively normal, but the decarb I was pretty sure was not a good/normal thing inside of an envelope. On the next round I plan on doubling up on the paper inside(can you add too much?) and being more diligent in making sure the packet is airtight.

What temp and soak times were used?
Click to expand...

1875 for 15 minutes. Too high? I see various TTT seem to range from 1800-1900 with time from 10-25 minutes.

Sometimes it's fun to sharpen and leave that rainbow as is, long as the sharpening goes past any possible decarb...it's not a very sturdy finish, but nonreflective and looks cool.
If you like that sort of thing.
Click to expand...

This particular booger is a test piece that I plan on putting a simple paracord wrap and an edge on. Then it will get abused as I make an honest attempt to destroy it! :D So no polished finish is in its future.

Mark
 
I used to get my D2 really clean before I stuck it in the envelope and had troubles with the foil fusing to the blank in places. I now give them a light overall wipe with a rag with WD40. Just a real light fine coat on the blade. No sticking and it burns of in the envelope as does the paper. I sometimes get a touch of colors, but never had a problem from that. Are you making a double fold on all the seams of the envelope and pressing the folds to make them tight? Shouldn't really have any decarb.

I have tried repeatedly to get a high polish on D2. Sanding before and after HT. I always ended up with little scratches though and then somebody said that the scratches are from the carbides tearing out as I sand. Makes a lot of sense. Now at best I go to 600, then drop down to 400 and do straight pulls for a finish or do a cork belt finish. No polished finish for any of my D2s future from now on. While D2 will cut the crap out of a lot of stuff don't plan on any abuse that will flex it very much at all. IT WILL SNAP. All those carbides from the 1.5% carbon and Vanadium will make it wear resistant and brittle Even with a lower temper. I leave mine around 61RC and explain to everyone that they are cutters, and not for prying in the least..
 
Are you making a double fold on all the seams of the envelope and pressing the folds to make them tight?
Click to expand...

I made double folds and hammered them lightly to get a good crease, but I was having a little trouble with the first seam. So I think it threw off the rest of my seams a little. In the end I am pretty sure I had them sealed but apparently had trapped too much air on the inside(assuming the paper would burn up the remaining oxygen).

I appreciate the heads up on polish and also on the bending. It was the last test on the list to put the knife through... I still may, just to see how far it will go before the snap, but it sounds like the outcome is already guaranteed. :eek:

Mark
 
Last edited:
Honestly, I got more crap on my blade from burning paper than from the tiny bit of oxygen left in the packet. I have to do finish grinding anyway, and the light oxidation coloring comes off with that. Also, on several occasions, I had packets balloon up from the burning paper because I make a tight seal. I no longer use paper, and just clean the blade before putting it in the packet.

--nathan
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top