So, I made my first knife. The quality of the steel is already questionable as I just used a flat pry bar with then ends cut off. I heated up just passed magnetic and quenched in canola oil. File test went successfully so I was happy enough with that. I must have misread some information somewhere and tempered it at 350 for 2 hours and let it air cool. Somehow I either forgot to run a second temper cycle or the information I read didn't call for a second cycle, either way the end result is since I joined today and read through several posts I noticed that I definitely did the tempering wrong? I would rectify the issue, however I already have the handle scales epoxied on and curing. I did put an edge on it and it seems to be holding the edge pretty well, it slices through phone book paper smoothly and easily. Before prepping and putting the scales on I tested it a bit by chopping on some wood for awhile with no adverse effects on the edge or blade. So, I guess the question is, how much will the improper tempering hurt the overall strength of the blade or is it just impossible to tell?
On a side note, once I get home, shape the handle, and do the finishing work to the blade I plan on posting pictures of it for input and suggestions on improvements in later attempts.
On a side note, once I get home, shape the handle, and do the finishing work to the blade I plan on posting pictures of it for input and suggestions on improvements in later attempts.