During this weekend I tryed to make a knife. I used a old truck leaf spring steel and forged a large bowie knife around 11 inch long and 1/4inch thick at the spine. I then heated the blade just above non magnetic and quench in diesel engine oil. The i tempered in the oven at 425 for 1 hour. Took it out a noticed a slight bend in the knife from quenching it, so i took it to the anvil and gave it a couple light hits with the 3lb hammer to try to straighten it somewhat.. The blade just broke right into.
What did i do wrong? Did i hit it to hard with the hammer? or did i not temper it high enough or long enough? Or was it from quenching it in the diesel engine oil? Help would be much appreciated.
What did i do wrong? Did i hit it to hard with the hammer? or did i not temper it high enough or long enough? Or was it from quenching it in the diesel engine oil? Help would be much appreciated.
