Forgot what steel I'm using!

[dirtyphil]

Let me preface this by saying I bought an engraver to mark what my steel is on the handle area...I have some 1084 and some 80crv2. I forgot what type of steel i was working on. I want to send the batch to HT but dunno what to tell them. Are the heat treats similar enough that it should be ok or am I screwed? Thanks, Phil

 

[timos-]

Whats the chances that your 1084 was the exact same thickness as your 80crv2? Usually when I get my steel from NJSB I can tell the steels apart by the finish on them and the thickness. i.e. my 1/8" 1084 is slightly over 1/8" and the 1/8" aebl is slightly under.

 

[dirtyphil]

They are the same thickness. If I send them thinking they are 80crv2 and they turn out to be 1084 will the HT ruin them and vice versa? Thanks, Phil

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

There are a few ways that would likely tell them apart. Etch a sample of the two known bars in FC at the same time as the blade. Compare them. Try at 15 seconds, 30 seconds, and 60 seconds.

As for the HT, the temps are pretty much the same, so it won't matter. I would use 1475-1500F and a 10 minute soak. If it is 1084, the soak isn't needed, but won't hurt. If you still aren't sure after testing in FC, just tell the HTer the mix-up and he will use the 80crv2 specs.