Getting a lot of rusting with O1 steel blades

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Derek15555

Joined
Jul 15, 2014
Messages
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Ive made a few knives with O1 steel but they seem to rust really quick when being handwashed. My hardening process is to bring the knife to around 1750 degrees until steel is glowing orange and magnet no longer sticks. Quench in oil. Let air cool to room temp. Then I temper at 400 degrees for one hour and let air cool to room temp.

Trying to make them a bit more user/consumer friendly and not rust so easily. Does anyone have any recommendations?
 
O1 is not a stainless steel. If it isn't properly cared for, it will rust. When you are done using it, it should be cleaned, dried and oiled. If you are looking for user friendly (no need for maintenance) then you should look at using stainless steels.
 
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I've had several of mine begin to develop tiny rust spots just from the humidity in the air. Of course, I do live in the southeastern U.S., where the humidity can be excruciatingly high in the warmer.

I have one blade on which I have forced a patina by soaking in a 50/50 water/vinegar solution for a couple of hours. It seems to keep the red rust at bay, but at the cost of not having a polished blade.
 
J. Hoffman said:
O1 is not a stainless steel. If it isn't properly cared for, it will rust. When you are done using it, it should be cleaned dried and oiled. If you are looking for user friendly (no need for maintenance) then you should look at using stainless steels.
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Yeah thats true. But im surprised at how quickly some rust formed.
 
Poorlymade said:
I've had several of mine begin to develop tiny rust spots just from the humidity in the air. Of course, I do live in the southeastern U.S., where the humidity can be excruciatingly high in the warmer.

I have one blade on which I have forced a patina by soaking in a 50/50 water/vinegar solution for a couple of hours. It seems to keep the red rust at bay, but at the cost of not having a polished blade.
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Thats a great idea, i'll try it out. What kind of finish are you left with after soaking in that solution?
 
Derek15555 said:
Thats a great idea, i'll try it out. What kind of finish are you left with after soaking in that solution?
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It's a dull/matte grey finish. From what I understand, you can use pretty much anything acidic to force a patina on a blade, such as mustard, fruit juices, etc.
 
What grit are you at? I'd wipe them down with mineral oil at the end of the day if you are having problems with rust between steps.

Put some Borax or Baking Soda in your dip bucket along with a bit of dishwashing soap like Dawn. That will go a long ways if you are getting discoloration/rust while grinding.

I'd seriously look into 1084 steel if you are using the magnet method to heat treat, it will get closer to potential than O1 as O1 needs a long soak at 1500 or so.
 
O1 will rust just from looking at it lol that is why I got rid of all my O1 In 21 century I'm not babysitting any knife lol. cpm 154 is my answer:D
 
My first question would be "WHY ARE YOU AUSTINIZING O1 AT 1750 DEGREES????

Please read the 'stickies' at the top of the page. There is a TON of valuable information that has been compiled just for you!

There are a lot of ways to get a usable blade with O1, quenching from 1750 is not one of them.
 
I assumed he mis-typed and meant to type 1450. If you are austenitizing at 1750.....you are not doing yourself a favor, let's put it that way.
 
Deweyknives said:
My first question would be "WHY ARE YOU AUSTINIZING O1 AT 1750 DEGREES????

Please read the 'stickies' at the top of the page. There is a TON of valuable information that has been compiled just for you!

There are a lot of ways to get a usable blade with O1, quenching from 1750 is not one of them.
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I haven't had a ton of time to go through all the stickies. What is the problem quenching from 1750?
 
I guess they are rusting before getting finished/delivered?
If so, make EXTRA sure you keep them in very clean and dry place.
Small steel particles in the air in the workshop + humidity means extra effective corrosion starting points..
Polishing blades make them much more rust resistant.

"Aging" the surface is usefull too. By aging I mean dipping blade in very very weak oxiding agent, then cleaning it up.
 
You have to get the temp. right to get a good blade.
We've all tried it by the seat of the pants, and sooner or later just went ahead and did what we have to do to get the right heats.
 
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