Heat Treat 420HC

C

creightonfcb

Joined
Nov 5, 2005
Messages
331
Got some of this from a buddy, and I have no idea how to HT it!!

Any advice or how to is welcome!

Bring IT ON!!!

V/r,

Frank B
 
According to my HT guide you heat to 1900-1950 then quench with oil or air to RC54. Temper is 350-950 for a RC range of 48-52.
 
That's one of the steels that Buck uses in their knives. The package told me that the sharpest it can get is 25 degrees. Psh... But it's a good quality blade, that doesn't really wear down too much. Good job getting your hands on some!
 
Thank y'all! Dosent sound like something that I could do with my webber mini grill... I am really limited on resources and money right now, but does anyone have a suggestion of how I could reach those temps with common materials?? (i.e. charcoal bricettes, hardwood, small BBQ grill, etc...)
 
You will not be able to get enough accuracy with a forge to do stainless like this well imo. You can probably send it out, though.

edit: if you are really want to do it yourself in a forge type burner, look up info on welding forges. As I said, you will not be able to keep it at a steady accurate temperature.
 
You can't (and don't) do stainless in an open flame or forge. It requires programmed high temperature ovens and a stainless foil envelope to keep the blade from becoming a worthless piece of metal in the HT. Many (most) send it to Paul Bos, Texas Knife Supply, or one of the many other heat treaters.It usually runs about $10 a blade.

420 is a Martensitic stainless steel and will harden , but not to a high degree. The temperature for austenitizing is from 1800F to 1950F. most use 1900-1950F for blades. It requires a controlled Ht program ,with a couple pre-heat steps.

There are far better stainless steels for knives than 420. I would suggest CPM 154. It works well, finishes good, is readily available in many sizes,and is not too expensive.

Stacy
 
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