Heat treat and tempers

[Scarman]

I read somewhere that ATS-34 requires the highest degree of temperature for tempering the edge.
This being the case does that make it the best steel to use in and around fires with minimal to no damage whatsoever to temper.
What about other steels and their durability? What is the best and worst as far as this is concerned?
Why the big jump when dealing with ATS-34 vs other steels?

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I can see how it might be possible for a man to look down upon the earth and be an atheist, but I cannot conceive how a man could look up into the heavens and say there is no God.
*Abraham Lincoln

Romans 1:20-22

 

[Joe Talmadge]

>I read somewhere that ATS-34 requires the highest degree of temperature for tempering the edge.
>This being the case does that make it the best steel to use in and around fires with minimal to no
>damage whatsoever to temper.

Hmmm, think there's a little confusion. There are two tempering curves that Hitachi publishes for ATS-34. The higher curve -- 900 degreeish -- is what the vast majority of heat treaters use. The advocates of the lower -- 450 degreeish -- curve claim it results in better rust resistance and toughness.

In theory, you don't want to get a knife's steel anywhere near the tempering temperature, as it could ruin the temper. That being so, the higher tempering curve is probably better if you're worried about the edge getting very hot. On the other hand, exactly how hot are you planning on getting it? Neither knife is going to be very happy if you drop it in the fire. Unless you have a very special-purpose use, I'd go with whatever gives you best performance at room temperature. I've camped for years and haven't dropped a knife in the fire yet.

High Speed Steels like M-2 are specifically supposed to be formulated so that they hold their temper at high temperatures. Worth a look if you're really worried about it.

>Why the big jump when dealing with ATS-34 vs other steels?

Big jump in what?

 

[Scarman]

Joe,

First, thanks for answering so quickly.
I don't plan on stirring up the coals or anything stupid like that, but perhaps some cooking chores etc where the blade can get a little hot, not 400 degrees hot though.

I suppose I was a little shocked at the big difference(that's what I meant by "big jump") in temperatures from say ATS-34 to 440V but then what you said makes more sense.
I am just glad to have the opportunity to clarify things.

Thanks again.



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I can see how it might be possible for a man to look down upon the earth and be an atheist, but I cannot conceive how a man could look up into the heavens and say there is no God.
*Abraham Lincoln

Romans 1:20-22