Heat Treat - Weird Patterning, Help Needed?!?! (Photo)

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PappySnipes

Joined
Nov 19, 2020
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Noob here - I did my research and could not find anything, so I'm reaching out for advice.

Details:
1095 Steel
Normalized at at 1,575F, air cooled
Annealed at 1475, cooled at 50F, max per hour
Hardened at 1475F, quenched 1-2 seconds later in 130F canola oil
Accurate oven used, temps verified...

Results: Batch of six blades, all have wood grain like pattern visible to the naked eye. Grinding does not remove as it appears to be in metal and not surface patterning?

Photo - https://1drv.ms/u/s!AgHWz3SFCGsHaiaJFM_b01UMcLw?e=LteTsE

To try to correct, I reworked the entire batch with exact process thinking that I messed it up the first go-around.

What is this pattern and what did I do wrong?

Thank you
 
Was this admiral steel 1095? I am assuming this is called alloy banding and has been a known issue with some steels but can also come out depending on HT process.

Search here for alloy banding and you'll find lots around 1095 and having it.
 
Does look like alloy banding, did you Rc test the blades?
 
I appreciate your responses and good questions, guys!
-No, this is not admiral steel. Purchased from a well-known and reputable knife supplies company.
-I do not have access to Rockwell files available but I did test the edge on a brass bar and had good flex with no chipping and/or distortion. All indications suggest a successful heat treat.
So, what is next? Scrap the blades and call this a bad batch of metal, or is there a way to correct the blades? How to prevent during heat treat, etc??
Thanks again
 
I say etch it and use 'em as is...
If they perform well, there's no reason not to use them.
 
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