Heat Treating 154CM vs ATS-34

[Jerry Hossom]

I just read a Crucible Steel data sheet on 154CM, and was surprised to see they now recommend oil quenching. Since it is the same basic formula as ATS-34 which is air hardened, does anyone know why the heat treating schedule is different. I used to heat treat 154CM myself and always air quenched. This is important, because Paul Bos doesn't heat treat oil quenched steels, and if Paul doesn't heat treat it I don't use it.

------------------
Jerry Hossom
www.hossom.com

 

[Jerry Hossom]

Got my answer with a phonecall from Paul Bos. Things do have a way of getting around (Thanks Tom Mayo). Paul has been heat treating 154CM since it was introduced in the 60's. Oil quenching is only for thick sections and does not apply to knife blades. For knives it is treated just like ATS-34 (air quenched).

It's kind of amazing that Crucible doesn't mention that in their data sheet.

Once more Paul has impressed me with both his skill and his concern for his customers.

------------------
Jerry Hossom
www.hossom.com

 

[tom mayo]

as one who was grinding blades before the introduction of ATS34 (yes i know that dates me) I knew that Paul ran them together, as i used to send him batches of both when ats first came out. Actually, from what i understand, Bob Loveless, who is a living legend in Japan (those guys revere blademakers) is good friends with the guy who OWNS Hitachi, and he persuaded the man to start making Ats, per bobs recipe, as a cleaner, vacuum melted alternative to 154 with only a few minor modifications in the chemical makeup. Thus the miracle steel of the 80s was born.

------------------
http://www.mayoknives.com

 

[Jerry Hossom]

Tom, I used to use 154CM exclusively, but it got a little sloppy and I switched to ATS along with everyone else. I just received a lot of new 154CM from Crucible and I have to say, it looks very good - completely descaled and very clean inside the surface as well. Plus, I have lately gotten some ATS that wasn't all that clean.

Crucible says they are very serious about going after the knifemaker business, so maybe the worm has turned and we have a new (old) steel to use.

Thanks again for contacting Paul on this.



------------------
Jerry Hossom
www.hossom.com