Heat Treating: DIY or Have it Done Professionally?

[Mike Gesualdo]

I do my own heat treatment because I enjoy doing and because I'm not a very patient man. To me, it's like being back in chemistry class... scientific method and whatnot. I also get to continue on projects right away instead of waiting to have a batch of knives ready, and waiting for the 2-3 week turn-around most of the companies seem to have. I work slowly, and generally make all one-offs, so this is a big deal for me.

That said, if you want spot on heat treatments without have to worry about messing something up, send it out. Unless you do a massive amount of blades, it'll be cheaper in the long run anyways... especially if you work in batches.