Heat Treating Foil

[seamus]

I always heat treat S.S. Damascus bolsters and spacers for durability and to etch consistant with the blade. Lately I've packed these parts (not blades) in packets that have been used once before and have had no problems. Has anyone else re-used packets and had the same results? I called Precision Brand once about this and they seemed to HMM and Haaa about the answer that led me to believe they don't want to have us conserving their product. I only use the High-temp(2200 degree F.) foil.

 

[galadduin]

My foil has finished and waiting my order to come from Sweden, meanwhile I made about 6 knives and I had only 1 envelope survived. Yes you guessed right it did get in 6 times to kiln at 2000F. Knives didn't have any noticeable decarb layer at all. But I wouldn't do that if I had foil in hand. It was like nightmare to wait each of them and wondering if I burned that knife....

 

[silver_pilate]

For smaller items such as bolsters, I wouldn't have too much of a problem re-using foil. I only use new foil for blade heat treating. After I plate quench to below dark heat, I snip off the end of the pack, and quickly pull the blade out to check for warps to correct. Then I re-plate the blade and usually toss the pack. However, if handled carefully, you could probably use the foil pack to heat treat bolsters, etc. by just re-folding the cut end. I wouldn't use it by unfolding the packet and re-folding, as the foil can become brittle with use.

--nathan