Heat treating SS steel for dummies?

[ThomasAgee]

Hello, I was wondering if anyone could maybe tell me some info on heat treating a Stainless Steel knife. I am new to forging knives, and some people want some stainless knives, but ive had to say no because I dont know how to heat treat em. I'm not asking for your secret heat treat, i would just like to know how to go about it. Do I have to Cryogenic heat treat it or something? Thanks in advance.

 

[DukeHarley]

Thomas, welcome to the forums. Heat treating stainless steel is not for the beginner or home gas forge knifemaker. Heat treating stainless takes some more extensive procedures. You will need a digitally controlled oven, stainless tool wrap, and either liquid nitrogen or dry ice bath. Now if you have to have a stainless knife then you can send it out for heat treat. Probably the best bang for the buck on single blades would be to send it to Tru Grit. You could also do multiple blades and send them to Peters Heat Treat but they have a minimum charge so it's best to send a batch to them of 15-20 blades. Peters is probably one of the best in the business.

Jay

 

[Cody Hofsommer]

Jay said it well 👍

 

[FunkCoaster]

Using 440C as an example starting point, here is a sheet on heat treating, among other things:
https://www.crucible.com/PDFs//DataSheets2010/Data Sheet 440c.pdf

I would argue that you don't "need" LN or dry ice, but they get a more complete hardening and better final product.

 

[tattooedfreak]

Theres also a better than average chance that you are not prepared to forge stainless at home.

 

[ThomasAgee]

Thanks, good to know.