heat treatment - plate quenching - removal temperature

[llecardu]

when plate quenching, you want as fast quench from austentizing temp. the question is, should i remove the blade from the plate and let the steel cool slower from the martinsite start phase to the finish phase, say from 400f -200f(really, all the way to room temp would be the logical thing to do). thanks in advance for any help you can offer.

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

If you had anyway of accurately knowing that temperature, technically it would be better. In actual practice, just plate quench and keep there until cool enough to remove by hand. Because the steels we use in plate quenching are complex ( mainly stainless) steels, there isn't the need for babying it between 400 and 200 like you do for W2.

 

[llecardu]

i suspected for that reason, people just let it cool to room temp. but you have added clarity. thanks for time on this and all you other helpful posts.