Help me with outsourced HT options

Varga Knives

Varga Knives

Joined
Aug 12, 2006
Messages
1,302
Hey guys,

I need help figuring out where to send some Elmax knives for heat treating. Money of course is always an issue but ulitmately the job done right is the biggest factor. I really want to send them to Peter's because of their stellar reputaion but I only have four knives complete at the moment and $100 is a lot for four knives. Their pricing structure is great for larger quantities and, as I'm sure most of you know, the price remains at $100 for the first 20 knives. I asked Brad (PHT) if I can combine knives from other makers in an order and he suprisingly said that that was fine as long as all the steels are to be treated at the same temps. For Elmax he mentioned that M390 and some other "exotic" steels could be batched together (wish I wrote them down). I have another order of Elmax on its way so I can either wait until I have more completed (totaling about 8 and maybe a month or more away (I'm slow)) or see if someone (preferably nearby) wants to combine a few knives of similar steel with my order. So, those are options one and two. The third option is a HT company 15 minutes from me that says they can do it. The problem is that while they say they have done knives before they have also never heard of Elmax. I printed out the HT specs from Bohler and the rep says they have no problem working off the manufacturers instructions. To me, someone who has only ever heat treated hot dogs on a grill, there seems to be a lot of steps and precision involved and really I have no way of verifying that their HT was optimal. Their price was $10 a knife and they even offer pick-up and delivery. It would be great to establish a relationship with a company nearby but it seems like a leap of faith if you know what I mean.

Any thoughts would be appreciated and PM me if you want to combine an order.

Thanks.
 
You could ask the local place who, in the past, they've H.T. knives for.
Then maybe you could ask them what their opinion of the H.T. is.
As a bonus you may just meet another local knifemaker.
 
Paul Bos is a little cheaper for small runs at $17 a blade. Texas Knifemamer was closed by the time I called them but I'm guessing it's about $20 a blade there. If I make a couple more i think I'd be better off at Peter's.

That's a good idea Leif and I think I'll give it a try. Being that they don't specialize in knives and had no idea what Elmax is, I would need a recommendation from someone to give the warm and fuzzies. Their price of $10 a blade is almost too good and makes me think they don't know how much work is involved. But then again, neither do I so maybe it's not that bad.

If they don't hardness test then I'll probably just scrap that idea.

No one wants to share a batch?

Thanks guys.
 
Off the top of my head I don't think they work with Elmax. I can't remember if I called them or if I'm just recalling what was on their website.
 
Call Paul (varner no bos;))at Paul Bos he is great to work with and they specialize in stainless steals and cryo every blade.
 
chavez556 said:
Call Paul (varner no bos;))at Paul Bos he is great to work with and they specialize in stainless steals and cryo every blade.
Click to expand...

I have used Paul Bos at Buck since 98 for all of my stainless steels. I have spoken with both Pauls over the years and you would be hard pressed to find any place more qualified to heat treat any modern stainless knife steel.

You can call and chat with Paul Varner or just leave a message, he is very prompt about calling back when you have a question.
 
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