Hot hot?

H

hatidua

Joined
Jul 28, 2010
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How hot can you get a blade (S30V) without doing any damage? I have a couple of custom 1911's that are nearing completion and they will be getting a melonite treatment that I thought would look nice on one of my knives. The melonite bath will be at a temperature of 1,025*F. Would that damage the knife blade?
 
If the blade is already heat treated? Yes, it will destroy the temper.
 
With 3v you'll lose a bit of hardness at 1025F, but not too much. There is a secondary hardening curve at 1000F for 3v if I recall correctly. You'd have to go check the Crucible data sheets to see what that 25 degrees would cost you, but it may not be much. Of course, the time at temperature could be an issue. I think you're supposed to do multiple hours at temp when tempering 3v and I don't know if the melonite treatment would be long enough.

-d
 
Actually, S35V has a high end temper of 1000-1025F. It increases the toughness, and decreases the corrosion resistance. I don't think it will hut the knife much. Do the original temper at 1000F.
 
Well, I stand corrected. :D

Learn something new everyday here.

I had no idea some steels were tempered even close to that hot. Guess I'll go back under my rock and keep quiet. :p:)
 
J. Doyle said:
Well, I stand corrected. :D

Learn something new everyday here.

I had no idea some steels were tempered even close to that hot. Guess I'll go back under my rock and keep quiet. :p:)
Click to expand...


No worries man! On many of the exotic steels there is a 'secondary' tempering temperature that can offer benefits or trade-offs in comparison to the primary tempering temps.

Here's a link to Crucible's data sheet on CPM S30v

... a brief excerpt from the data sheet regarding tempering:

Temper: Double temper at 400-750°F (200-400°C). Hold for
2 hours minimum each time. (See Table) A freezing treatment
may be used between the first and second tempers. Freezing
treatments help to attain maximum hardenability and must
always be followed by at least one temper.
NOTE: For optimum stress relieving, CPM S30V may be tempered at 1000-1025°F (540-550°C). Tempering in this range
may result in a slight decrease in corrosion resistance.



Note also that in order for this to make something I would personally deem a usable blade the higher austenitizing temperature needs to be used, as well as cryo - otherwise, the blade will have a serious reduction in hardness.


Hope this helps!
 
Another tidbit from one of Crucible's other data sheets I forgot to mention...

PLEASE NOTE: Tempering between about 800 and 1000°F
(425 and 540°C) is not recommended. All martensitic stainless
steels suffer from embrittlement when tempered in this range.


All of these posts should suggest that you may wish to forgo the aesthetic treatment of your knife, as the trade-offs in performance can be significant!
 
I would like to know where you are getting things melonized. I have something I would like with the process. Thanks Jim
 
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