How thin can you go pre HT with ATS-34?

[Fletch Helical]

I have some ATS-34 I'm working with now and was just wondering basically how thin can you go on the blade for getting the HT done? I know the "rule of thumb" for a lot of carbon is about a dimes thickness (or most people mark about .040). Does the same apply to ATS-34 or can you go thinner? If so what would be about the critical thickness range on the edge?

 

[KnifeMaker.ca]

Properly heat treated, you should be able to take ATS34 nearly to finish. It can often be cleaned up and finished with nothing more than the buffer. Check with your heat treater first.

Rob!

 

[Gene Martin]

I try not to go less than .025 with it.

Gene

 

[george tichbourne]

A heat treater using proper vacuum ovens, gas shielded ovens or properly sealed wrapping (double wrap preferred) can work with finished thickness edges. Unprotected heat treating is to be avoided at all costs with ATS and other air quenched stainless steels.

George

 

[lukus]

I've always taken it to pretty well finished before sending it off to Paul. I'll even swear I can tell that the thinner finished edge is harder than one just a few hundreths thicker.