how to tell 440C from 1050 steel?

[sixth_sense]

OK, big problem. I only make knives during the winter months, and this week is my first week back of the season. I just finished up a batch of folders from last season and am ready to send them out to be heat treated. BIG PROBLEM. Last year I was working with two types of stell; 440C (air hardened) and 1050 Carbon steel (oil quench). I forgot which type of steel I was using for this batch. Is there anyway to tell one stell from the other???? I need to tell the heat treater how to treat them. I know that 1050 is softer, but is there a way to tell without tearing into the knives? Guys I really apreciate the help. You can understand the pinch!

 

[butcher_block]

i think you may have to "kill one to see"
heat to non mag. and let air cool
440 will be hard and 1050 will still be soft

thats about all the better i can tell you as both will rust is left wet 1050 way faster tho

 

[Bruce Bump]

give them a quick dip in ferric cloride. The 440c is stainless and will stay bright but the 1050 is a simple carbon steel and will turn black

 

[Kohai999]

give them a quick dip in ferric cloride. The 440c is stainless and will stay bright but the 1050 is a simple carbon steel and will turn black

Or alternatively, a quick wipe with cold blue will tell the difference, much the same.

Best Regards,

STeven Garsson

 

[Bruce Bump]

Or alternatively, a quick wipe with cold blue will tell the difference, much the same.

Best Regards,

STeven Garsson

Yep that would be a better test. Ferric Cloride requires neutralizing.

 

[sixth_sense]

Good call. Thanks fellas, it's much appreciated.

 

[Phillip Patton]

Just use your sixth sense.

 

[deker]

If they were in my shop, the 1050 would have rusted by now

-d