HT questions!

[Fieldtestornothing]

Hey guys,

Never posted in this section before but I would like some advice. Like many I think that I have evolved from a hobby sharpener to tinkering with putting handles on into now making my own knives. I have only made a few and am learning.

Now I was given a sizeable amount of huge saw blades from my father in law who works in a mill. I have been cutting them out with a torch and attempting to heat treat them with a torch and a oven. I have made a few mistakes but my results have been ok.

My question is. Would it be preferable to cut the blanks with a plasma cutter and grind just a few mm of stell away and leave the original HT? Or is the cutting the blanks with the torch and attempting to HT myself a better angle to play?

Thanks,
Lawrence

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

Since the area of the cut may be de-carburized,it would be best to leave a little to grind away.

You should get a sample of the blades analyzed, or contact the manufacturer to find out what the alloy is.

Stacy