Is my 5160 to hard?

T

TRAVIS R HENNINGER

Joined
Jul 23, 2017
Messages
38
I have a knife I just made with a 3.5 inch blade. It is made of 5160 and the handle is lignum vitae. This is only the 3rd blade I have made. Is 64rc to hard for the blade? The handle is 35rc. I am new to the forum and blade making, so be gentile..

Here is a picture
177fk2f.jpg

I tried searching for the answer, but I am still trying to learn the site.
 
If you did the test in vickers, I think your conversion is a few points high. 800 to Rockwell C would be between 61 and 62 from the charts I've seen.
 
Thanks for the reply. I am not sure about the conversion. I took it to the local met lab and had them test it. I would hope it would be fine for a small blade. I would like to give it to my dad.
 
I am not familiar with 5160 since I have not worked with it. What was your HT and tempering process? The guys that would give you a good answers to your question will probably be asking so this will have the info ready for them when they get here.
 
I am using a homemade coal forge from an old grill.
B5BRJix.jpg

I heated to non magnetic and air cooled 3 times. Then heated to non magnetic and quenched in vegetable oil preheated to 120 degrees F. After cooling, I brought a toaster oven up to 350 F (verified temp with a meter and RTD) for 40 minutes.
 
You really need an extra 1 'n 20 minutes at least. I'd go for a 2 hr temper in addition to what you've already done.
 
So I will pull the scales and temper again. I hate to waste the handle material. I was reading that it is not sold anymore. What hardness should I be shooting for then for something that will not be abused. He may never even carry it.
 
Try carving some hardwood. See if the edge chips. Probably not worth redoing. Just do it right the next time.
 
I am no maker or steel expert but I think at this point the question for this knife should be is there anything wrong with 5160 @ 62-64RC on a 3.5" blade? If the answer is no then keep it move on learn for next time to hit a perhaps more "ideal" HRC for the size and steel.
 
I agree pirate. I believe I will keep it as is and give it to my dad for his birthday. I did try to batton through some hardwood. (That is pretty tough) after I was finished the blade is fine and still shaves hair from my arm.
r7FULUf.jpg

PWrmz4b.jpg

VRkMFCC.jpg

SEjQNUt.jpg
 
Based on your batoning, I'd leave it just as it is. Your Dad will be proud of it because you made it.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top