- Joined
- Sep 9, 2015
- Messages
- 3,553
I can wait to use it!I'd follow the Protocol Tracy has up on Midwest knifemaker.
64rc should be where this stuff shines.
It should be used like a turbo charged Vanadis 4 extra that trades raw toughness/shock resistance for more strength and wear resistance yet has that sweet spot for not being edge chippy.
Tracy recommends
2 preheats and a 2010°F Austenizing, soak for 15min
Plate quench
Temper twice for two hours each for 950°F
I'd throw in a cryo immediately after quenched and up to room temperature.
Skip the snap temper. Immerse directly in the LN -300 for an hour then temper.
That should boost it to 65rc +
The steel is capable of going to extreme hardness 67rc plus but is perhaps not as ideal. The merit of V8E should be a balance of strength, wear resistance and chipping resistance.
I'd also recommend using very high end sharpening stones with this steel to get the most out of it.
And I definitely need some sweet stones. Everything now is just straight off the grinder. 600 grit SiC belt then buff to break the burr. 2 compounds. If I feel its needed I will bring it up to the green fine compound or red ultra fine.
Then I go to 1 mic diamond.
If I'm really feeling it I will go to 0.5 mic.
The edge that comes up is wild.