L-6 heat treat

[Bailey Knives]

I am having problems with the search tool on this site, anyone else? So, if this question has been done to death, I apologize. What is the proper method for heat treating L-6. I am going to be doing some stock removal, some forging, depending on the knife. I want a nice tough blade with good edge holding capabilities (dont we all). I have a propane forge, so really fine temperature control can be difficult. I appreciate any advice. Thanks.

 

[Greg Covington]

With the equipment you are using this should work...it does excellent for me.

After forging and initial grinding normalize the blade a couple times.

As far as heat treating in the forge...what I do is bring the forge up pretty hot...then back the forge down by using the gas regulator until it is barely sputtering, but gives me the color inside that is the color I am shooting for in the blade at critical temp.

I start by putting the blade in tang first, leaving the tip end out of the forge. When the tang starts to get red/orange, I flip the blade aroundand put the tip end inside the forge....constanly keeping an eye to ensure the tip doesnt overheat. With the forge barely running you have much more control over this. Once the color is consistent I check with a magnet...if is non magnetic, I go back into the forge for a few more seconds to replace the heat I lost. Once back up, I quench the blade in oil (I use tough quench) that is heat to apprx. 140F...either a full quench or edge quench. When the blade is sufficiently cool (but still very hot) I scrub the blade with an oil soaked scotchbrite pad to remove the scale....then it goes straight into the tempering oven at 400F for two 1.5 hr tempers.

 

[Bailey Knives]

Thanks, I will use that method. Sounds thorough enough.