Max RC Hardness

There are many variables, but water quenched 1095 can get to Rc66. Those stainless steels max as quenched at Rc62-63
 
Keep in mind that maximum attainable hardness isn't the end of the journey, though. Untempered 1095 at 66Rc would be awfully brittle and unstable.
 
That will work :) I think most people - and every factory I know of - way over-temper 1095 (most steels, really). At 59-60Rc you give up a little toughness but in a thin, fine-edged knife like a hunter I think the extra edge-retention is worth it.
 
Some of us consider 59-60 to be pretty soft for W2. ;)
james terrio said:
That will work :) I think most people - and every factory I know of - way over-temper 1095 (most steels, really). At 59-60Rc you give up a little toughness but in a thin, fine-edged knife like a hunter I think the extra edge-retention is worth it.
Click to expand...
 
What would be recommended for W2 in a 10-12" carving knife approx 3/16 x 1 1/2"? I am picking up some W2 this weekend along with 15n20 and 1084. I will be doing some small W2 blades first (approx 3-4" first to see if I can get a Hamon.) I have some temp control equipment on order for the blown forge I am working on so it won't be a basic heat till nonmagnetic and dump in motor oil scenario. :)
 
First of all Iwould make the blade a lot thinner for a carving knife, assuming that you mean a meat carving knife. Second, no softer than say 62 Rc on the edge. If you are trying to do a hamon, the spine will be what it wants to be.:D
Willie71 said:
What would be recommended for W2 in a 10-12" carving knife approx 3/16 x 1 1/2"? I am picking up some W2 this weekend along with 15n20 and 1084. I will be doing some small W2 blades first (approx 3-4" first to see if I can get a Hamon.) I have some temp control equipment on order for the blown forge I am working on so it won't be a basic heat till nonmagnetic and dump in motor oil scenario. :)
Click to expand...
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top