N678 or 440 Stainless Questions

Joined
Jun 24, 2008
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Hi all. Wanted to make a nice kitchen/chefs knife for the girlfriend for her upcoming birthday. I looked around a little and it appears that either 678 or 440 are what to use.

Any advice for working it?
Where can I get it. Not seeing it anywhere :mad:

Please help.
Thanks
 
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Where are you located, Shane? If you are in the US, try Texas Knife Supply steel for 440C and other SS.

If you are not in the US, ask for an N678 source on British Blades forum. It is a Bohler steel, not commonly available to US knifemakers.
 
I'm in florida. Is that considered outside the US yet? lol

Thanks. I'll check them out.

How messed up is the heat treat on SS?
 
You might also google Sheffield Knife Supply, since they're in FL. They'll have 440C.

The heat treat for 440C needs a heat treat furnace or salt pots. It has to be heated to 1850-1900F and held for 20-30 minutes. This high temperature causes terrible oxidation, so the blades need to be protected. In the small shop, this typically means wrapping in a stainless steel foil envelope. The blade can be quenched in oil or forced air, or, more commonly nowadays, it is placed (still in the envelope) between two thick plates of metal (usually aluminum) and that not only sucks the heat off but helps keep it straight. Tempering is around 350-400F, so that can be done in any oven with good control.

If you're not set up to do this, you can send it out for heat treat. That link I gave you also provides heat treat services. If you opt for that, include "cryogenic treatment" for the extra couple bucks. Request hardness around 60 Rockwell C.
 
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