Need advice with post heat treat tests

Justin Schmidt

Justin Schmidt

Joined
Feb 18, 2016
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Alright guys well i just did a batch of 4 knives in 80crv2. Heat treated to past non magnetic then quenched in parks AAA. Temper 2x 2hours @400°
Well i decided to do some rough testing. Cut paper, chopped through wood, and hammered through a 16D nail. Heres the results:
TDdo0GL.jpg

Pretty depressing. I had 2 of them posted for sale and immediately took them down. I tested those 2 with just chopping through wood then a cut test and they passed.
Padauk hunter i have i tested the same way. And it passed the nail test!
So i heat treated another knife except tempered it once at 350 for 90min. Exact same result at the first knife. Due to injury i wont be forging so should i just stick with sending blades out?
Or drive on and figure out the HT?
 
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What are you using to heat to non-magnetic with? Looks like you want to soak it at anywhere from 1545F to 1615F for around 5 minutes before you quench and temper.
 
Using a 2 brick forge with atlas burner.
I used to try and hold it for about 2 minutes but after some break testing i realized i was over heating it
 
Your intentions are to make and sell knives so it's a wise decision initially to have them professionally heat treated. The customer will receive a blade that will perform as expected. Many large manufacturers do this to be able to offer a warranty. I would still continue to work on my own heat treating process and purchase or build the proper equipment as funds are available. Testing either Rockwell hardness or Field testing are still necessary to ensure that "You" as the maker KNOWS if the blade performs to specification. I think you are on the right track.:thumbsup:
 
I'd agree with Busto's advice. Another advantage to the pro ht for me is. Ya'll get a call from a guy and he'll say, "Two years ago I bought a knife from you, best knife I've ever had. My brothers birthday is coming up and I want to get him one just like it." Well ya can sell him one just like it. Consistency, consistency and consistency and if I read your post right that's what you are struggling with. I applaud you for removing the knives for sale till ya get that figured. Well done.
 
Thanks guys. Thats probably the best course of action. I just cant have my knives out there with any questionable heat treat. And like horsewright said theres more consistency in sending it out.
 
It's hard to say there was anything wrong with your heat treat just because the nail chop results. The first chopper I ever made from 80CRV2 looked like that after chopping antler, maybe not quite as bad but disappointing. It was 60 RC, I tested it. But i was being really really optimistic with how thin the geometry was. It was closer to a kitchen knife than a machete. Grinding the edge back to .020" and sharpening and the same knife sailed through antler chopping without any damage.

If you want to send me coupon or blank to harness test for you to know what your process is doing I'd be happy to.
 
That's a good point. I try to make my edges pretty thin, these were roughly .012 they did fine hitting plywood and still cut. Didnt really design then to chop through nails lol
Ill do a couple up and send em to you John, i appreciate it man.
 
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