new knife!(3rd one)

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2002z28

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Dec 4, 2013
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usermedia.php

usermedia.php

usermedia.php

third knife i have made! made from a lawnmower blade so the steel is unknown but tough. it is 8 7/8 in long and 1/8 in thick and yet to be hardened.any tips on hardening this type of steel would be appreciated. stock removal and forging methods used.
http://tinypic.com/usermedia.php?uo=a6BMdyuA/Vy9MvfJ/w0AA4h4l5k2TGxc#.UqAMzsRDub8
http://tinypic.com/usermedia.php?uo=a6BMdyuA/VwM+0iGqQcvC4h4l5k2TGxc
http://tinypic.com/usermedia.php?uo=a6BMdyuA/VxW07g+ld7dqoh4l5k2TGxc#.UqAM9cRDub8
 
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Pics aren't showing but I followed the links. Some advice I will offer. I would eliminate the middle bump on the bottom of the handle, as it seems awkward and un necessary. Secondly, the lawn mower blade steel may or may not harden with any success. Either way it will be a crapshoot based on a guess. All I can suggest for heat treating is to heat the knife up to the point a magnet will not stick, then a shade brighter in color. Quench in warm canola oil and the. Temper in the oven for two one hour cycles at 400f. No guarantee this will work but it's probably the best guess given the mystery steel. For the cost of new 1084 steel, I would suggest using that for future knives, as it's easy to heat treat and makes a good knife. Also at this stage the knife should not be sharpened and appears to be. Knock the edge off first and keep the edge about the thickness of a dime.
 
okay thanks for the tips grayzer! today i bought some 1080 so i can get down to business and im also buying a belt sander soon. do you know if canola is okay for quenching 1080?
 
When making a knife, don't put the edge on it till after the heat treat and temper.

Leave the edge about the thickness of a dime or so before heath treating.
 
Canola oil should work well enough for 1080. Just be sure to have the oil to a temp of about 120-130f before quenching as this helps to speed up the quench. Don't mess with other quenchants like motor oil or ATF etc. the speed isn't much better and the toxic fumes are not worth the risk. Also be sure to drill all the tang holes before ht since you won't be able to after it has hardened. Hand sand the blade to at least a clean 220 before heat treat, I go to 400. What heat source are you planning to use for heat treat?
 
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