Next Project

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unky_gumbi

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Aug 28, 2009
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So I have decided on my next knife project, an O-1 bushcraft knife. I ordered the steel last night and I will be sticking with my making in pairs that I have done so far, but I am thinking of giving HTing a go myself this time. I should have my forge up and running by then and I think it will hit the temps I need ( 1450°F) for HT.
As I mentioned I will be using O-1 (3/16) the knife will be full tang, have a 5" blade and and over all length of 10" and a scandi grind. Any suggestions on HTing and controlling the temps of the forge and quench oil? Unfortunately Park #50 isn't available easily here so I will be looking at substitutes. I had a thread a while back that I mentioned I may have a line on some Acqua Quench just not sure what one though. I should find that out this week though.
Any thoughts or should I just stick with Knifemaker.ca for now for my HT chores. I know his HT will be better then mine but I will need to learn sooner or later:o
 
I'd suggest researching the heat treat of whatever steel you want to use, as they are all different. No need for Park's #50. O1 is a medium speed quench steel that hardens pretty deeply. I use AAA, but you can get by with something like Canola heat to 130F.

Here's the way I harden O1. Heat to 1475F and hold for 20 minutes after reaching temperature. Quench in warmed AAA. You should be in the 65 RC range after quench. Temper at 450 for 2 hours, 2 cycles for around 58 RC.

O1 likes a longer soak. If you don't have means to control temperature well, another steel would be a better choice. If you get your forge running in good order, it should be able to hold temperature, but you're going to need to know what that temp is. I'd suggest picking up a K-type thermocouple and a cheap pyrometer online. Use a stainless steel muffle pipe in your forge to help even out the temperature, and place the TC in the pipe with the knife. Adjust the atmosphere of the forge until you're holding temperature where you want it (before putting the knife in) and make small adjustments as necessary. You've got a bit of wiggle room above 1475 before grain growth, but try and keep a stable temp.

O1 is a great knife steel.

--nathan
 
Thanks for the answer, I think I will send one out and give HT a try on the other, or just pick up some more steel that is easier to learn on. I have a couple of small EDC designs that I could knock one out in a couple of days, use less steel and there for not loose too much time and material in learning.
I am racing up to the 1000 post mark, so I think I will give one of the bushcraft knives away for that. I will want the HT to be good on that one so it will defiantly go to Knifemaker.ca for HT
 
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Ok so I am trying to finalize my design on the new knife. I am going with a scandi grind, problem is I have never even used a scandi grind knife before:o and have only ever held one once. What I am having troubles with is the angle of the grind. Everything I have read is saying around 40 degrees inclusive, yet with the 3/16 steel I ordered that short steep grind isn't cosmetically pleasing to the eye. For the grind to look in proportion to my eye I would have to drop it down to about 25 degrees inclusive. I really have my heart set on doing a scandi grind, but I want the knife to look good too, so my question is, will O1 be able to hold the shallow grind or will I have to give up either the scandi grind or what I consider the better looks?
 
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