normalizing vs annealing

[bubbas55]

im unclear about annealing and normalizing. both get to nonmagnetic, the normalizing temp is slightly higher. so when your making a new blade why not just go to annealing and by-pass the normalizing step. dont both equally releave the stress?
thanks
ron

 

[Robert Dark]

Here is a pretty good description of both ............ http://cashenblades.com/heattreatment.html

Robert

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

Cashen's explanations are always good.

Annealing is to make the steel structure pearlite, which is soft, so the steel can be worked on before HT.
Normalizing the blade returns all structures to "normal" grain size and stress free condition before you do HT.

 

[Omega Leather Works]

Are you forging or stock removal?

 

[mete]

What kind of annealing ?
Subcritical anneal ? Relieves stress , changes pearlite to spheroidized structure [important when drilling high carbon steel]
Air hardening steel can't be normalized [air cool] so other ways must be used.