o1 heat treating ?'s

[Sammy Mickel]

First off I would like to say I was very impressed with the SouthEastren Custom Knife Show. The exhibitors were very friendly and helpful in answering questions and are very talented craftsmen/women. Now to my questions, I'm going to heat treat my 01 blades with a torch and use a hydrolic oil/wax quench. Does anyone have any helpful advise? Thanks for any help.


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[Ed Caffrey]

Sammy,
Use a "soft" flame on the torch (one where you don't hear much "hissing". Pre-heat your quench to 130-160F. Start at the ricasso (this will be the heat sink on your blade) and work your way back and forth with the flame. Use a magnet to test fo critical temp.(when the steel reaches critical it looses it's magnetic attraction) Remember to heat both sides of the blade to avoid warpage. It is also a good ideal to leave the edge a bit thick(this also helps prevent warpage) Once the steel has reached critical, quench immediately. Do not "swish" the blade around in the quench, simply hold and allow to cool. Once cool, clean and temper immediately. Play with it, and see what works best for you. Good luck.
http://www.mtn-webtech.com/~caffrey

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Ed Caffrey
"The Montana Bladesmith"

 

[magnum .44]

you should send them to rob simonich, he's a real nice guy, and has good prices. i haven't got my blades back yet but i know they're in good hands. he even triple tempers the blades.

 

[Bearclaw]

Sammy, DITTO to everything Ed said. When you start to temper, place the blade in your home oven (after removing all oil residue) and cook for 1 hr. @ 325 degrees. Let cool to room temp. and go twice more. If you have any problems you can contact me for further info. Bearclaw

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