O1 soak time

[JW Knives]

How crucial is the soak time for O1?

I know that are no ill effects if it is held at temp for an extended period. But is it necessary to have this soak time?

Can full hardness still be achieved without it?
Think using a forge to get to non magnetic compared to using an oven and holding it at temp (1475-1500) for 10 mins. Is there really a difference?

I'm finding resources that claim "forge to non magnetic" is a good way to go and others that say oven with soak.

Thanks

 

[LRB]

Simple non-magnetic, 1414°, will not fully austenitize any of the knife steels. I never cease to amaze at how many still believe in quenching at non-magnetic. Yes. 01 has to be soaked. There is more to the process than simply making the steel hard. The carbon/iron goes into solution quickly, but the alloys in 01 do not. 01 needs to soak from 15 to 20 minutes at around 1475° in order for all to be in a good solution with even dispersement. This does not require an oven necessarily, but does require good heat control by some method.