Prefered Heat Treat Provider For Large Differential HT

Athenas Edge

Athenas Edge

Founder / Chief Bladesmith
Joined
Jun 26, 2016
Messages
129
Hey Guys,

I have a custom viking sword in the works, and I don't have a setup to HT a 40" piece of steel. I was wondering if any of you guys had some info on the best place to send something like that out to get HT'd, and I'd really be interested in getting a differential heat treat for a Hamon Line aswell.

I've never sent anything out to get done as I usually do all the work myself, but my facilities unfortunately wont be able to handle that size material. I mainly use 1095 which from my tests, produces an alright line. I'd really like to get something in stainless so if you guys have any suggestions I'm all ears. Thanks!
 
I don't know of anyone that will do oil quench that long, I tried to find one last year.
 
If stainless of course you won't be able to get a differential quench. Options are limited for blades that size- the only reasonably practicable method would be to use clay. Most places won't do that for you, and if they did, a 40" blade would be out of the question...
So, I would think that it would be best (as it often is for odd pieces) to try to do it in-house... build a sword HT forge, for which there are lots of plans available, and a tall quench tube and a big tempering oven. I've done all of those things and heat treat 40" blades occasionally, hit me up if you'd like any further advice on how to proceed, if you go that route...
 
Ooohff that's a tough pill to swallow hah - Appreciate the feedback guys, I kinda had a feeling this would be the case unfortunately.
 
I’m in the same boat with a 24” blade sword. My oven is only 22”. I’ve got a dud 100lbs propane tank for the forge and 8” steel tube for the quench tank.
 
It's really why I made this:

lXF4Qke.jpg


Works so well I do all my oil quenching HT in it.
 
I would reach out to some of the New England Bladesmith guys. Many of them make swords and have the equipment. As last resort, get with Kevin Cashen.

Of course, this is a perfect reason to buy a set of high temp/low temp salts pots. Paragon can make you up a set 40" deep. Maybe $10K.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top