Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith
ilmarinen - MODERATOR
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Knifemaker / Craftsman / Service Provider
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- Aug 20, 2004
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For 10XX and W steels, Butch's "magic" is correct.
However, for the vast majority of steels, it is not quite right in wording. Steels with slower cooling curves should NOT be fast quenched. 5160, O-1, L-6, stainless, etc. all should be done in the proper oil matched to the speed needed.
I would reword it to say;
Here is the magic:
Quench the steel you want in the proper quenchant to fully harden it.
Once you get the steel as hard as it can be, you can temper it to the hardness and toughness you need it at.
However, for the vast majority of steels, it is not quite right in wording. Steels with slower cooling curves should NOT be fast quenched. 5160, O-1, L-6, stainless, etc. all should be done in the proper oil matched to the speed needed.
I would reword it to say;
Here is the magic:
Quench the steel you want in the proper quenchant to fully harden it.
Once you get the steel as hard as it can be, you can temper it to the hardness and toughness you need it at.