Quenching D2 and 304 San Mai.

[Bench Kranked Knives]

I have some D2 and 304 at my shop that I'm planning to use for San Mai as well as a clay temper. My question is: does an air hardening steel distort as much/more than a water or oil hardening steel when doing a clay temper?

 

[S.Alexander]

You can't do a clay quench with D2. It should be foil wrapped as its brought up to austentizing temp or you will get too much decarb. It should also be plate quenched.

If you have a San mai blade, you will already have a wavy line at the transition of the d2 and stainless.

Do a search on how to heat treat a d2 knife and follow those directions. If you don't have the right equipment or experience then send it out for heat treat.

 

[Bill Burke]

yeah and if you didn't know this stuff you probably have zero chance of making this san mai work out. Best of luck to you. I suggest you do a bunch of research on welding and san mai before you start.