Quenching Help

[Minibear464]

Okay, I'm just about ready to start making a knife, I have yet to order everything, but I have the design, the ideas, and all that. However, that said, I still have a lot of questions, especially about the quenching.

I have very little supplies, but I'm going to try anyways. Worst thing is I lose the $3 or so for the steel right? I'm buying the 1084, 1/8 of an inch in thickness, 1.5" width, and 4 feet long. I think it's from Aldo? njsteelbaron.com anyways.

So here's what I'm thinking of doing, although I'm pretty sure a lot of it isn't perfect.

Form the blade shape with a hacksaw, file, and sandpaper. Drill out the 3 holes for the handle.

Quench by using a fire (campfire fire... this is one of those uncertain parts.) Use a magnet, check the blade every so often. (Where do I check?) When the blade is no longer magnetic, quench in vegetable/canola oil. (How to quench? Just drop it in straight down, edge first, on the side?)

Afterwards, (one site said immediately?) bring the steel to 400 degrees in an oven, for one hour.

Polish, shine, finish. Cut the brass rods for the handle (how thick?), cut the handle out of G10, and epoxy it to the blade. Sand everything down for a nice shape.

As you can see.... I'm not the most informed when it comes to making knives. This will be my first knife, or first attempt at a knife. I've tried researching, but everything was overshadowed by technical terms, and contradictions. Some sites said to normalize before, others said not to. Some said edge in, straight in, there's a lot of advice, so I figured I might as well ask some people first hand.

Thanks a lot for helping me.

 

[sunshadow]

Ok, starting with 1084 from Aldo is good

your forming is going to work, be prepared to put in a little time

In San Jose there is a "Makerspace" called Techshop http://techshop.ws/ts_sanjose.html When it looked like I was going to get a job at Apple I looked in to joining, you will do well to become a member.

Your heat Treat with the fire is a bit iffy but doable, read all the stickies labeled "Newbie Good Info Here" and you will know a bit more. You want a well aerated bed of coals for even heat

You want to heatthe blade evenly until a little hotter than when the magnet no longer sticks (contrary to what a few people will tell you a magnet stops sticking well before the actual temperature the you need, Magnets stop sticking regardless of steel type at 1414 f wheras you want about 60 degrees hotter for 1084.


You want to preheat the oil to 130f and quench point first immersing the entire blade

when it is cool pull it out clean it and bake it in an oven at 400 for 2 hours, then finish it

_Page

 

[Aldo Bruno]

Well said Page! "heat the blade evenly" being the most important part of the process.(Make sure the tip doesn't burn off!)..................Like I always end up doing with coal