S35vn heat treat question

[BonhamBlades]

Hardening
Preheat: Heat to 1550-1600�F (845-870�C) Equalize.
Austenitize: 1900-2000�F (1035-1095�C), hold time at temperature
15-30 minutes.

My question is this once you have brought your knives up to 1550-1600 and soaked to equalize. Do you let the temp drop back to 0 or do you immediately bring them up to austenizing temp 1900-2000?

 

[mete]

Why would you go back to zero ? Just go right up to 1900F !

 

[BonhamBlades]

Lol I don't know that's why I am asking lol. I have never preheated anything before. I have always just gone straight to the austenizing temp and soaked for the designated time.

 

[DukeHarley]

Yes go right to the austenizing after the equalizing. Also to get the best out of your s35 make sure you give it a subzero bath or quench in a dry ice bath right away after it has cooled to touch from the plate quench and before temper.

Jay

 

[North Arm Knives]

As others have said, go from 1600 right up to austenitizing temp. Also we've found the best results when we go up to at least 1950 F. That could well just be our oven and the way it heats though.