Slipjoint spring tempering question....

happycat

happycat

Joined
Jun 21, 1999
Messages
752
I have been messing around with picket knives lately. I've taken some apart, swapped out scales, replaced blades etc. but have been having some trouble the temper right on my springs. I'm using O-1, prescision ground stock and have been leaving them too hard and snapping them.
For those of you who do this, how do you temper the springs to "spring hardness"? I'm so used to shooting for 58-60 rockwell that I'm having trouble adjusting. Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Ed
 
I used 1095 for my blade and spring, I tempered the spring by heating with a propane torch to a bright blue color this which is about 575 f. this would result in a 54Rc for O1 looking at the referance I downloaded from knives.com/heattreat.html.

cokebottle021.jpg


The first broke when I tried to straigten, second is the final. Good strength and I have been using for about a month with no change is strength.

here is the final product

CokeFinal016.jpg


at the end I saw you had a seperate post, if you would like to discuss any issues in making I will try to answere this is only my third folder so I am really new.
 
Don't use a torch. Use your kitchen oven or toaster oven .Put a brick in for more uniform heat .Use max temp [500 F] for 1-2 hours.While it's that hot put your pizza in too !
 
Thanks guys. I was using a frying pan on the stove and watching the color, taking it to a dull blue/grey. I got that out of a pocketknife repair book and it sounded a little quicker. Any suggestion on how long you need to go on something as small as a spring?
I'll do the three cycle thing as well next time. Seems to work good for everything else......:D
Thanks again,
Ed
 
Put the oven on my list, somehow if fell off. The spring did not break from use, It was bent ( sideways) when dunked into the quench and I tempered and tried to straighten. It bent alot and went back and then bent alot to never return.
 
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