Stainless Heat Treating

[Stump1800]

Must you "heat treat & anneal (Temper?)" stainless blade material? If so, how? Have done so many times w/ carbon, but want to buy 440C material and need info...

 

[Matt Rochester]

You have to harden and temper any blade steel unless its already hardened. If so you will want to anneal it so you can work with it, then ht it again. 1400 for 15 min, ramp to 1950 for 30 min, air or plate quench, temper at 400. Thats what I have done. You can search 440c ht and find a bunch of info.

 

[elementfe]

There are stickied topics at the top of the Bladesmiths Q&A home page that cover all the basics. Best thing I ever did was read them. Twice.
The answers to almost all of your questions are there.

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

Additionally, the HT for stainless is far different from the HT for carbon steel. It requires special equipment and procedures.