Stamping on the blade

[Angus McGunnigl]

If one was to using tool stamps to put initials on the blade, at what stage of the process would it be best to do this at. Before heat treat?

 

[1984nitro]

I do it before heat treat. I have trouble doing it after that.
Eric Knight

 

[Barkes Knife Shop]

Do it before heat treating the blade. Doing it after, is hard on the stamp. I have post on this before. This comes up a lot.

Terry

 

[Angus McGunnigl]

Thanks for the replies.

My concern has been that people talk about getting deep scratches from the blade prior to HT.

I was just worried that a couple initials stamped in could cause stress fractures(?) during the heat treat.

 

[Matt Weber]

Thanks for the replies.
I was just worried that a couple initials stamped in could cause stress fractures(?) during the heat treat.

Proper annealing and/or normalizing procedures before hardening will remove the stress caused from forging, grinding, and in your case, stamping. I have cold stamped tools before heat treating for years.