Stock removal with 5160?

[Mitchell Knives]

I was thinking about ordering some 5160 from Admiral for a large chopper. 5160 is typically associated with people who forge, but I only do stock removal. Has anyone used 5160 for stock removal with good results? What kind of heat treat is required? Thanks!

 

[SteelSlaver]

You can do stock removal with 5160 and many do. Proper HT is to take to 1525f and hold it there for at least 10 minutes before quenching in medium speed oil. Temper 2 times for 2 hours each at 425f. Makes a tough knife that holds a decent edge. If you plan on doing a HT without a High temp oven. IE a torch and magnet job I would suggest some 1080 or 1084. You would have a better chance of having a good HT

 

[unky_gumbi]

My stock removal WIP first knife is 5160, sent it out to be heat treated. Couldn't be happier with it, easy to work and came back to me from HT at 58RHC

 

[wnease]

Yeah I've ground blades from 3/8 5160, easy to grind and sand, I get edge rolls with thin edges but if you leave a robust edge you can take on cars and propane bottles, RC58 with cryo