Sword temper

N

Noel Laflamme

Joined
Nov 14, 2018
Messages
17
So, I am making my first real sword after spending most of my time on chefs knives and similar blades. Its a test version before i do one for my cousin so i can get used to working and hardening a lobger blade.
It is going very well so far, forged from 5160, heat treated in my kiln, the only thing that is am not sure about though is the temper. I havr always heard to twmper swords softwr than most typical knives, which makes sense, but based on the tempering charts I have found for 5160 the peak toughness seems to be around 400 for the tested values. I know tempered martinsite brittlement is an issue between I think 450-600ish? But I couldnt find actual data on that.

So my question is, assuming the rest of the heat treat is correct, would the 400 degree temper be ok, or is there another temperature people more experienced in this than me would recomend?

It is about a 21in blade in a sabre shape.

Thank you for any input!
 
This belongs in Bladesmith questions and answers, I think.
 
Already put the request in for you.
 
OK, first, we need a little more about the sword than just that it is 5160.
Style
Thickness/width/length
Method of HT,quenchant.
Is it going to get used?
Is it for cutting targets or chopping on trees when camping?

I temper most swords at around 450°F

I suggest:
Normalize - 1600°F, 20 minutes, air cool
Anneal - 1250°F, 2 hours, air cool
DET - 1380°F, 10 minutes, air cool
Harden - 1545°F, 20 minutes, Quench in 5 gallons of fast oil (Parks #50)
Temper - 450°F (Rc 58 target)
 
Ill get exact dimensions when u get home latter but the blades about 21in long, a sabre type shape, around 3/16 thick with a shallow fuller grind most of the length and about 1.5(maybe a little less) at the base.

I cant imagine it will get used much, but want to make sure its durable enough incase he decides to try it out on branches.

My heat treat was very similar to yours, and with 450 being your temper im glad to know i wasnt far off with 400. Not being used to making any swords I made a test blade do I can experiment and test it hard before making one for someone else
 
Your 400°F would be fine. Probably Rc59-60. Nothing wrong with that but I like a sword a bit more tempered.

Are you using a HT oven for the HT?
 
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