Taper Tang before or after HT

Bill Thomas

Bill Thomas

Joined
Jul 7, 2013
Messages
64
Its been a while since I've sent knives for HT. I have 5) 52100 chefs knives ready to send for HT and after I tapered the tang on one, I realized that I may have screwed up. Is it ok to taper tangs before HT or does this create problems? Thanks
 
I do mine before i ht but you can do it either or. Depends on the metal and how thin. I actually taper my tang before i grind my bevels. Not a fan of grabbing a thin semi sharp knife haha
 
i have been doing them before ht but there is usually a tiny warp, sometimes a medium warp but not often. usually easily ground out. i think it comes from the small wheel hollow grinds down the tang pre-tapering, they are never exactly in the center or the same depth. post HT is a good idea, i am going to do that on my next batch.
 
Split the difference. Hog out your hollows before. Taper after.

But with 52100 plate quenching is moot so, I don't think it matters, just makes straightening a little more challenge if they warp.
 
I finish the tang after HT usually (tapered or otherwise). On most knives, after HT I usually take a torch and heat the tang red walking the straw color zone up to about 1" from the place where the handle will end. This assures a softer tang in the handle area. It also makes drilling the tang holes easier post HT.
 
Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith said:
I finish the tang after HT usually (tapered or otherwise). On most knives, after HT I usually take a torch and heat the tang red walking the straw color zone up to about 1" from the place where the handle will end. This assures a softer tang in the handle area. It also makes drilling the tang holes easier post HT.
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Thanks everyone. I will send them to HT with and without taperd tangs. I have two that I tapered (getting old, I forgot I tapered a second the night before) and 3 untapered. Could be a good experiment and learning lesson.
 
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