Tempering question! 2 or 3 tempers

[rodriguez7]

Just curious what everyone is doing with high alloy steels. I’ve been using 4v a lot, and I’ve been triple tempering at 400 for 2 hours a piece. Is this overkill? Or adequate? Thanks.

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

With high alloy steels austenitized at the upper limit ( 2050F for 4V) , cryo and three tempers at 1000F will get good results. Two tempers may work fine, but the third will make sure.

4V may not need cryo either , but it won't hurt.

 

[Larrin]

I know you read this one already but perhaps it is worth revisiting: https://knifesteelnerds.com/2018/06/04/toughness-testing-cru-wear-z-wear/

 

[rodriguez7]

I know you read this one already but perhaps it is worth revisiting: https://knifesteelnerds.com/2018/06/04/toughness-testing-cru-wear-z-wear/

Yes sir, I do need to re read it. Thanks. I’ve been using cryo and low temper. Results are good. But 6 hours in temper is a little long sometimes.

 

[rodriguez7]

With high alloy steels austenitized at the upper limit ( 2050F for 4V) , cryo and three tempers at 1000F will get good results. Two tempers may work fine, but the third will make sure.

4V may not need cryo either , but it won't hurt.

I haven’t tried the high temp temper yet. I need to experiment a little I think! I’ve tried austenizing at 2050, and 1950. Both with 400 degree tempers and cryo. I’m liking the way 1950 is testing, seems like it takes a more crisp edge, and bites into Manila rope better. No clue why. Both at 62 rc.

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

Depending on the desired hardness and use , the high temp tempering can give more toughness. You can hit Rc 59-60 with the high temp.

 

[rodriguez7]

Depending on the desired hardness and use , the high temp tempering can give more toughness. You can hit Rc 59-60 with the high temp.

When I get my oven wired right, I’ll give it a shot. I’ve been running it off my welder/gen set . I need to rewire my shop for 220. Thanks Stacy!