Tempering with a blowtorch?

BJE

BJE

Joined
Apr 12, 2006
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I know that this is probably the wrong place, but I am not sure where to put it. I was wandering if you could temper a knife blade using a blow torch and water? If you can, how would you do it, I want to make a few soft "beater" blades harder? Often when I shape metal on grinder, I keep a small bowl of cold water beside me that I dip my metal in when it gets hot, is that doing anything to harden the metal or is it not getting hot enough? Thanks in advance for replies.
 
Cheap knives use cheap steel that can't be made better by heat treating them.And it takes a bit more knowledge to do it properly any way.
 
Blowtorch aint going to cut it. Cutting torch with a "rose" tip (I think that's the right name) and some kiln bricks will do it for carbon blades like O-1. Then you can temper in your oven.

As for fixing them yourself. You'll need to know what your working with. Most likely your not going to anything than have fun trying.

Hope over to the makers area, they should be able to help you better.
 
moving-van.jpg
 
One of the knives I am talking about is a CRKT Fixed Falcon, I dulled it yesterday cutting wrapping paper, I think the steel is either 420J2 or AUS-6, I have seen both steels listed, my 400 series Gerber knives stay sharp longer this one does, I just put a new razor edge on it yesterday, and in the process of putting it in the Kydex sheath, the edge rolled and I bent it back on my computer desk, it is either a very poor steel (which I don't think it is, I usually like CRKT's knives) or a bad heat treat (or a lack of one). I know it may sound unbelieveable, but it is, and I really like the knife, that is why even an unprofessional heat would be better than the one it has IMO.
 
That's a shame. Pat Crawford's designs deserve better steel. Unfortunately, I think that Fixed Falcon isn't meant to be a utility knife, but a last-ditch self-defense stabber.

You might like to look over their custom knives. Some of the neckers aren't all that expensive, especially considering the quality.

http://www.crawfordknives.com/neck_knives.htm
 
send that sucker back to crkt. they are super at standing by their products.
you will at least get an honest evaluation of the problem.
420J2 is good for liners
better stick to AUS 8 or better.:thumbup:
yes that is an idea. take a look at the becker necker. $33
buzz
 
I am in the process of having a small fixed blade for personal carry custom made for me, I hope it will go through (still working on the details), but I would like to do something to fix the knife I have, because I like it. I am not sure I would want a knife this small fo last ditch stabbing. I am not sure how long it will take for my custom, so I am looking for a better pocketable personal FB to take the place of my folder (untill my Mini-Manix arrives), any suggestions? I was thinking about a Becker necker, Buck Hartsook, Cuda Arclite, or one of CS's Spikes.
 
The Hartsook is a cool little knife, emphasis on the little. Go for the Becker Necker or Arclight. Becker is better steel, Arclight is better design. The CS Spikes are spikes, not knives.
 
In reply to your question. No that won't harden them any. But the heat generated in the grinding can soften them plenty. If you have to re-harden the blade it will have to be removed from the handle and heated to above non-magnetic(around 1450) and quenched. Then it will need tempering.That won't be possible by just heating a bit and cooling in water.
Stacy
 
I don't know how to HT those steels, aus6 or 420j2 but I'm pretty sure you'll need an oven that can reach proper temps and hold for proper times.
 
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