W2 Rockwell/Temper Chart

colu41

colu41

Joined
Dec 24, 2014
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Could someone point me to a reputable one? I managed to find 2 charts, but both were vastly different.

I'm currently building 2 of the largest knives I've ever done from Aldos W2. Its 1/4" stock, blades are about 1 7\8" at the widest from edge to spine, just under 10" blade. They're going to be a fighter style sub hilt bowie. Now please correct me if I'm wrong but, for a knife of this size and heft, I should be looking at a 57-58rc? Either way, I'd just like to see a chart so I know where to start.
Thanks so much
 
57-58 Rc with W2? No way. That is a waster of material . I never send anything out of my shop at less than 60 Rc, even big choppers. One of the first W2 choppers that I ever sold, a 10 x 1 3/4 by around 1/4 thought hardened blade at around 61Rc, went to a Marine colonel to replace a torch heated, edge quenched 5160 chopper at 58Rc made by what was a fairly well known shop. The 5160 blade chipped a bit while cutting up a cooked goat or sheep for a party in Iraq. He abused the W2 knife on trees and bushes in his yard and no chips, no rolls and no flat spots.
 
This looks pretty accurate from my experience.... (and agree that W2 should be at least 60-61)

W2_zpsz7x3nwyj.jpg
 
Interesting. I have seen videos on W2 blades tested at 65rc but, was just curious. So I'll temper at 500 for around 60rc. Thanks guys.
 
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Those results seem to be fairly typical in my experience. I have used a low as 375 for a kitchen knife, but mostly 425-450 for other blades. Mme are that you give it a nice little soak at some austenizing temp below 1500. A couple of folks here have settled on temps around 1465 or so for max performance. A bit lower can get you a more active hamon.
Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith said:
I usually use 450F for a Rc 60-61 result.
Click to expand...
 
I use 450 as well unless its extremely thin and then I push it up 25 degrees. W2 is noted for producing very keen thin edges that hold up well. Remember to draw the tang and ricasso area especially if its going to take some abuse.
Fred
 
Ive used W2 for cutting bits in a lot of hawks and axes. On my personal tools Ive left the bit at around 58rc every time with no problems at all and they take a brutal beating..I leave the knives at least 60-61.
 
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To the OP: W2'spec is anything but tight. All tables you found are probably right... for some specific composition within W2's limits. You will have to measure.
 
As the W2 that 99% of us use is only sourced from a couple of places, we have a good idea of the specs. Both types have carbon content that falls into the carib content range of .92-1%
gammarad said:
To the OP: W2'spec is anything but tight. All tables you found are probably right... for some specific composition within W2's limits. You will have to measure.
Click to expand...
 
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