Ways around heat treating????

[Plainsman]

I am new to knifemaking and have tried making blades out of different materials. I am wondering if there is any steel out there that can be formed into a blade without heat treating afterward? This seems to be the largest obstacle for me to complete a knife from beginning to end!

Also, how much does it generally cost to have a blade heat treated by someone who knows what they are doing?

Thanks much for any assistance!
Plainsman

 

[Chuck Gedraitis Knives]

Plainsman,
There is a material that you can use to make blades that donlt need heat treating, it's called talonite. It is a cobalt based material.But it isn't reccomended that a beginner start out with it, it's hard to work with and is veyr expensive. Heat treaters can do an excellent job, and are usally very reasonable. Rob Simonich does blades for around $6.00 for a blade up to 10'. his website is www.simonichknives.com

 

[Darrel Ralph]

Talonite is a good way around the problem plainsman. Another way is to find an old file that is heat treated through. The temper it in an oven at around 400 degrees. Grind it but be very careful not to get it to hot. Use your bare hands. Just a thought..

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Take a look!!!

 

[Glenn]

I came across a mention of a heat treating paste or hot paste for heat treating the other day. I have not found it since. It sounded interesting. Is anybody familiar with this product. It would get around the heat treating process.

Regards,
Glenn