what "heat treating, tempering" need to be done?

B

brandondferrier

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Jan 20, 2011
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i ordered this steel to make my first knife with! http://www.knifemaking.com/product_p/xh1215.htm

when im done getting its basic shape done and semi-sharpened,what do i have to do to it?
just temper it?
this heat treating thing still confuses me even though i read about it all the time!!!!:jerkit:

so any help on what to do with it whebn im "done" shaping it into a knife......
thanks.
brandon
 
Not the best choice for a beginner as far as heat treat, but with proper guidance you should be able to do it, and get a usable blade.
 
Save that 1095 for later. Get some 1084 instead. Much easier to heat treat.
 
0k. i will get the 1084, but do i heat treat REALLY hot then shape knife? or shape the knife, heat treat then temper?
still confused in the order i have to do things i guess.
if someone could help me out in which the order to do things with the 1084 that would be awesome! thanks!
 
The basic process is:
1. Shape the profile of the blade and drill all needed holes
2. Grind or file the bevel of the blade leaving about a dime thickness on the edge
3. Once it looks like a knife that you will be satisfied with and have the handle planned...
4. Heat the steel to the critical temperature. This will be different with every steel type. For 1084, heat to nonmagnetic and hold for a bit
5. Then quickly cool (quench) in oil such as canola. Go in tip first and move the blade back and forth. You only have to heat/quench the blade area, not where the handle is. At this point the steel is too hard to be used as a knife
6. Clean the oil off and put in a 400 degree oven for an hour. Repeat this at least twice. This is tempering and will soften the steel to be useable as a knife
7. Clean everything up, put on a handle, and sharpen. Be very careful if you use any power tools at this point as it might heat up the steel. If it gets hot and changes color (purple/blue) you have to re heat/quench/temper

Not percise but hope it helps.
Jason
 
been looking around for 1084 steel.......seems hard to find....

any steel close to that, with similar properties for a noobie??

1075/1080 @ admiralsteel?

otherwise could someone link me up to some good steel that i could practice with that is similar to 1084.

i would like it to be 3/16"x 1 1/2" x whatever.

help please. lol.
will be heat treating/tempering myself using crude methods.
thanks!
 
1080 would a good choice for you. If you want to practice just use steel you can get at Lowes or somewhere. Just plain low carb steel.
 
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