Which Quenching Oil is Best for Knives?

[Metalhead0483]

Yes they were heated to 120-130F.

I was certain that was the case, but I wanted to confirm

 

[outlandish710]

Interesting results.
wonder if current hardness value spacing would stay constant after cryo or somewhat equalize (i.e. role of RA in lower hardness).
could test rancid oils (faster iirc) or canola / simple mineral oil w additives - https://www.bladeforums.com/threads/using-liquid-soap-as-an-agent-in-quenching.802607/post-9046658
basically take any cheap oil, add 3% by weight jet dry and 3-5% dish soap.

 

[daizee]

could test rancid oils (faster iirc) or canola / simple mineral oil w additives

That's curious. Any recollection of the source for that notion?
There's no way my oil is "fresh".

 

[outlandish710]

https://www.houghtonintl.com/sites/default/files/resources/article_-_the_mechanism_of_quench_oil_oxidation.pdf

page 5
on the other hand oxidation can also increase viscosity which lowers quench speed. may depend on type of oil and grade of oxidation i.e. possibly non-linear effect. similar to soot contamination, a little increases speed, but too much slows it down.

 

[Bigfattyt]

Maybe I missed it, was the water a salt solution to break up the vapor jacket, or plain water?

 

[Larrin]

Maybe I missed it, was the water a salt solution to break up the vapor jacket, or plain water?

I used straight water

 

[Mecha]

Gotta resist getting sucked into the Knife Steel Nerds rabbit hole for the next two hours.