Trad Gang

Main Boards => Hunting Knives and Crafters => Topic started by: ALW on August 13, 2009, 12:08:00 PM

Title: Temper temp. for 1080
Post by: ALW on August 13, 2009, 12:08:00 PM

Assuming you get the steel to it's maximum hardness after the quench, what temperature should you temper at to get a good, durable hunting knife?  I'm planning on buying some 1/8" by 1 1/2" stock to work with.  Thanks.

Aaron

Title: Re: Temper temp. for 1080
Post by: Jeremy on August 13, 2009, 01:01:00 PM

What kind of "hunting knife" are you making?

A small caper can be left harder.  A larger multi-purpose/camp knife should be softer.

A drawing temp of 400 should get you a Rc 59-60.  You can go cooler, say 350 for a caper and in the 500 range for something that's going to see heavy use.  ymmv

Title: Re: Temper temp. for 1080
Post by: ALW on August 13, 2009, 01:48:00 PM

Thanks Jeremy.  I've only made a handful of knives but they all are around 3-4 inch blades.  Usually closer to the 3-inch side.  I don't seem to need much more than that to cut up a deer.  But I want something that will hold up if I get to prying a bit on a rib cage or pelvic bone.

Thanks again.  I haven't used 1080 yet but from what everyone says it's much easier to get right for a beginner than the O1 I'm using now.

Aaron