04-21-2017, 04:57 PM
Hi Mr. Jan, I would be happy to discuss whatever is most interesting to you.
My kilns are atmospheric, and I haven't seen anything about trying to run inert gas through them. I know heat treat companies have that capacity, but the S35VN and M4 blades I've gotten back still have a tough coat scale. Certainly not like I get in my kilns, but you still have to deal with it.
I do flame harden the edge of the blade, then totally finish it to 600 grit before I etch the blade to bring out the differential HT.
The way I HT is kind of a long story. That's something most bladesmiths end up figuring out for themselves. I've broken most of a 5 gallon bucket full of knives, and I continue to test blades to destruction. Virtually every blade I reject donates its body to science. It's fun.
There are a few ways I deal with surface oxidation. I can leave the forge finish, or sandblast, or grind it, or dissolve the scale with vinegar.
My kilns are atmospheric, and I haven't seen anything about trying to run inert gas through them. I know heat treat companies have that capacity, but the S35VN and M4 blades I've gotten back still have a tough coat scale. Certainly not like I get in my kilns, but you still have to deal with it.
I do flame harden the edge of the blade, then totally finish it to 600 grit before I etch the blade to bring out the differential HT.
The way I HT is kind of a long story. That's something most bladesmiths end up figuring out for themselves. I've broken most of a 5 gallon bucket full of knives, and I continue to test blades to destruction. Virtually every blade I reject donates its body to science. It's fun.
There are a few ways I deal with surface oxidation. I can leave the forge finish, or sandblast, or grind it, or dissolve the scale with vinegar.