Finally got this one done

believerjoe

Well-Known Member
Lots learned and finally can do things with a variable speed grinder! Gonna be awesome going forward. This one cracked on the quench and I had to grind it out. Still had a small crack but I had gotten ahead and had fitted the guard and handle. Finished it out knowing it is flawed, but just more practice.
 

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Where did it crack. That may lead to something that didn’t go right in the grinding filing.
looks good!
 
Where did it crack. That may lead to something that didn’t go right in the grinding filing.
looks good!

On the cutting edge middle of the blade. It was my first Parks 50 quench and I had it ground to about the width of a dime. Heard I may have overheated it because I only have a forge. Getting oven soon I hope.
 
I like it. Nice shape. Lot of skills shown in the picture. Low layer damascus, through tang guard, multi piece throat, horn handle. Lots to like about it.
 
Nice job on the handle and guard. I hope that you figure out what caused the crack in the blade so that you can do better the next time. Don't beat yourself up about it. You're not the only person who's taken a cracked blade out of the quench nor will you be the last.

Doug
 
Nice job on the handle and guard. I hope that you figure out what caused the crack in the blade so that you can do better the next time. Don't beat yourself up about it. You're not the only person who's taken a cracked blade out of the quench nor will you be the last.

Doug

First time it happened for me, but I am guessing the blades were lower quality. Going to harden with a thicker edge from her on out.
 
Did you check it with a magnet while it was heating up before the quench?

Yes , but I was checking the spine, which was a mistake. I did round two today with another attempt. Tempering now. Left this thicker and tested the cutting edge. Will get an oven and solve this.
 
If using simple steels you do not “need” the oven you just need a little practice judging colors. I have been using a forge to do simple HT and I have not cracked one in at least two years. But I have a couple rules I follow. I will share if you are interested.
 
If using simple steels you do not “need” the oven you just need a little practice judging colors. I have been using a forge to do simple HT and I have not cracked one in at least two years. But I have a couple rules I follow. I will share if you are interested.

Always interested. I do want to be able to use other metals, but also never hurts to know temps rather than test for them. Got a batch of 1084 for the next month or so.
 
I grind Everything 1/8 or thinner After HT. The best way is to get a piece of square or rectangle tube big enough to put be able to put your knife in the tube. Put the tube in your forge and let it pre heat. When its hot put the blade in tang first and let it heat until it starts to turn dull red. Flip the knife around and put it in tip first. One the blade starts to turn dull red check it with the magnet often. Turn the lights in your shop off so you can see the colors. When the magnet quits quench. Pay attention to the color you see when the magnet stops sticking. Over time you will know by color when its done. At that point You can start to see decalescence and that is better than a magnet.
 
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