My name is Bruno, I'm writing from Italy.
I've exchanged some post on the newbies arena forum with Ray Rogers regarding stainless steel heat treat. He told me that there is a way to protect blades during the heat treat using an "high temperature paint"; Ray told me to ask you info regarding the compound you use. Thank you in advance.
Bruno.

I don't know about Neil, but Terry Primos wrote an article on how he does things. It is a really good article that may help you out.

See this topic "Scale Prevention During Heat Treating" (http://www.primosknives.com/articles.htm)

I use Turco from any of the major US suppliers. It is fine on higher temp heat treat like ATS34 and 440C. Paint it on, let it sit for about an hour, then heat threat like usual.

Thanks for the mention Bob! :) Unfortunately, the compound I use in the tutorial can't handle the high temps required for stainless. The max temp for it is approximately 1600 degrees F. It's great for the carbon steels though.

Jason, I have a can of Turco that I bought several years ago. I'd forgotten all about it. Do you know what the max temp is for it?

I use a product called "Shale no scale" that I believe is similar to Turco. I have no problems using for ATS34 and I can take it up to 1100 degrees Celcius OK.

Regards from Australia.

Not sure about the Turco, but I believe it is like 2100F. Marginal for the ATS, but leaves a powdery rsidue that is just enough to protect it. What's the name for it in Australia, Neil?

Thanks for all your answer. I think that for my use Turco compound or "Shale no scale" compound could be good; for me the problem now is discover where I can found it here in Italy. Yesterday I've searched on internet something regarding Turco (I've seen it in the Jason Howell liner lock tutorial on this site where turco is used), I've found the Turco web site but nothing regarding coating for heat treat. Can some one give me more details about this kind of compound (type or code number) that can help me to search it in Italy?

Is not easy for me follow (and understand completely) all the topics on this forum and I'm sorry for my English but I'm happy to have found it because in this last three days I've discovered many intresting things regarding knifemaking. Thank you all. :)
Bruno

I believe Turco used to be available from Knife and Gun Supplies in Arizona. The stuff I used is green and when I dip it and let it dry it leaves a powdery green coating which wipes off after air quenching. The blade then has a black coating that I polish off using the last grade of wet and dry I used prior to heat treating.

Regards from Australia.