S/S heat treating

[cappaletti]

can s/s be treated in a conventional oven?

[ARCustomKnives]

Typically, the only thing that you can do in a conventional oven (as you would find in a kitchen) is temper steel. This process can usually be done between 300 and 500 degrees Farenheit (depending on the steel, and the desired hardness you wish to achieve) Some tempering processes can be done at much higher temperatures, but you can usually get away with conventional oven temps for most steels.

As for heat treating prior to temper, you typically need MUCH higher temperatures in the realm of 1400 to 2000+ degrees Farenheit. This is best done in a kiln/electric oven designed for heat treating steels, though some guys heat treat in their forges based on color.

That being said, Stainless Steels are typically a bit more difficult to heat treat than regular carbon steels, as they need much more controlled temperatures to treat correctly. Some even require controlled ramping and cooling of temperatures, extended soak times, etc..., depending on what you need to do. Some may also require a cryogenic treatment to get the most out of the steel as well.

Granted, I'm speaking in large generalizations as every steel (whether carbon or stainless) is its own animal when it comes to heat treating, and many of them have about as many different methods of treatment as the makers that use them.

I would recommend sending it to a professional if you have some stainless you need treated. They will be much better equipped and you'll likely get the best possible results. Prices per knife are generally pretty reasonable as well.

Look at Paul Bos or Texas Knifemakers Supply for some services/cost comparisons.