Can i Quench D-2??????

[maddogfletcher]

I have a good supply of annealed D-2 and was wondering if it were possible to heat treat it the backyard way. I know it is supposed to be held at a certain temp for a specific point of time. I know a few guys who are quenching it in a slow quench and getting some satisfactory results but i want better..
I mayb have to hire a heat treater for this but if i can be sole author on all my blades i will.


Thanks for reading...

Jeff
Maddog McCray's Knives

[Longstrider]

Blatantly lifted info from the Evenheat site (who got it from Koval Knives) on H/T of D-2...

AISI D-2 Heat Treat Procedure: Special Thanks to Koval Knives for this Information
1. Wrap blades in tool wrap. Double crimp all of the folded edges being careful to avoid having even a pin hole in the foil. The blades may be wrapped individually or stacked side by side (stack no more than 5 or 6 per pack for ease of handling). If they are wrapped individually you may consider placing them in an optional furnace rack. This rack will hold the blades in an upright position for minimizing warpage.

2. After placing the blades in the furnace, heat to 1850?F. After reaching 1850?F immediately start timing the soak time of 15-20 minutes. Evenheats' Set-Pro control can be programmed to automatically soak, for any amount of time desired, once temperature is reached.

3. After the soak time has elapsed, carefully slide out of package onto a steel grate or wire mesh (this is the air quench).

4. While blades are cooling allow the furnace to cool down to 950?F.

5. When the package has cooled enough for handling, remove the foil. The blades should be warm (approx. 125?F). At this time place them back in the furnace at the 950?F temperature. After the blades have reached this temperature allow them to remain (draw) for 2 hours. Evenheats' Set-Pro control can be programmed to automatically soak, for any amount of time desired, once temperature is reached.

6. Remove the blades for cooling down to room temperature and place them back in the furnace at 900?F again for 2 hours (this is a double temper we suggest for D-2). Evenheats' Set-Pro control can be programmed to automatically soak, for any amount of time desired, once temperature is reached.

7. After removing and cooled check hardness. You should have a 58 to 60 RC.

For extra stability and 1-1/2 points higher hardness you may pack blades in dry ice for 1 hour.

Note: All the above procedure is based on our own experience realizing there are others using their own trial-error. All equipment must be calibration checked periodically. There are no "short-cuts" for proper heat treating. Always exercise care and precaution.

[Larrin]

Some guys think that because it is a tool steel (rather than stainless) that you can easily heat treat it with a torch. D2 is just as difficult to heat treat as any other air hardening or stainless steel. Buy a heat treating furnace or use a professional heat treater.

[mete]

I would refer to D-2 as semi-stainless but in any case it's not for beginners. To get the maximum properties that you should requires complete control of time and temperature and good understanding of the HT process.

[maddogfletcher]

Ok, i will look for a local treater then, thanks guys.

Jeff