The Folding Knife (& Switchblade) Forum The materials, techniques and the designing of folding knives. |
02-13-2014, 09:37 AM
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Enthusiast
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Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: Smyrna, Tn
Posts: 35
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Spring Tempering
Does anyone know how to spring temper 01 for a slipjoint backspring?
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02-13-2014, 09:54 AM
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Steel Addict
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Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Dorena, Oregon
Posts: 191
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all depends on what you have available to you.
I used a simple propane torch to do the final spring temper in the beginning and still do once in a while. I have a good oven now that gives me a much more consistent outcome and I can do multiple blades/ springs at a time.
I start by bring the spring to nonmagnetic in my forge, hold for a minute and quench in olive oil. Usually comes out at about a rc61+- (yes I test them)
polish/sand the spring to a bright finish and then draw a even light blue color from tip back through both back pin holes.
in 100 folders I have never had a spring fail that I tempered this way.
it doesn't have to be hard in the beginning, just repeatable. as time goes on you can upgrade and get a good oven so you can dial it in and maximize the best heat treating possible
Erik
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02-13-2014, 03:17 PM
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Enthusiast
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Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: Smyrna, Tn
Posts: 35
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Thanks. It seems simple enough.
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03-07-2014, 08:01 AM
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Enthusiast
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Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: Smyrna, Tn
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My spring bent the first time I test fitted the knife. Does this mean I tempered it too long with the torch?
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03-07-2014, 08:02 AM
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Steel Addict
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Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: New Florence, Pennsylvania.
Posts: 263
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Yep. Way toooo soft
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03-07-2014, 08:56 AM
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Steel Addict
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Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Dorena, Oregon
Posts: 191
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sounds way to soft.... you did harden the spring first before you tried to temper?
don't laugh, I've had friends get in a rush and forget to do it.
Erik
Quote:
Originally Posted by irishknifeworks
My spring bent the first time I test fitted the knife. Does this mean I tempered it too long with the torch?
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Last edited by cnccutter; 03-07-2014 at 08:58 AM.
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05-26-2015, 02:09 PM
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Registered
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Join Date: May 2015
Location: Oakland, Ca
Posts: 1
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So it sounds like it can almost match the blade heat treat? Obviously not having to do 2 separate processes seems like a plus.
I've been making fixed blade knives, mostly kitchen for a while but I'm just starting to look into building folders.
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05-27-2015, 06:08 AM
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Skilled
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Join Date: Feb 2009
Posts: 484
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01 requires a higher temper heat than simple steels, in order to use it for springs. It is not the best choice if you do not have an oven. To harden, it should be hardened as you would a blade, with a timed soak, then tempered at least 75? to 100? higher than for simple steels. Simple 10xx steels need a temper at no less than 700?, and up to 750?. If you are going by color, that is in the neutral range. 01 requires more. With the short travel of a folder spring, you might get away with lower temps, but you are taking a risk in long term use.
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Tags
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art, back, bee, beginning, blade, blades, building, fixed, fixed blade, folder, forge, harden, heat, heat treat, how to, hunting knife, kitchen, knife, knives, making, sand, simple, temper |
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