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My grandpa told me to always quench a blade in oil, not water. Tried it on a hunting knife blank.
He said water would crack the steel. Did a water quench on a test piece first, got a clean snap. The oil quench gave me a perfect, flexible edge. Who taught you to quench and did you stick with it?
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cameronjenkins1mo ago
Actually learned the hard way too, but opposite. My old teacher swore by water for certain simple carbon steels. Says oil can leave it too soft if you don't get the temp just right. Stuck with water for my stuff and never had a crack, but you gotta know your steel. His rule was basically use water if you know the grade can take the shock. Guess it just depends what you're working with.
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wesley3851mo ago
Yeah, that tracks. Water's a gamble but it works on the right steel. Your teacher knew his stuff.
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sean_torres711mo ago
Ever feel like you're just guessing with heat treatment?
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