Types of Heat Treatment for Tools and

Knives

Knife is a weapon defined by the type of steel used in its blade making. Every

step taken in this regard is crucial in the process of hardening steels. The

action and performance of your knife is largely ruled upon the heat treatment

of steel. This major process is divided into four different steps– Preheating,

Austenitizing, Quenching as well as Tempering. Here is a little brief about

these four steps, for you to have a better understanding about the heat-treated

steels.

Preheating Is the First Step

Preheating, or generally known as slow heating of steels eliminating all the

possible chances of thermal shock and distortion. Right below a critical

transformation temperature, preheating is carried to harden the steel part. It

is held in such way to facilitate.

Austenitizing: To Raise the Temperature

Austenitizing is primarily about elevating the temperature to harden your

knife steel. Setting the temperature is set in compliance with the main

chemical composition of your steel. Higher temperature ensures

comparatively better compressive strength and hardness to your steel.

Quenching the Steel

Quenching is next step followed after the austenitizing temperature. This is

about infusing a quotient of strength to your blade. The steel is cooled for fully

hardening and enhanced durability. However, the temperature variations

should be made in accordance with the chemical composition.

Tempering At Last

After quenching, Tempering is the most important step that needs

consideration. The steel is little under stress and brittle once passed through

the process of quenching. Tempering in simple words is to relieve the stress of

martensite (term used for material after being quenched). The ideal time

frame for tempering steels lies in between one to two hours.

The Size Change Is Unavoidable

Once the steel is heat treated, the relative size is subject to Change. This

change in size or shape is directly proportional to the changes in the

microstructure. Mostly, the tool steels can grow between 0.0005 and

0.002inch during the heat treatment.

Knife Country USA

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