Thread: Monster wedge build

The tempering temperature for a razor, as I understand it, should be around 400 F. This would give you somewhere between 58 to 62 Rockwell. As I understand it, razors should be harder than a knife, but not untempered. If you don't temper it, it would shatter if you hit it with anything, or drop it. I am a beginner at all this, but I have an excellent teacher. Three successful razors, so far, and 3 more in process.

Originally Posted by skipnord

The tempering temperature for a razor, as I understand it, should be around 400 F. This would give you somewhere between 58 to 62 Rockwell. As I understand it, razors should be harder than a knife, but not untempered. If you don't temper it, it would shatter if you hit it with anything, or drop it. I am a beginner at all this, but I have an excellent teacher. Three successful razors, so far, and 3 more in process.

Many knives aremade in the HRC 61-63 range, there are also some that go all the way to 68 (ZDP-189)

Originally Posted by mainaman

Many knives aremade in the HRC 61-63 range, there are also some that go all the way to 68 (ZDP-189)

That's what I reckon, for an all round workhorse I aim for around 56-58 and a carver is over 60. Anyone know what a razor should be taken down to then? The heat treat is easy, no need for knowing temps, just a nice big magnet. It seems to be the tempering where the magic takes place for a decent edge with carbon steel...any idea how long to temper at 400 Skipnord? I really am curious, like many knifemakers I want to have a go at razors myself soon. Any advice would be appreciated!

Originally Posted by Sasquatch

That's what I reckon, for an all round workhorse I aim for around 56-58 and a carver is over 60. Anyone know what a razor should be taken down to then? The heat treat is easy, no need for knowing temps, just a nice big magnet. It seems to be the tempering where the magic takes place for a decent edge with carbon steel...any idea how long to temper at 400 Skipnord? I really am curious, like many knifemakers I want to have a go at razors myself soon. Any advice would be appreciated!

58-60 I think will be fine.

Thanks for that, that's easily done!

Originally Posted by Sasquatch

That's what I reckon, for an all round workhorse I aim for around 56-58 and a carver is over 60. Anyone know what a razor should be taken down to then? The heat treat is easy, no need for knowing temps, just a nice big magnet. It seems to be the tempering where the magic takes place for a decent edge with carbon steel...any idea how long to temper at 400 Skipnord? I really am curious, like many knifemakers I want to have a go at razors myself soon. Any advice would be appreciated!

Hi Sasquatch
I would go for around 2 hours. Some folks say to let it cool, and give it a second round. I did mine with Mike Blue in his molten salt setup, so tempering is part of the quenching process - 400 degree salt quench. I'm going to try using 400 degree peanut oil when I heat treat at home.