Thread: Interupted quench??

Originally Posted by Deckard

Hi,
Need to heat treat first blade 1084. I'm not prepared to pay for 25 litres of formulated quenchant (have made enquiries) . As next best thing will use heated peanut or canola oil. Read tons about interupting the quench and was wondering how it was done? Looking at the charts I figure I could pull the blade after 5 - 10 seconds agitated in the oil? I don't really know, can anyone elaborate? Is it really neccessary for 1084? Alternativley , does anyone know where I can get about 5L of formulated in the UK?

What are you hoping to accomplish with the interrupted quench? How hot were you planning to get your heated oil?

There are good reasons to use an interrupted quench and super hot (400-degrees F) oil, but I don't think you need to worry about them right now.

1084 is very forgiving, and your canola or peanut oil will work just fine. An interrupted quench is usually used when quenching in water or brine. Done right it minimizes the chances of cracking the blade.

Get your steel to just above non-magnetic and quench quickly in 120-degree F canola oil and you'll be fine.

Good luck,

Josh