A little "bent"

Scott Roush · May 04, 2010, 07:08:00 PM

well... i'm putting this to the test karl. i quenched a 14" chopper with a clay coating today and it warped along the edge. as you say...i can now see the uneven grinding in the area that it warped. anyway... she's clamped up and in for the second temper.

kbaknife · May 04, 2010, 07:25:00 PM

Scott, there is a countless number of reasons for a blade to warp.
And every method to straighten won't always work.
But as far as "putting this to the test", I've already done that.
Many, many times.
And so did the guy who taught me.

Scott Roush · May 04, 2010, 07:44:00 PM

just a figure of speech.. i guess i just meant i'm trying it. my warp is very subtle and only along the edge. the spine is straight.. i won't hold anything against you if it doesn't work. :-)

anyway... thanks a lot for giving me something to try...

kbaknife · May 04, 2010, 07:51:00 PM

If the spine is straight, but the edge is warped, it would be my guess that you overheated the edge.
All I've ever fixed with the temper/bar method is when the entire blade warped where the point ends up off-center, and I bring the point back to the center line of the knife.
Let us know how it goes.

Scott Roush · May 04, 2010, 08:22:00 PM

okay... this was a tough quench. it's from a big nicholson's farrier's file (which are apparently 1095... i know, i know.... )so i decided to try a 'fast' quenchant... Hrisoulas's 'fast' formula: diesel, motor oil and tranny oil. i quenched twice without sufficient hardening.... and no warping at all. so i quenched a third time in brine and that got it... but minor warpage. i also put a fresh clay coat on between each quench.
i'm sure there were many factors involved... but i'm finally ready to get some real quenching oil....

as to the clamping...i was able to clamp it into the correct shape... and i gave it a hair extra for rebound (that's what you would do on a selfbow!... but this ain't wood). will let y'all know how it came out...

skillet · May 05, 2010, 10:15:00 AM

I love to lurk here and just get great ideas and problem solutions. i have a question n the clay quench process you guys use. As I understand it, I will clay the back (spine) of the blade, heat to proper temperature and quench the whold blade? Or do you just edge quench past the clay line? Can't wait to meet all y'all at the Blade Show. I was working out of the state the past two years and REALLY want to attend this year.

Rick

kbaknife · May 05, 2010, 10:21:00 AM

Yes, Rick, quench the whole blade, but it certainly depends on steel type, alloys present, heat source, quenchant, what you are trying to achieve with the clay?, etc.

Scott, a little extra is a good idea.
Just as an example of "proof" that this method works, and works WELL!, I've done a little bit too much "extra" on more than one occasion and put the bend the OTHER side of straight.

Scott Roush · May 05, 2010, 09:52:00 PM

it worked... not completely gone.. but much better. thanks again karl...