Tanto 10" 1095 annealed

• 1095 steel - annealed
• 3/16" thick
• 10" tip to tip

From Evenheat Kilns:

1084, 1095, AISI 0-1, AISI 0-6 Tool Steel Heat Treat Procedure
Special Thanks to Mick Koval (R.I.P) of Koval Knives for this Information

This is an oil hardening grade of steel which will require oil quenching. The oil should be warm, thin quenching oil that contains a safe flash point. Olive oil has been used as a substitute. As a rule of thumb there should be a gallon of oil for each pound of steel. For warming the oil before quenching you may heat a piece of steel and drop in the oil.

1. There are two ways of giving 0-1a protective atmosphere before hardening: (A) You may use a non-scaling compound. It works very well for temperatures up to 1650°F. Heat the blades to 500°F, remove from furnace and roll them in a tray of compound. It will adhere to the steel and form an air tight blade. Replace in furnace and continue hardening steps. (B) The other choice is to wrap in tool wrap. When wrapping this grade allow an extra 2 inches on each end for handling purposes. Step 3 will describe further.

2. Place blades in the furnace and stand up on edge, you may use a special furnace rack for this purpose. Heat to 1450°F. As soon as this temperature is reached then begin soak time of 15 to 20 minutes. Evenheats' Set-Pro & Rampmaster controls can be programmed to automatically soak, for any amount of time desired, once temperature is reached.

3. At this time the blades need to go into the oil very quickly. You should have a wire basket inside the quench tank. If the blades are wrapped in tool wrap, hold one end up and snip the other end of the foil allowing the blades to drop in the basket and into the oil. Raise and lower the basket for a minute or so for good oil circulation (This step is very important).

4. While the blades remain cooling set the furnace at 375°F. After the blades have cooled to approx. 125°F, place them in the furnace (at 375°F). Allow them to remain (draw) for 2 hours. Evenheats' Set-Pro & Rampmaster controls can be programmed to automatically soak, for any amount of time desired, once temperature is reached.

5. Remove the blades, check for hardness after they are cool enough to handle. You should have approx. 60 to 62 Rc.

Note: All the above procedure is based on our own experience realizing there are others using their own trial-error. All equipment must be calibration checked periodically. There are no "short-cuts" for proper heat treating. Always exercise care and precaution.