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Tempering a file knife

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Stringman:
I've made several now and I'm starting to get a feel for the overall process, but I'm trying to better understand the tempering aspect.



I heated this file to 400 then did my stock removal. In a simple build I would anneal the tang to allow me to cut lightening and pin holes, but does anyone have an explanation for putting this file thru a temper cycle to get a little better performance out of the steel? Or is that too complicated and not enough info about the metal in the file? Keep in mind I don't have a forge or any smithing equipment.

Aaron H:
After you quench a blade it is very hard, and therefore very brittle and susceptible to breaking.  Tempering reduces the likelihood of breaking by softening the blade somewhat and making it less brittle

Stringman:
Yea, I understand the concept, but the more I read and the more videos I watch, everyone has a different technique and some of them are stupid complex! Just trying to consolidate some info here from minds I trust. If I'm over thinking it, then I'll just keep it simple.

osage outlaw:
Thanks for posting this Scott.  I have the same questions on a file knife.  I was hoping to get mine done by the Classic but that's not looking to likely.

BOWMAN53:
Tempering releases the stress in steel from quenching. After quenching, the steel is so brittle it can be broken by hand, tempering gives it its toughness back.

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