1095 hardened and tempered

[JMR]

Lin is there a way to thermocycle without any special equipment like digital oven or thermometer. I have limited tools and funds but want to make my blades as good as they can be. Thanks Jason

[Lin Rhea]

JMR, It's a matter of being in control of your heat source, whether it is an oven or a forge. YOU/our judgement, have to be within a range of tolerance for the steel you're using. Many a knife blade has been thermocycled using a forge as the heat source. The maker has to recognize the temperatures based on the color of the blade. A magnet helps too. The most important equipment is your brain. Get a good understanding of the way it works and you can do a lot with very little.

[rover brewer]

good info here,just thinking did you hammer forge this knife or stock removal,if hammer forge you might have hammered below safe temperture and had micro cracks.