Drawing back temper on spine?

[ALW]

After hardening a blade, if you submerge the edge in water is a propane torch enough heat to draw the temper back on the spine of a blade or is an actelyene torch needed?  Something like 10xx type steel of 1/8 to 3/16 thick.

Aaron

[Lin Rhea]

Yes, but it takes some time and patience. Not unusual or a bad thing I've found when performing this procedure. I use acetylene with a brazing head.

I should ask, What type of blade it is? If a hunter, it's possible that you don't need to draw the spine very much at all, just the tang/ricasso junction. If a Bowie, that too depends on it's size and intended use.

[ALW]

I was thinking of making a larger knife, maybe 7-8 inch blade and around 1 1/2-2 inch from edge to spine to use as a chopper when building blinds. I have some 1080 and some old gravely blades that are around 3/16 inch thick. I know the gravely blade is "unknown" steel but thought I'd start with it as a practice run.

Thanks for the help.

Aaron