Sgian dubh Build-along

[Alan H]

I remember reading, recently about heat treating a blade in the oven. I assume you set the oven on "broil" with the blade as close to the heating element as you can get it. After doing so, you then pull it out and quench in motor oil.

Any comments?

[Tartan Hiker]

No oven gets hot enough for hardening. An oven can be used for tempering. See page 3 of this thread.

[O'Neille]

I remember reading, recently about heat treating a blade in the oven. I assume you set the oven on "broil" with the blade as close to the heating element as you can get it. After doing so, you then pull it out and quench in motor oil.

Any comments?

Hardening requires heating to non-magnetic "cherry red". There is a possibility of flash (fire) when using motor oil. I have always used automatic transmission fluid and quenched the blade facing North. Why? because my Dad did it that way. As for tempering, that has been covered well already.