Annealing an already heat treated knife.

[Adam Wood]

Just a quick question, as I can not find the answer. I am new to knife making and am not happy with one of the knives I made. I went through the process of heat treating and tempering the blade already. Is it possible to anneal the blade so that I can re work it to the desired profile? And then heat treat it again when I am satisfied with it? It is 1095 steel, I am using a homemade propane forge. Any thoughts or information would be greatly appreciated. Thank you very much.

 

[I'mSoSharp]

Maybe better in the Makers sub-forum.
Quick answer is yes, you can anneal (soften) the blade simply by heating it & letting it cool.
But why not re-shape your blade as is? You can still grind it as long as you keep it relatively cool without affecting you heat treatment. Hope this helps.

 

[Adam Wood]

I'mSoSharp, Thank you for your reply. I wasn't sure what forum to put the question under, I am new here and navigating through all the forums and sub-forums was a little daunting. I appreciate the information. I suppose just taking it easy and reshaping the blade is an option, I just wasn't certain if I could anneal it. Thanks again. I guess I'll see if altering the profile with out annealing it will work out.

 

[LX_Emergency]

Also, if you anneal, then reshape then heat treat again. You'll increase the chance of warping in the second heat treat.