Can I heat treat hot-rolled steel? Should I?

[Tuff_Creek_Jr]

Hi all, first time poster and amateur knife maker here. I just finished grinding and sanding my first blade - made of 1/8" hot rolled plain steel. I chose this type because it was inexpensive and I didn't want to spend a load of cash on nice steel just to ruin it due to my inexperience. I am wondering whether I can heat treat this steel using an oven or something cheap and simple (propane torch/fire pit, etc), or whether it would even do any good. Any insight would be much appreciated!


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[Nathan the Machinist]

Well, it's good practice, but if you're talking about mild steel such as 1018 or A36 there isn't enough carbon in it to harden from a heat treat.

Consider it an experience and get some real steel and have another go at it. I suggest you read the sticky at the top of the forum, there is a lot of good information in there.

 

[Tuff_Creek_Jr]

Thanks for the reply! Since this one turned out so well I'm going to go ahead and invest in the good stuff for knife #2.


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