Middle Earth Ranger Forum

So I have a knife blade Im ready to harden and temper. I asked one of the welding teachers at my trade school if I'd be allowed to bring it to temperature and quench it there but they only have water, not oil or brine. My question is, how well will 1095 hold up quenched in water? Is it better to quench in water? Should I use oil if so what oil?

I would not recommend water it will stress the blade and crack it. When I have quenched 1095 I have used fresh motor oil or canola oil. You want to make sure the oil is pre heated around 100° or so I usually just put a piece of hot metal in to warm it up.

Canola is cleaner. Works great, easy to get, and easier to dispose of.