Description
1075 is one of the most common and easy to use steels in knifemaking. It forges cleanly, heat treats simply and can be filed, sanded and finished all with regular tools. Although considered a simple steel its used by Mastersmiths and beginners alike. Due to its "simplicity" it can even be heat treated with a small blow torch by getting the steel up to 815c and quenching it in vegetable oil.
1075 also has a wide range of uses. It can be used for large chopping knives to delicate chefs knives and is a common staple in pattern welded steel also known as damascus steel. So if you're a beginner and not sure what you want to make this is the perfect place to start.
Alloy Content
Carbon – 0.70%
Manganese – 0.40%
Phosphorus – 0.03%
Sulphur – 0.05%
Recommended Working Sequence
Forging: 815-1175°C – do not forge below 815°C
Normalizing: Heat to 870°C, cool to black in still air, follow up with refinement cycles at a lower temperatures
Annealing: Heat to 815°C, furnace cool to 650°C at a rate not exceeding 28°C per hour, or bury in an insulating material like vermiculite or wood ash
Grinding, Drilling, Machining
Recommended Heat Treatment
- Austenitise at 815°C until evenly heated – an extended soak time is not required, nor is heating the entire blade and tang i.e. just the edge can be heated
- Quench in oil pre-heated to 50-60°C – vegetable oil or Medium Quench Oil or Fast Quench Oil will all be effective in hardening 1075
- As quenched hardness 60-65HRC.
- Temper at 200°C for 2 hours, twice
- Tempered hardness at 200°C which should yeild ~59-60HRC