Normalizing vs. Thermo-cycles: What's the difference? How many? Heat Treating Knives, Knifemaking

This video is intended to address a question from a viewer concerning the difference between normalizing and other heat cycles prior to hardening the blade. I'm primarily speaking from my preferred steel of 52100, but the general principals will apply to other steels like 1080, 1095, etc. Some things, like the alloy banding, are specific to steels with some alloy content as the name would suggest (and high carbon) like O1, 52100, etc. I've spent a lot of time researching heat treating steel for knives, and these efforts have been focused on a few steels, and primarily 52100, as I find it to be the best all around choice for a high carbon steel blade. Additionally, I have specific heat treating goals, and my processes and the way I employ techniques are dictated by these goals. Specifically, I want excellent edge retention, and a decent level of "toughness". My knives are designed to cut, and cut well. They hold an excellent edge, and sharpen easily. 52100 has properties that lend itself to these goals, when properly heat treated. I hope this video helps you in your shop, as you take this info and learn how to apply it to your specific shop and goals. #blacksmith #knifemaking #forging https://firecreekforge.com   / firecreekforge