I had two full tang D2 blades from a supplier and softened the tangs in order to drill more holes before putting scales on. The process was: wrap blade in wet rag, then apply heat to the tang with a propane torch. I could only do a little at a time this way. I kept heat on until each part reached bright red/orange. I held it that color for a few moments, worked my way up to the ricasso, then back down....the other knife I was able to heat the same way but had much slower, overnight cooling. Both of the tangs were machinable after each process.
I thought softening the tangs to make them machinable would also make them tougher. But now I'm thinking did this process ruin the heat treat and weaken these knives?
These are finished. I'd like to give at least one away to a friend, but not sure if I can do that in good conscience, since these are field knives.
I thought softening the tangs to make them machinable would also make them tougher. But now I'm thinking did this process ruin the heat treat and weaken these knives?
These are finished. I'd like to give at least one away to a friend, but not sure if I can do that in good conscience, since these are field knives.