1084 hardened after forging?

[Mark Behnke]

I haven't forged very much and nothing for a few years.

Recently i forged out a handle for a M. Price style San Francisco type knife. A tapered tang beaver tail shape.

So tried to drill holes for the handle pins and it was too hard to drill.

Why would this happen (hardening) and will stress relief soften it (1200*) or should it be annealed.

 

[EdCaffreyMS]

Yep! 1084 has some slight air hardening qualities.....it's always best to anneal it before working on it.

 

[Mark Behnke]

Thanks Ed

So much to learn, it's ramping down in the oven.