1095 Carbon Steel

1095 is one of the most commonly used carbon steels for both forging and stock removal. It is inexpensive, forges easily, and can be used for any sort of knife from hunting or kitchen knives as well as folders or hard use fixed blades.

1095 is often recommended to new knife makers as an "easy" steel to heat treat. 1095 needs to be quenched in a very fast oil like Park's 50.

Composition of 1095 Steel

C- 1.00

Cr- 0.40

Mn- 0.45

Ni- 0.40

Si- 0.25

Mo- 0.10

P- 0.025

S- 0.025

This steel is fully annealed (soft)

Heat Treatment for 1095 Carbon Steel

Place blade in forge or Heat treat oven pre-heated to Austenitizing temp 1475°-1525°F (soak for 5 - 15 minutes if using a heat treat oven)

Quench in fast oil like Park's 50

Temper between 350° to 450°F twice for 2 hours each time. Cool to room temperature in between tempers.

Use 350°F for hardness of 63-64 HRC

Use 400°F for hardness of 60-61 HRC

Use 450°F for hardness of 57-58 HRC