Fresh video from the master Vitaly Kireev It has caused a wide resonance in the community of connoisseurs of cold weapons. The author, known for his deep immersion in metallurgy and historical aspects of blade creation, this time dedicated the issue to a rare method of heat treatment. Spectators and colleagues in the workshop note the increased quality of shooting and the detailed processes, which makes the material useful for both beginners and experienced blacksmiths.
The focus is not just the demonstration of hammer strikes, but a thorough chemicalization used alloys. Kireev argues why the chosen steel brand is ideal for conditions of high humidity and mechanical loads. This approach allows you to understand the physics of the process, and not just blindly copy the movements of the master.
Of particular interest is the final part of the video, which demonstrates the result of many hours of work. The hardness of the blade after the vacation was 61 Rockwell units.This is a great example for knives in this class. This confirms the high qualification of the author and his ability to work with modern materials, while maintaining the traditional spirit of the craft.
Technological features of the shown forging
In the new video, Vitaly Kireev focuses on the temperature regimes of forging. He stresses that heat-up It is one of the most common mistakes that lead to the destruction of the metal structure. The master demonstrates how the color of the heat can accurately determine the readiness of steel for deformation, which is especially important when working in a forge without digital pyrometers.
The process of drawing the blade is shown using various tools. Kireev uses not only a classic hammer, but also specialized hammer. forging-press For initial molding. This saves time and effort by focusing on hammer finishing where jewellery precision and metal feel are required.
- 🔨 Use of a mechanical hammer for primary draught of a tail.
- 🔥 Temperature control on the color scale in the range of 900-1100 degrees.
- ⚒️ Application of forge welded joint for multilayer structures.
- 💧 Compliance with the speed mode of cooling during normalization.
It is important to note the technique of working with the tail. Unlike many amateurs, Kireev does not neglect this part of the knife, paying due attention to it. Even heating All workpiece prevents the occurrence of internal stresses that can lead to the breakdown of the product in the future.
When repeating the forging technique, always have spare blanks for test heat treatment modes at hand, so as not to spoil the main blade.
Materials selection and preparation of steel
One of the key topics of the video was the preparation of raw materials. Vitaly dwells in detail on the choice tool-steelExplaining the difference between domestic and imported counterparts. It recommends that you pay attention to quality certificates and conduct preliminary tests for hardening before starting the main job.
Preparation includes not only annealing, but also correct marking. The wizard uses special heat-resistant markers and chalk to mark the lines of bending and the boundaries of zones of different hardness. This allows you to visualize the process and avoid errors in the formation of the blade geometry.
⚠️ Note: The use of rusted or corrosion-damaged steel to create responsible knots of the knife is unacceptable, as surface defects can become foci of structural destruction.
The table below compares the characteristics of the steels mentioned in the roller, which will help you choose the material for your own projects:
| Mark steel | Type | Hardness (HRC) | Application |
|---|---|---|---|
| U8-U10 | Carbonaceous | 60-62 | Kitchen knives |
| 95X18 | Stainless | 58-60 | Tourist knives |
| X12MF | Instrumental | 61-63 | Cutting knives |
| SHX15 | Bearing | 60-62 | Hunting blades |
The blade heat treatment process
The most difficult and important step, which is devoted to a significant part of the video, is heat treatment. Vitaly Kireev demonstrates the quenching process in oil, focusing on the temperature of the medium and the speed of immersion. Cooling uniformity From all sides, it is critical to avoid warping the blade.
After hardening, a vacation follows, which relieves internal stresses and gives the steel the necessary viscosity. The master uses a muffle oven with precise temperature control, which is the preferred method for obtaining stable results. The exposure time is calculated based on the thickness of the butt and the alloy brand.
☑️ Control of heat treatment
The video also shows a file hardness test method, which is a classic field test. Kireev explains how the nature of the slide file can be judged on the quality of hardening. If the file slides without leaving any traces, then firmness And it went well.
Handle assembly and installation
The final stage of creating a knife is assembly. In the new video, Vitaly shows the process of planting the handle using a variety of materials, including valuable wood species and stabilized wood. Special attention is paid to fit-density the lining to the tail, which ensures the monolithic design.
Epoxy compounds with high adhesion and heat resistance are used for fixation. The master recommends carefully degreasing the surfaces before gluing and using vacuum impregnation for porous materials. This prevents the handle from drying out and moisture from getting inside.
- 🪵 Choosing the texture of wood for ergonomics and aesthetics.
- 🧪 Use of two-component glues of high strength.
- 🔩 Use of boulsters and heels for the balance of the product.
- 🛡️ Finishing oil impregnation to protect against moisture.
The shape of the handle is carried out using filets and grinding tape. Kireev advises to constantly try on a knife in your hand to find the most comfortable grip. ergonomics It is more important than appearance, because the knife is primarily a tool.
The Secret to a Strong Landing
Use the hot landing method where the tailing is inserted into a pre-prepared hole in the handle in a heated state, which ensures the perfect shrinkage of the wood around the metal.
Sharpening and finishing of the cutting edge
The final touch is sharpening. Vitaly Kireev demonstrates work on water stones, explaining the principles of formation of carts. He insists on the importance of keeping the sharpening angle along the entire length of the cutting edge. For this purpose, special devices or hand motor skills honed over the years are used.
The process begins with rough abrasives to form geometry and ends with polishing on ceramic bars. Removal of the burrow This is a critical point on which the aggressiveness of the cut depends. The wizard shows technique removal burr using light movements and lumen control.
⚠️ Warning: Excessive pressure on the blade when sharpened on rough stones can lead to overheating of the edge and release of metal, which will negate all previous heat treatment work.
As a result, the knife acquires razor sharpness and is able to cut paper and hair. Kireev emphasizes that the correct sharpening increases the service life of the tool and makes working with it safer, since it does not require the use of excessive force.
Results and recommendations of the master
Summing up the results of the new video, we can say that Vitaly Kireev again confirmed the status of an expert in the field of knife building. The material is full of useful information, excess "water" and is designed for a thoughtful viewer. Practical value The video is an opportunity to learn from the experience of a professional and avoid typical mistakes.
For those who are just starting out in blacksmithing, this video will be an excellent tutorial. Experienced craftsmen will find here interesting nuances in approaches to heat treatment and assembly. The main thing is not to be afraid to experiment, but to do it with safety and understanding of the processes.
A high-quality knife is a symbiosis of the right choice of materials, accurate heat treatment and careful finishing, which was demonstrated in the video.
It is expected that in the next issues the author will continue the cycle devoted to different steels and decoration techniques. Keep an eye out for channel updates to avoid missing new lessons from the lead knifeman.
Which steel is best for a beginner in knife building?
Carbon steels such as U8 or P6M5 are best suited for starters, as they are easier to process and heat treat, forgive mistakes and allow you to understand the basic principles of working with metal.
Where can I buy the tools shown in the video?
Most tools, such as file files, grinding tapes and abrasives, are available in specialty metalworking stores or on large marketplaces. Forge equipment is often made by masters on their own or ordered from specialized manufacturers.
Do I need special education to practice knife building?
Special education is not required, practical skills, knowledge of materials science and constant practice are important. Many successful knife-makers are self-taught, who have learned the craft through experience and literature study.