Im finishing up an axe made from a bal pein hammer but I'm not sure of the proper quench, is it ok to use water or is oil a better option?

Sorry if this was asked before, could not find anything in the search.


Thanks

Hi Minion

Many blacksmiths prefer to use oil as it quenches a little lower than water, you should probably get a second opinion as I learnt this from 2 books and a smith.

Hope this helps.

Jordan

Oil is usualy a better option for thin cross sections. Canola oil heated to around 120 degrees will work fine then temper to desired hardness.

Bob

Thanks for the quick replies, ill give it a try

Depends on the steel. Since you don't know what you have, start with oil because it's less severe. If that doesn't seem to produce acceptable hardness, you can move to something faster like water. If you do it the other way around, i.e., start with water or brine, you may find out the hard way that water was too severe for your steel.