New member here and this is my first post.. I've forged my first 10-in broken-back Seax from 1075 steel. It's ready for the heat treat, and I need maximum durability and toughness for a user blade while keeping decent edge retention. I'll be quenching in heated fast oil. What temperature and duration are you guys finding optimal for 1075 to hit 58-60 HRC? Should I aim for multiple two-hour cycles? Also, is a differential temper beneficial on a shorter blade like this or is a full-blade temper sufficient? Specific temp or color advice would be hugely appreciated. Thanks guys!!
Heat treating and tempering advice for 1075 seax
- Thread starter mtllx1101
- Start date
hammertime
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- Oct 8, 2025
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- 68
For 1075 steel, aim to quench it at temps between 1475-1500°F (802-816°C). After quenching, temper it at 350-400°F (177-204°C) for two hours. If you want to improve edge retention and toughness, differential tempering can help. Just look for a slight color difference, targeting the edge at around 450-500°F (232-260°C).
Billinthedesert
Active member
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- May 14, 2025
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Love to see yours when you are finished with it. They were common in the British Isles back about 800-1,000 and seem very useful.
