Hardening of 80CrV2 in Bladesmith Forge

Abstract

Some bladesmiths have started to use 80CrV2 because V alloying helps with grain size. Smiths usually forge blades from unalloyed high carbon steels, but if Al deoxidation is not used, they are prone to grain growth. This work studies the forge hardening of 80CrV2 and C75 in the absence of Al. Specimens were heated in a gas-fired forge and austenitization was detected with a magnet. Both steel grades hardened when quenched after the disappearance of magnetism, but 80CrV2, due to Cr alloying, needed about 60°C higher temperature to attain maximum hardness. Grain growth did not start in 80CrV2 despite some overheating, while in C75 it started immediately after austenitization. The tests show that 80CrV2 attains easily good mechanical properties in forge hardening.