1084

1084 is nearly identical to 1080 resulting in it being one of the easiest steels to work and heat treat with a variety of equipment but also having slightly increased edge holding. This combination makes it one of the best choices for beginners to expert bladesmiths.

Recommended Working Sequence For 1084

Forging:  to 2150 °F (1175 °C). Do not forge below 1500 °F (815 °C)

Normalizing: Heat to 1600 °F (870 °C). Cool in still air. Follow up with further refinement cycles.

Annealing: Heat to 1500 °F (815 °C). Furnace cool to 1200 °F (650 °C) at a rate not exceeding 50 °F (28 °C) per hour.

Grinding or Machining

Hardening: Austenitize- Heat to no higher than 1500 °F (815 °C). In thicker sections can be quenched in water or brine with extreme care but can also be oil quenched in sections under 1/4 in. (6.35 mm) thick as the preferred method.

Tempering:  As-quenched hardness of approximately 65 HRC. Hardness can be adjusted downward by proper tempering

Polish

I-T / TTT diagram for 1084:

The following tempering guidelines apply to 1084 that has been hardened to industrial standards.  Knifemakers using other methods will have to adjust the resulting hardness numbers downward for the same temperatures.

*The above information is based upon personal experience and testing along with data from ASM International, Carpenter Steel and Crucible Service Centers.