Collection: Forged & Oil-Hardened

Oil heat treatment is a widely used method for hardening steel blades. The process begins by heating the steel to a high temperature—typically between 800°C and 1100°C (1470°F to 2010°F)—to transform its internal structure into austenite. Once heated, the blade is rapidly cooled by immersing it in oil, which provides a faster quench than air while being gentler than water, helping to prevent cracking or warping. This cooling phase transforms the austenite into martensite, a strong, hard crystal structure that greatly enhances the blade’s edge retention and durability. After quenching, the blade is often tempered at a lower temperature to relieve brittleness and improve toughness. Knife makers prefer oil heat treatment because it offers efficient hardening, superior edge performance, and a reduced risk of structural damage during the quenching process.