Heat-treating 1084 with stainless tool wrap
Near-eutectoid carbon steel that hardens fully without a soak — a forging favorite.
Recommended SSTW grade
Grade 321 stainless foil
1084 austenitizes at or below ~2000°F, so 321 stainless foil is the right everyday choice — full scale and decarb protection at a lower cost per roll.
Shop 321 tool wrap rolls1084 heat-treat reference
- Austenitizing temp
- 1475–1525°F
- Soak at temp
- 1–5 min
- Quench
- Fast oil
- Temper
- 375–450°F, 2× 1 hr
- Typical uses
- Beginner-friendly forging, general knives
General knifemaking guidance — always follow the steel manufacturer's published data sheet for your exact stock.
Why wrap 1084 in stainless foil
At 1525°F the bare surface of 1084 oxidizes and loses carbon (decarburization), leaving a soft, scaled skin you have to grind back past. Sealing the blade in SSTW 321 stainless tool wrap keeps oxygen off the steel through the soak and quench, so it comes out of the kiln bright with full hardness right to the edge — less post-heat-treat grinding, no decarb surprises.
1084 foil FAQ
Do I need stainless foil to heat treat 1084?
Wrapping 1084 in stainless tool wrap before the kiln prevents surface scale and decarburization, so the blade comes out clean with the carbon at the edge intact. It is strongly recommended for 1084, especially for air- and plate-quenched work where the blade sits at temperature.
Which SSTW grade should I use for 1084 — 309 or 321?
1084 austenitizes at or below ~2000°F, so 321 stainless foil is the right everyday choice — full scale and decarb protection at a lower cost per roll.
What temperature is 1084 heat treated at?
1084 is commonly austenitized around 1475–1525°F with a 1–5 min soak, then fast oil and tempered (375–450°F, 2× 1 hr). Always confirm against the steel mill's published data sheet for your exact stock — these figures are general knifemaking guidance.
Ready to heat treat 1084 clean?
SSTW Grade 321 stainless tool wrap, sold by the roll and shipped from the USA.
Shop tool wrap rolls