Heat-treating 5160 with stainless tool wrap
Spring steel that takes a beating — the go-to for big tough blades.
Recommended SSTW grade
Grade 321 stainless foil
5160 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 rolls5160 heat-treat reference
- Austenitizing temp
- 1500–1550°F
- Soak at temp
- 5–10 min
- Quench
- Medium-fast oil
- Temper
- 400–500°F, 2× 1 hr
- Typical uses
- Large blades, swords, machetes
General knifemaking guidance — always follow the steel manufacturer's published data sheet for your exact stock.
Why wrap 5160 in stainless foil
At 1550°F the bare surface of 5160 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.
5160 foil FAQ
Do I need stainless foil to heat treat 5160?
Wrapping 5160 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 5160, especially for air- and plate-quenched work where the blade sits at temperature.
Which SSTW grade should I use for 5160 — 309 or 321?
5160 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 5160 heat treated at?
5160 is commonly austenitized around 1500–1550°F with a 5–10 min soak, then medium-fast oil and tempered (400–500°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 5160 clean?
SSTW Grade 321 stainless tool wrap, sold by the roll and shipped from the USA.
Shop tool wrap rolls