Spyderco Forums

Hi everyone, I have an interest getting DLC put on a K390 SE blade.

I’m wondering if anyone has tried this or if anyone has experiences to share with aftermarket DLC options for their Spydies.

I see the the temp for the process is 500 degrees F, so I’m wondering if that would affect the heat treatment as well.

I don't know the heat treatment protocols for K390, but I personally would be very leary about exposing any knife blade to temperature that high. I'm sure Sal could tell you, but I'm a lot less sure he would. Sharing propriatary processes is doing R & D for the competition.

FWIW, threads on the topic seem to come up with decent frequency (here, bladeforums, elsewhere), and the answer I've always seen is it doesn't matter.

Thanks phaust, I’ll do a bit more digging to locate those threads. Appreciate the response.

just a WAG but that 500 degree range is reminiscent of tempering protocols. So it may cost you a point or 2 on hardness but you'll get added toughness. But again it's a WAG and really we need some of our knife makers to weight in here.

From Alpha Knife Supply's heat treating protocols for K390:

K390 Heat Treat Information:
Preheat: 1,500° - 1,550°, equalize.

Austenitize: Heat rapidly from preheat. For optimum wear resistance, soak for 5 to 15 minutes 2,150°. For balance of wear resistance and toughness, soak for 15 to 30 minute 2,050°. For maximum toughness and minimum distortion in cooling, soak for 30 to 60 minutes 1,975°. Quench in pressurized gas, or warm oil then cool in still air to 150-125°.

Temper: Temper immediately after quenching. Typical temperature range is 1,000-1100°. Do not temper below 1,000°. Hold at temperature for two hours then air cool to ambient temperature. Double tempering is required. Triple tempering is required when austenitized at 2,100°F or higher. Use the chart below to select the tempering temperature.

Stay safe,

Mike

Thanks Michael, appreciate the response.