Tempering Color Calculator
Find the correct tempering temperature, oxide color, and expected hardness (HRC) for your steel type and intended use.
Inputs
Results
Temper Temperature
400 °F
Oxide Color
Straw Yellow
Target Hardness
60 HRC
Temper Temperature204 °C
Steel1084 Carbon Steel
Intended UseKnife / Cutting Edge
Soak Time2 cycles of 1 hour each
How to Use This Calculator
- Select the steel type: 1084, O1 Tool Steel, W1 Water-Hardening, or 5160 Spring Steel.
- Choose the application: Knife/Cutting Edge, Spring/Flex Tool, Chisel/Impact Tool, or Punch/Drift.
- Review the recommended Tempering Temperature (°F) and associated oxide color (straw, bronze, purple, blue).
- Heat the blade in an oven or on a hot plate to the target temperature and hold for 1–2 hours.
- Check the resulting hardness (HRC) from the temper color scale chart and compare against your application target.
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