1084 is nearly identical to 1080 resulting in it being one of the easiest steels to work and heat treat with a variety of equipment but also having slightly increased edge holding. This combination makes it one of the best choices for beginners to expert bladesmiths.

Recommended Working Sequence For 1084

Forging: to 2150 °F (1175 °C). Do not forge below 1500 °F (815 °C)

Normalizing: Heat to 1600 °F (870 °C). Cool in still air. Follow up with further refinement cycles.

Annealing: Heat to 1500 °F (815 °C). Furnace cool to 1200 °F (650 °C) at a rate not exceeding 50 °F (28 °C) per hour.

Grinding or Machining

Hardening: Austenitize- Heat to no higher than 1500 °F (815 °C). In thicker sections can be quenched in water or brine with extreme care but can also be oil quenched in sections under 1/4 in. (6.35 mm) thick as the preferred method.

Tempering: As-quenched hardness of approximately 65 HRC. Hardness can be adjusted downward by proper tempering