Get predictable hardness without the hassle. AAA Quench Oil is a professional, medium to medium‑fast quenchant formulated specifically for heat‑treating high‑carbon steels. Where improvised oils and water/brine can be inconsistent—or even too aggressive—AAA delivers a controlled cooling curve that helps you hit target hardness with less distortion.
Why makers choose AAA quench oil
Engineered cooling curve: Nickel ball 9–11s for a dependable “medium/medium‑fast” quench ideal for O1, 5160, 1080, 1084 and similar steels.
Shop‑friendly performance: High flash point (>340°F) and a stable, purpose‑built formulation support repeatable results and longer service life.
Consistent viscosity: 14.0–19.3 cSt @ 100°F helps maintain uniform cooling behavior across parts and runs.
Typical alternatives people try—and the tradeoffs
Used motor oil / ATF / hydraulic fluid: Not designed for quenching; inconsistent cooling, unpleasant/toxic smoke from additive packages, and sooty residue.
Vegetable oils (e.g., canola): Popular in a pinch, but typically slower and less stable over repeated heat cycles, which can limit hardness on certain steels and lead to variability.
Water or brine: Extremely fast/harsh; can cause cracking or severe warping when used on oil‑hardening tool steels.
How AAA solves it
Purpose‑built chemistry for knives and tools—stable, repeatable quenching without the unpredictability of improvised fluids.
Balanced speed that's fast enough for common oil‑hardening alloys while reducing the risk of distortion vs. water/brine quenching.
Clear usage boundaries: For extra‑fast steels (e.g., W‑series or 1095), follow your steel supplier's guidance—some applications require a faster quenchant.
Tech Specs
Type: AAA quench oil (medium / medium‑fast)
Nickel Ball: 9–11 seconds
Flash Point: >340°F (typical)
Viscosity: 14.0–19.3 cSt @ 100°F
Suggested steels: O1, 5160, 1080, 1084 (and similar)
Volume: 1 gallon (3.78 L)
Origin: Made in USA
What's in the box
MR VOLCANO AAA Quench Oil – 1 Gallon Jug
Safety & Use: Use with proper ventilation and PPE. Keep away from ignition sources. Follow your steel manufacturer's recommended austenitizing and quench parameters. Dispose of spent oil responsibly.