Just putting this out there in case anyone comes across 440C, this is the heat treat process.
- Preheat blade to 1400 F and equalize temperature across metal
- Raise temperature to 1850-1950 F and hold for 30 minutes
- Oil, plate, or air quench down to 150F
- Temper steel to 100 degrees for 2 hours minimum to achieve greater than 60 HRC, 400 to achieve 57 HRC, 700 to achieve 55 HRC.