If you randomly use metal items, you already know the technique of quenching them with oil; steel is no different. But what kind of oil do you use to quench steel & which provides you the best result?
I usually use oil to quench my steel knives at home; therefore, I don’t have that much experience to do that on a commercial scale. However, you can find oil for different metals & purposes; I always prefer food-grade quenching oil for my kitchen knives.

Let’s see the types of oil to quench steel & why we use them; it would be helpful no matter which purpose you have.
What Kind of Oil Do You Use to Quench Steel?
You can have varieties of oils for quenching the steel, but what you will use depends much on your purpose of using the steel; let’s see the types below.
- Motor Oil
If you think about the engine steel, you should buy motor oil for your car or bike because the engine surface steel needs some lubricant to keep going on. Otherwise, the heat or rust can damage the engine & make the car unusable.
- Mineral Oil
Mineral oils are good alternatives to motor oil, make the steel quenched quickly, & the quenching result is pretty good. You will find the richest collection & various options in front of you when you’re determined about mineral oil.
- Food Grade Oils
These are the options of quenching the household kitchen knives & blades steel; please remember that if you clean or use other oils instead of the food-grade ones, that will be against food safety.
- Commercial Oils
The commercial oils available in the market are suitable for industrial uses; for instance, you can run & quench those greasy lubricants in the machines to keep their steel fine.
These are the types of oils for quenching steel; you can also have some other oils & home remedies to clean the surface & keep it smooth.
What Are the Advantages of Quenching with Oil?
Let’s make a list of advantages of quenching steel with oil:
- It keeps the temperature moderate & prevents its damage from excessive heat.
- The oil quench ensures the steel’s stability, no matter what type of steel it is.
- The oiling process also lowers the risk of erosion, making the steel surface more long-lasting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can You Use Vegetable Oil on Steel?
Vegetable oil can be a good option for applying on steel; it won’t provide the best outcome.
Why Oil Quenching Is Necessary?
The oil helps the low stainless & carbon steel parts operate well & control the temperature inside, making the process necessary.
What Do Blacksmiths Use for Metals?
Blacksmiths usually use fatty liquid/oil, compressed air, or water to process the steel surfaces.
Conclusion
Now, it’s clear to you I hope what kind of oil do you use to quench steel after you have read the article; you can choose any option in front of you. Please remember that quenching with oil is one of the ways to store & maintain a steel item.
If you don’t take care of metals, they won’t be long-lasting; moreover, buying new items within a short time is not a wise decision. Therefore, you should regularly quench your metal, not only steel-made items.

I am Luna L. Rusk, a passionate content writer. Always I provide accurate product reviews and information for quicker shopping. I love to cook for my family. In my leisure time, I love spending time with chefs for learning new cooking.