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Knife Making Discussions A place to discuss issues related to all aspects of the custom knifemaking community. |
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#1
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More thoughts on steel
I have used a lot, always liked to come back to D2 and A2 and finally reached a conclusion. First I could not heat treat all of the super steels that came along so bought some, can't say how much better, if they are, than what I use but still have them. I know many makers who just are in awe of 01 and good for them. I now think that A2 is one of the finest steels around for a custom knife. I have been around for awhile, know a lot of ATS fans but just wonder, in the final analysis, what have you really, important word, decided is the best steel for the average guy?
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#2
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In the end, it may come down to which steel you can learn to do the best heat treat on. Personally, I am a big fan of O1 and S30V, both of which I can manage to H/T pretty well. Would I push them on an 'average guy'? No. Steels like 1080 and 440C are much easier to H/T and make excellent blades so they would get my recommendation for the newbie or 'average guy'.
There's certainly nothing wrong with A2 either. I bought a piece years ago and still have it but never used it - just never seemed to need it. A2 isn't available in the large number of sizes that O1 comes in and I have to admit that cooled my interest in it quite a bit .... |
#3
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Best for the average maker or user?
W2 is by far my favorite blade steel! |
#4
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Actually, the best steel is the steel you can make your best knife from.
Last edited by Don Hanson; 07-08-2009 at 08:37 PM. |
#5
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For the best all around stainless steel I say 440C. It performs well, easy to heat treat with consistency which is important. It takes and holds a good edge. It polishes beautiful if you want a mirror finish which I like because it cleans up so easy and is more sanitary. 440C will make a good knife that will provide its user good service but will also make a beautiful art knife.
I have come to like the CPM154 after using it a while and getting everything worked out on it but it is a little harder to work with, it holds an edge a little better but is a little harder to sharpen than ATS or 440C so there are trade offs. |
#6
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I gotta go with 1095 and W2. I just love the way the hammer works on them.
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#7
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Good replies, guys. I just like A2 but have to admit that I use D2, 154CPM too and was a big fan of 440C for a long time. It is still a great steel much better than the average user will ever experience. But, aren't they all...
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#8
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a2 and d2 probably my favorite
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Tags |
art knife, blade, knife, post, software |
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