Razor Knife

Razor Knife

Knife Steel . . . Know Your Options!

 

To rust or not to corrode, that is the question. The truth is, that is only one of the questions. To help keep a very good edge, or not to keep a good edge is really another fundamental dilemma! A great many custom knife makers eventually find middle ground for those two queries.

 

High carbon and also stainless steels are perhaps both okay if appropriately alloyed. The high carbon steels are typically the steels that will be forged. They are often differentially tempered. This property gives the knife maker a whole lot more alternatives. He may much better keep control of the hardness involving the cutting edge, as well as , continues to end up with a tough knife that has a springy back.

 

Let me contemplate to start with, several of the more prevalent carbon knife steel to choose from.

 

10xx Series

 

1095 is the most favored steel pertaining to knives. It is a very simple steel composed of.95% carbon, in addition to.4% manganese. Several other 10 series steels are used for knife making like 1084, 1070, 1060, and 1050 etc. All these steels are decreasing in carbon content, in so doing are also decreasing in wear resistance. At the same time, as the carbon content goes down the toughness increases. So, a lot of the lower carbon content designations are usually more common for swords.

 

O-1

 

O-1 steel is one other high Carbon Steel that offers razor sharp edges nonetheless dulls more rapidly than A2 Steel. O-1, like A2 has a 1% carbon content. It includes 1.35% manganese,.5% chromium,.35% silicon, and.5% tungsten. O-1 steel might be more flexible to those who are not as proficient in achieving a really good edge. In summary, it can be easier/faster to be able to sharpen to a razor razor-sharp edge in comparison with many of the different options, however, it wouldn't endure abuse as well. O-1 is often rather favored by forgers as well as bladesmiths. It is tough, but is not as tough as 5160.

 

L-6

 

L-6 is actually very similar to O-1. It is in essence band saw steel. It's likely the best steel for your knife if, perhaps maintenance is not a difficulty. It rusts very easily, yet holds a good edge very well. It's also pretty tough. It's a favorite of forgers.

 

W-2

 

W-2 can be kind of tough and even maintains an edge adequately as a result of it has the.25% vanadium. Moreover it has.25% manganese, and silicon. It's not as common or well-liked.

 

A2

 

A2 steel is nearly a Stainless Steel. With (5%) it does not end up with quite a sufficient amount of chromium. It has 1% carbon,.6% Manganese, 1% molybdenum, and.2% Vanadium. It isn't at risk from corrode. A2 steel is famous pertaining to combat knives because of its toughness. The durability with the edge on the A2 steel is actually advanced by simply cryogenically treating the blades at -320 degrees Fahrenheit. A2 steel is a lot harder compared to O-1 carbon steel and even though difficult to sharpen, it retains a good edge longer. It functions very best somewhere between 30 and 35 degrees. The trouble with A2 steel is the fact that it has a tendency to fracture more easily in the event the bevel is ground less than 30 degrees. A2 is tougher compared with D2 and M2, but contains a lesser amount of wear resistance.

 

M2

 

M2 Steel is actually a fine-grained molybdenum/tungsten high-speed tool steel. There is.85% carbon,.25% manganese, 4.2% chromium,.30% silicon, 5% molybdenum, 6.35% tungsten, and 1.9% vanadium. It's an exceptional preference intended for increased temperature applications. For example, the annealing temperature of M2 steel is approximately 1000° F. It is a little bit more " heavy-duty " and much more wear resistant when compared with D2, having said that, M2 rusts quicker.

 

D2

 

"D" series steels are usually categorized as cold work tool steels. D2 steel can be described as High Quality tool steel. Due to 1.5% carbon content It is far better in holding a great edge than much less exotic stainless steels. D2 has a reasonably high chromium content (11.5%) and is from time to time termed as a "semi-stainless". It is a well regarded, air hardened, high carbon, high chromium tool steel. There is 1% molybdenum, and.9% vanadium. It boasts extremely high wear resistance qualities. D2 steel is just about the toughest knife blades you may get, and is a favorite of the highest quality specialized knife makers. Whoever has previously put into use an effective D2 steel blade in the field, brags about this steels cutting capability, robustness, together with edge sustaining properties. It's really simple, D2 steel can easily produce among the finest blade stocks around for a functioning knife.

 

5160

 

5160 steel is a common spring steel. It's quite simply 1060 with 1% of chromium put in making it deep hardening. It is utilized for swords, axes and also some other high-impact equipment. 5160 Steel is fashionable today for a range of knife models, but will likely be put to use in bigger blades that require more strength. It is quick and easy for you to sharpen, and, any time resistance to side to side forces is needed, 5160 is really a champ.

 

50100-B

 

50100-B is the AISI name of this equivalent steel as 0170-6. A B designates vanadium has been put in. This steel is an effective chrome-vanadium alloy that is comparable in attributes to O-1, however it is a lot cheaper. It's essentially 52100 with 1/3 less chromium.

 

52100

 

52100 is actually regularly matched against 5160. It's a bit more carbon content in comparison with 5160, and for that reason keeps an edge much better. It is not as durable however. The tradeoff is due to wear resistance. Several hunting knives are increasingly being composed of this steel.

 

At present, let us consider the alloys of stainless regarding knife steel.

 

Stainless steel is designated as such when it offers more than 13% chromium. Nonetheless, the ASM Metals Handbook states that it merely has to be greater than 10%. There are different numbers tossed all-around. This particular variance though, may be a result of the level of free chromium available. There are many stainless alloys with diverse corrosion-resistant properties making it a great material for knife blades.

 

420 and 420HC

 

420 is an particularly soft steel due to the less than.5% carbon content. It will not hold an edge effectively, but it's stain resistant, and is often useful for less expensive knives. Additionally it is often utilized to create diving knives. 420 HC is customized to be much more like 440A by including more carbon.

 

440A, 440B, and 440C

 

This series of steels increases in carbon content from A -.75%, to B -.9%, to C - 1.2%. 440C steel, if hardened appropriately, is an excellent knife steel. It's very tough, and it has good edge holding qualities. It doesn't hold an edge as effective as ATS-34, but is much more stain resistant. This entire series is quite rust resistant. 440A is most rust resistant, and 440C the least.

 

AUS-6, AUS-8, and AUS-10

 

This is a Japanese series of steels that approximately compare with the above mentioned 440 Series. The carbon content increasing from AUS-6 -.65%, to AUS-8 -.75%, to AUS-10 - 1.1%. AUS-6 would more directly rival the cheaper low-end 420. AUS-8 is really a middle level steel like GIN-1 or ATS-55. AUS-10 competes with higher end steels, and generally measures up well with 440C. It's slightly less chromium than 440C, but all 3 steels of this series have vanadium included. Vanadium increases the wear resistance and also the grain, which gives these steels the ability to be sharpened to a extremely fine edge. Vanadium in addition improves wear resistance. These steels are often referred to as 6A, 8A, and 10A.

 

GIN-1

 

GIN-1, also called G-2 even compares generally to AUS-8, and ATS-55. It's got less carbon, and a reduced amount of molybdenum than ATS-34. It's a bit higher in chromium, and commonly is utilized for the cheaper knives.

 

ATS-34

 

ATS-34 steel is universally popular for its edge holding and taking abilities. It is a Japanese steel that favorably compares to the U.S version, 154 CM, which happens to be not nearly as popular. ATS-34 is certainly stronger than 440 steel so breaking the tip with this steel will probably be more unlikely, but it is not as rust resistant. ATS-34, is typically, either cold or hot rolled dependant upon its thickness, but both are likely annealed (heat treated).

 

ATS-55

 

ATS-55 is a degree behind ATS-34, simply because it doesn't have molybdenum. Minus the molybdenum, it doesn't hold an edge as well, and is less resistant to rust, and has less wear resistance. It compares favorably with GIN-1, and AUS-8

 

BG-42

 

BG-42 is becoming more popular. It is also more pricey than ATS-34, which may limit its popularity. Because of the addition of vanadium, and double the manganese as ATS-34, it will hold a appreciably better edge, and will also provide much better sturdiness than ATS-34. It is a little harder to work.

 

S30V, S60V and S90V

 

This series of steels is packed with a greater amount of alloys due to the particle metallurgy process that is quite different from standard steel manufacturing methods. These are high vanadium knives, and compare favorably with BG-42. They're most likely more wear resistant than any other stainless steel. Nonetheless, they are a lot more expensive than BG-42, and even more challenging to work. This relegates them mostly to the veteran made to order knife maker sphere. S60V is known as CPM T440V, and S90V as CPM T420V.

 

Whether trying to find an easily cared for knife, or even a knife that holds an awesome edge, knowing the possibilities available may provde the best of both worlds.

 

Contact Wet Jet Precision at http://www.my-waterjet-cutting-service.com for specialized knife blade profile cutting.

About the Author

Dennis N. Darger at Wet Jet Precision can be reached toll free (888) 707-5077 to discuss cutting your custom knife blades blanks.  Remember waterjet cutting is a cold cutting method and does not produce a Heat Affected Zone. Services are nationwide. View their work at http://www.my-waterjet-cutting-service.com/how_to_make_knives.html and/or email Dennis at dennis@my-waterjet-cutting-service.com Copyright 05-06-10. Article may be reprinted if it is reprinted in its entirety.

Razor knife review