To corrode or not to rust, that is the question. The truth is, that is only one of the questions. To maintain an incredible edge, or not to maintain a really good edge is in fact another primary challenge! More and more made to order knife makers experience middle ground for those 2 concerns.

High carbon in addition to stainless steels are often both equally acceptable if appropriately alloyed. The high carbon steels are typically the steels which are forged. They can be differentially tempered. This specific property provides the knife maker far more choices. He will be able to far better control the hardness connected with the cutting edge, and furthermore continues to enjoy a tough knife which has a springy back.

We should give some thought to to start with, a few of the more widespread carbon knife steel you can buy.

10xx Series

1095 is a very in demand steel intended for knives. It is a basic steel consisting of.95% carbon, as well as.4% manganese. Other 10 series steels can be used for knife making which includes 1084, 1070, 1060, and 1050 etc. Each one of these steels are decreasing in carbon content, and for that reason will also be decreasing in wear resistance. Concurrently, given that the carbon content decreases the toughness goes up. Consequently, several of the lower carbon content designations tend to be very popularly used for swords.

O-1

O-1 steel is one other high carbon steel that deliver razor sharp edges however dulls quicker than A2 Steel. O-1, just like A2 has a 1% carbon content. There is 1.35% manganese,.5% chromium,.35% silicon, and.5% tungsten. O-1 steel is a bit more forgiving to people who find themselves quite a bit less proficient in achieving a good edge. In conclusion, it's always easier/faster to be able to sharpen to a razor razor-sharp edge when compared with a few of the alternative options, however, it will not endure abuse as nicely. O-1 is quite favored by forgers in addition to bladesmiths. It truly is tough, while not as tough as 5160.

L-6

L-6 is very similar to O-1. It really is essentially band saw steel. It is probably the best steel for any knife any time maintenance will not be a difficulty. It rusts very easily, however retains a good edge very well. It's also extremely tough. It's a popular choice of forgers.

W-2

W-2 can be pretty tough plus maintains an edge very well as a result of it's.25% vanadium. Furthermore, it has.25% manganese, plus silicon. It is not as universal as well as popular.

A2

A2 steel is almost a stainless steel. With (5%) it does not posses quite a satisfactory amount of chromium. It consists of 1% carbon,.6% Manganese, 1% molybdenum, and.2% Vanadium. It's not susceptible to rust. A2 steel is well known pertaining to combat knives thanks to its toughness. The strength belonging to the edge of the A2 steel is enhanced by means of cryogenically treating the blades at -320 degrees Fahrenheit. A2 steel is quite a bit harder versus O-1 carbon steel and whilst difficult to sharpen, it keeps a good edge longer. It does most desirable somewhere between 30 and 35 degrees. The challenge with A2 steel is the fact that it does crack more easily once the bevel is ground less than 30 degrees. A2 is tougher as compared with D2 and M2, but possesses a reduced amount of wear resistance.

M2

M2 Steel is actually a fine-grained molybdenum/tungsten high-speed tool steel. It's got.85% carbon,.25% manganese, 4.2% chromium,.30% silicon, 5% molybdenum, 6.35% tungsten, and 1.9% vanadium. It's an perfect preference with regard to high temperature purposes. For instance, the annealing temperature of M2 steel is close to 1000° F. It's a bit tougher plus more wear resistant when compared to D2, even so, M2 rusts more readily.

D2

"D" series steels are categorized as cold work tool steels. D2 steel is a quality tool steel. Due to 1.5% carbon content It is far better for keeping an edge than much less exotic stainless steels. D2 contains a relatively high chromium content (11.5%) and it is occasionally often called a "semi-stainless". It is a well recognized, air hardened, high carbon, high chromium tool steel. It provides 1% molybdenum, and.9% vanadium. It offers remarkably high wear resistance attributes. D2 steel is about the toughest knife blades you may get, and it is a favorite of the greatest specialized knife makers. Anyone who has ever before implemented an effective D2 steel blade in the field, raves about this steels cutting capability, resilience, and also edge holding properties. The bottomline is, D2 steel will produce one of the best blade stocks available for a working knife.

5160

5160 steel is a kind of spring steel. It's basically 1060 with 1% of chromium put in to really make it deep hardening. It's utilized with swords, axes as well as some other high-impact tools. 5160 Steel is without a doubt accepted today for various knife styles, though is often useful for large blades that need further toughness. It is quick and easy for you to sharpen, and, when amount of resistance to side to side forces comes into play, 5160 is a champion.

50100-B

50100-B is the AISI designation of the equivalent steel as 0170-6. The B designates vanadium has been added in. This steel is a great chrome-vanadium alloy that is very much the same in properties to O-1, nevertheless it is much less pricey. It is essentially 52100 with 1/3 not as much chromium.

52100

52100 is sometimes in contrast with 5160. It's somewhat more carbon content compared with 5160, and therefore maintains an edge better. It isn't as tough however. The tradeoff is in wear resistance. Quite a few hunting knives are now being made out of this kind of steel.

At this point, let us look at the alloys of stainless for knife steel.

Stainless steel can be designated as such if perhaps it's more than 13% chromium. Nevertheless, the ASM Metals Handbook says that it simply will have to be greater than 10%. There are various quantities thrown all around. This particular difference though, might be from the amount of free chromium available. There are many stainless alloys with different corrosion-resistant qualities making it a superb material for knife blades.

420 and 420HC

420 is an particularly soft steel as a result of less than.5% carbon content. It won't maintain an edge effectively, but it is very stain resistant, and it is often put to use in more affordable knives. Additionally it is often used to produce diving knives. 420 HC is designed to be much more like 440A by including more carbon.

440A, 440B, and 440C

This series of steels will increase in carbon content from A -.75%, to B -.9%, to C - 1.2%. 440C steel, if hardened correctly, is a superb knife steel. It's very tough, and it has good edge holding characteristics. It doesn't hold an edge as effective as ATS-34, but is a lot more stain resistant. This total series is rather 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 which roughly compare with the aforementioned 440 Series. The carbon content rising from AUS-6 -.65%, to AUS-8 -.75%, to AUS-10 - 1.1%. AUS-6 would more closely compare to the less expensive 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 typically measures up well with 440C. It has slightly less chromium than 440C, but all 3 steels of this series have vanadium included. Vanadium boosts the wear resistance and the grain, which gives these steels the ability to be sharpened to a extremely fine edge. Vanadium also improves wear resistance. These steels are often referred to as 6A, 8A, and 10A.

GIN-1

GIN-1, also referred to as G-2 compares normally to AUS-8, and ATS-55. It's got less carbon, and much less molybdenum than ATS-34. It is a little higher in chromium, and generally is used for the less pricey knives.

ATS-34

ATS-34 steel is globally regarded for its edge holding and taking capabilities. It is a Japanese steel that favorably compares to the U.S variation, 154 CM, which happens to be not nearly as popular. ATS-34 is unquestionably more robust than 440 steel so breaking the tip with this steel is going to be more unlikely, but it's not as rust resistant. ATS-34, is commonly, either cold or hot rolled depending on its thickness, but both of them are likely annealed (heat treated).

ATS-55

ATS-55 is a level behind ATS-34, for the reason that it doesn't have molybdenum. Without the molybdenum, it does not hold an edge as well, and is less resistant to rust, and possesses less wear resistance. It compares favorably with GIN-1, and AUS-8

BG-42

BG-42 is becoming more popular. Additionally it is costlier than ATS-34, which may limit its popularity. Due to the addition of vanadium, and double the manganese as ATS-34, it'll hold a a lot better edge, and will likewise have much better durability than ATS-34. It is a little harder to work.

S30V, S60V and S90V

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

Whether searching for an easily cared for knife, or perhaps a knife that holds an amazing edge, knowing the options available may give you the best of both worlds.

Dennis N. Darger at Wet Jet Precision can be reached toll free (888) 707-5077 to discuss abrasive water jet cutting technology that can profile your blade blanks, leaving you the time to give your knives the very best edge possible. Keep in mind, that waterjet cutting is a cold cutting process that does not cause a heat affected zone. Services are nationwide. View their work at http://www.my-waterjet-cutting-service.com and/or email Dennis at dennis@my-waterjet-cutting-service.com Copyright 05-22-10. Article may be reprinted if reprinted in it's entirety.

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