15N20 vs A8(mod)

[Neo]

How do these compare ?

 

[Twindog]

They are both super tough -- resistant to chipping, cracking and breaking.

15N20 will have the edge at 50 ft-lbs at 61 Rc, but there is a sharp drop-off at other hardnesses. A8mod will be about 38 ft-lbs at 59 Rc, according top Larrin's work.

Edge holding won't be the best.

 

[Huntsman Knife Co. LLC.]

Just go straight to Z Tuff

 

[cbach8tw]

15n20 is carbon steel, is A8 Mod still stainless? Not sure, is that apples to oranges? Excuse my ignorance if so.

 

[The Mastiff]

In my not real hard use 15N20 and similar L6 compared to A8(mod)/Infi is that A8(mod) is a somewhat better at resisting corrosion and pitting and A8(mod) seems to have a little more abrasive wear resistance. Honestly I never worked either to failure so toughness on both is more than I needed. If I was to have a maker do a large chopper for me I'd use A8(mod). In fact I still have some I bought for that purpose but never got around to having one made.

Note that I have no experience with Z tuff, Caldie , 1V or any of several other steels that might be great choices for all I know. I have ruled S7 out for my uses though it is amazing at what it does.

 

[hugofeynman]

Both are very tough. A8mod is the favorite steel of PhD metallurgist Fredrik Haakonsen, so it must be tough stuff. Ultimately, Fredrik also uses S7 for his tomahawks and parangs.
15n20 is so tough, that after I slice trough a Monster energy drink empty can in one swing, I was able to shave the hair of my arms and slice newsprint paper with a 2mm thick kitchen knife Daado made me with the geometry optimized for slice.

 

[Crag the Brewer]

In my not real hard use 15N20 and similar L6 compared to A8(mod)/Infi is that A8(mod) is a somewhat better at resisting corrosion and pitting and A8(mod) seems to have a little more abrasive wear resistance. Honestly I never worked either to failure so toughness on both is more than I needed. If I was to have a maker do a large chopper for me I'd use A8(mod). In fact I still have some I bought for that purpose but never got around to having one made.

Note that I have no experience with Z tuff, Caldie , 1V or any of several other steels that might be great choices for all I know. I have ruled S7 out for my uses though it is amazing at what it does.

Agreed....and I like all steels listed.

Worrying about Steel is overrated (most of the time)....find the Maker you are happy with, and their designs. Use what they recommend.

 

[Tsujigiri]

Yeah 15N20 is straight up carbon steel, easy to sharpen but won't resist rust. Probably most known for its use in carbon steel Damascus since it bonds and contrasts well with 1084, the mix is also really easy for small scale knife makers to work with. It's not used as much otherwise since the edge retention isn't the best and 1095 is more common and useful for most people.

A8 MOD is mostly known as the basis for Busse's INFI (not 100% proven but all signs point this way). Also a steel that prioritizes toughness much more than edge retention, but it has much better corrosion resistance. Probably won't perform as well as Busse's tweaked version, but that gives you something to go off of.

 

[donnord]

Never paid much attention to Busse's knives until this post. I am now very tempted.

 

[Seedy Lot]

A8 Mod is semi stainless and has 6% carbide volume so noticeably better edge wear.

For most all knives users uber toughness is not need.

I have used A8 Mod a bit and while it is a good steel I do prefer CD#1 or 1v for this class of steels.

If you want patina galore and being able to strike the spine of your knife with a rock for spark go 15N20.

 

[shqxk]

15N20 is way easier to heat treat and much cheaper as raw material.

 

[EatingSarma]

I assume you want to buy a Casstrom knife.

Anyways - go A8 mod for that. I know they'll both do great, but A8 offers better overall performance.

Unless you want patina...

 

[Neo]

Yes I was indeed looking at Casstrom

I have already 2 pieces of their Lars Fält in A8mod but was now intriged by their new Lars Fält in 15N20 in their Järv series.
They now have sleipner, 14c28n, A8mod and 15N20 In the past they had K720, N690 and 12C27.
Twindog thank you for the numbers.

So 15N20 is much cheaper than A8mod.
So I gues they took this steel for the Järv series to compensate for the more expensive leather sheath and handle material to keep the price the same?
Of course I could be wrong and was it choosen because it's thouger so they could make the blade thinner.

edit: just looked at their model 10 SFK and the 15N20 (with leather) is cheaper than the A8mod

 

[toneza]

Yes I was indeed looking at Casstrom

I faced the same tough choice a month ago. I decided to go with micarta, A8 Mod steel, and kydex sheath. It turned out to be an incredible knife, superbly made, with absolutely nothing to complain about. The knife doesn't rattle in the sheath, the spine is ground to 90 degrees, and there are no hot spots on the handle. I'm satisfied.

 

[EatingSarma]

I have gotten A8mod Casstrom myself and I'm also happy with it

 

[Neo]

I remember now that all my Svord knives (at least a dozen) all have 15N20 blades.
At some point you have so many knives you forget about some

 

[sopwithcamelus]

Yes I was indeed looking at Casstrom

I have already 2 pieces of their Lars Fält in A8mod but was now intriged by their new Lars Fält in 15N20 in their Järv series.
They now have sleipner, 14c28n, A8mod and 15N20 In the past they had K720, N690 and 12C27.
Twindog thank you for the numbers.

So 15N20 is much cheaper than A8mod.
So I gues they took this steel for the Järv series to compensate for the more expensive leather sheath and handle material to keep the price the same?
Of course I could be wrong and was it choosen because it's thouger so they could make the blade thinner.

edit: just looked at their model 10 SFK and the 15N20 (with leather) is cheaper than the A8mod

Something to bear in mind is that all three knives in this series have thinner blades and are a bit more nimble than their stable mates. The handles are also a bit more slim due to the thinner blades. I have no experience with A8, but I like 15N20 quite a bit.You do have to like old school steels like O1, 80CrV2, and Carbon V. They are tough, stain easily, are quick to take a fine edge, but won't hold their edge like 3V or Cru-Wear, etc.