300 series stainless steel

[wild wolf]

would 300 series stainless steel any good for knife making or bladesmithing?

 

[A C Richards]

300 series stainless is austenetic steel. It is non magnetic and not hardenable in the traditional methods and therefor not suitable for blades. I like 303 for guards and fixtures. 304 and 316 is real gummy and very hard on sanding belts and very difficult to work. I avoid 300 series except the 303.

 

[Frank Niro]

I could have all the 316 ss I wanted for free in very usable sizes but the stuff for me was darn near rediculous to use. I've see some makers have found it very useable. It has to be a different 316 than I know of. Frank

 

[Mossyhorn]

316 is tough stuff and it tends to work harden as you machine it. 303 cuts is like butter.

 

[mete]

They can be work hardened but not hardened by HT. 301 will work harden the quickest but full hard it's only HRc 42 ! At that hardness only good for springs.

 

[A C Richards]

They also make 304 and 316 in a leaded version. They add a very small amount of lead to make if easier to machine. Still nasty stuff.

 

[wild wolf]

thanks

 

[lazlo]

316 is tough stuff and it tends to work harden as you machine it. 303 cuts is like butter.

"303 is for me. 304 is a whore."

I've tried to forge 316, and it was like forging rocks. It must have insanely high red hardness.