302 stainless

Sterlinghaney25 · Nov 22, 2011

Hey y'all,
I got a big pile of 302 stainless in a bundle of carbon steel I bought at an auction. Is 302 ok for blades? I had planned on using it for guards but if It's ok to use I have about 300lbs of future blanks. As always thanks for any advice.
Sterling

me2 · Nov 22, 2011

Not too good for blades. It might work for guards and such, but the 300 series steels are persnickety to work with. Some are great and some will make you pull your hair out.

Bufford · Nov 23, 2011

302 is useless for blades as it is not a hardening steel. You may find it usefull for guards, pommels and pin stock.

Sterlinghaney25 · Nov 23, 2011

Ya just tried to HT a piece, brittle as glass. Should work for bolsters and such. And a new shop table

HardedgeKnives · Nov 23, 2011

Seen where Devin Thomas does some exotic stainless damascus with 440C and 302; if you pattern weld it might be worth trying.
Kelley

Danbo · Nov 23, 2011

Sterlinghaney25 said:
Ya just tried to HT a piece, brittle as glass. Should work for bolsters and such. And a new shop table

302 stainless brittle as glass? Doesn't sound like any 300 series stainless I've ever heard of.

Carl_First_Timer · Nov 23, 2011

Danbo said:
302 stainless brittle as glass? Doesn't sound like any 300 series stainless I've ever heard of.

I agree.

SBuzek · Nov 23, 2011

Should not be brittle or magnetic.If you have 300 lbs might be worth having a piece tested to see what it really is.
Stan