Aeb-l and 15n20 steel problem...

[Jesenius]

I bought some stuffs from e-shop and received package two days ago. Two items are AEB-L and 15N20 steel with same dimensions and with no markings on it. One steel is little bit shiney second one have matte surface. I bought them first time and My problem is that I don't know what is what? How can I distinguish them from each other?

Thanks a lot!

 

[Jesenius]

I figured out they can differ by etching in FeCl3. I'll try it...

 

[mete]

A spark test would show it also .Helps to have a known sample to compare.

 

[Jesenius]

Spark test will surely work. Unfortunately I have only these two pieces so I have nothing to compare with. If I am right, etched 15N20 should be bright and Aeb-l should be grey or dark grey.

 

[shqxk]

AEB-L will resist etch better due to much higher Cr.

 

[JTknives]

AEBL is stainless and 15n20 is carbon steel

 

[Barry Clodfelter]

Both will resist etch so a better test would be to heat treat them both at 1500 and quench in oil. The 15N20 would be hard and the AEBL wouldn't.

 

[Josh Rider]

Are they both the same thickness? Are you able to compare them with a caliper?

 

[Jesse Latham]

Contact the seller and ask about the surface finish.

 

[MBB]

15N20 is shiny, AEB-L is matte.

I'm literally playing with the same 2 steels. The nickel makes it slightly shiny.

 

[Jesenius]

Thank you guys, I appreciate your answers so much!

Josh Rider: Yes, they are same thickness. I didn't measured it with caliper but on e-shop they wrote same dimensions for both steels. I compared them side by side on desktop. Well, one steel is apparently wider. I can measure it today when I'll go to My workshop.

MBB: Thank You very much!