AEB-L for General Purpose Folder?

colu41

colu41

Joined
Dec 24, 2014
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I was thinking about ordering some D2 for my first couple folders I'm going to make. But then I though that I'd like to try the stainless route maybe. AEB-L is priced pretty good. Would this be a decent steel for a general purpose folder? Or is this just used mainly for kitchen cutters & razors?
 
Man, people are starting really good threads today! The 3 folders I've made are all AEB-L so I'm very interested in what people have to say on this.

The reason I used it is because its pretty cheap and it takes a really good edge. Easy to sharpen.
 
I use it on my small gentleman's folders. It is a great steel and takes a very keen edge. On larger folders I prefer CPM-S35VN because I expect the blade will get more abuse.

Bob
 
RangerBobTX said:
I use it on my small gentleman's folders. It is a great steel and takes a very keen edge. On larger folders I prefer CPM-S35VN because I expect the blade will get more abuse.

Bob
Click to expand...

What would be considered a large folder? The design I drew up for my first folder has about a 3 inch blade about 3/4" wide. Some peoples large may differ from others. The only way I can picture it is a Manix 2 compared to a Manix 2 XL. lol..
 
I'm sure it's a great steel but if you want to sell the folders I think it may count against you. D2 or some of the more "in" steels like S30V* will turn more heads.

* wait, it's 2015, is S30V out? I mean S90V!
 
I you can live with 1/8" stock, then I say go for it. There may be "better" steels, but I don't think that you will ever really regret using AEB-L for am appropriate knife design..
 
It depends on the main use.
If you want a stainless blade that cuts and going to be kept very keen and sharp, AEB-L is one of the best options.
If the knife is going to be used as a prying tool, a scraper or as improvised screwdriver than there are better steels around (and also proper tools, btw).
 
I would be all up for using some good ol' Cpm154 or s35v, but the problem is, I order from Aldo, and his stainless thickness right in the description varies a lot. Some by over a 100th of an inch. For fixed blades thats fine but, I wouldn't think for folders.
 
For example, his CPM 154. The size I would like to stick with is 1/8" or around that. His is listed as .103-.113".
 
I believe you can call him and ask for precision ground stock, even if you don't see it listed on the website.
 
The 1/8" Material from Niagara is from.140 to .156 thick. The sizes on the web site represent the finished sizes for the steel.(just so you know)

As for the AEB-L we will be getting it in 5/32" and 3/16". We have a lot of interest for this grade in thicker sizes. There are quite a few guy's wanting to do mid-Tech runs with it and heavier kitchen cutlery as well.

We also have an AEB-L with Nitrogen and Vanadium being made for us. We have to finalize the formula with the mill, but thing are looking good for a spring delivery.
 
That is excellent news. I predict AEB-L is going to become a lot more of a requested steel from the consumer once it becomes a little more well known.
 
Little Rock Show:

Me: Hey Aldo, I would really like to get some AEB-L in stock thicker than .130", are you going to be getting any?

Aldo: (raspy voice with Jersey accent) No, definitely not. There's not enough demand.

Immediately after this exchange a guy walks up and asks, "Aldo, when are you going to get AEB-L in thicker stock?"

You're the man Aldo! Thanks.

Bob
 
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