AEB-L slipjoints

coop7

coop7

Joined
Apr 9, 2012
Messages
318
I was researching blade steels the other day for a project I'm working on and realized how great this would be for a slip joint with the razor edge it can achieve, perfect for slicing. Does anyone own a blade in this steel that can confirm my theory?
 
I have had & tested (not scientifically) a few by John Lloyd. Fantastic! I think I've had one by Jerry Halfrich,too. It is a great steel,IMO. Backing up my thoughts is what I've heard from the knife makers I know who are using it.
 
I think when I move back into pocket knives it's a steel I'm going to try working with. I'm using 52100 right now, but AEB-L seems to get decent reviews from makers that work it.
 
Sandvik 13C26 has the same composition as AEBL, and is quite a bit more common.

Buck Knives uses 13C26 in some non-traditional models. IIRC there was a rumor that they might change their basic alloy from 420HC to 13C26. That would include their 300 line. You might ask over on the Buck Forum.
 
knarfeng said:
Sandvik 13C26 has the same composition as AEBL, and is quite a bit more common.

Buck Knives uses 13C26 in some non-traditional models. IIRC there was a rumor that they might change their basic alloy from 420HC to 13C26. That would include their 300 line. You might ask over on the Buck Forum.
Click to expand...

:thumbup:
Sandvik's fine-grain process seems to allow their steels to come as close to 'razor-equivalent' as I've ever seen. Even with steels that are not quite up to the same elemental makeup as 13C26; their 12C27Mod, as used in Opinels, is every bit as fine-grained as can be, and is likely the only stainless I've seen that can compete head-to-head with the Opinel 'Carbone' (XC90 steel), in terms of true razor-edge-taking potential; and the stainless Opi will actually hold that edge longer.

I've often wished that both Buck and Case might upgrade their standard lines from 420HC, and it occurred to me that even 12C27 (or 12C27Mod) would be a significant step up; especially if they take advantage of Sandvik's RC recommendations for the steel (up to 59 HRC, for 12C27Mod). I'm generally OK with their 420HC blades now; but I'd be happy as a clam with 12C27Mod Case & Buck knives, if they matched what Opinel has done with that steel.


David
 
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