Air quenchable steels?

T

tmix

Joined
Jun 28, 2006
Messages
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My brother wants us to each make a knife and is seeking my advice on what steel we should use. I've only made one knife so far, and when I did, I bit off way more than I could chew. I made a Chris Reeve style, one-piece out of a solid bar of D2. It was a huge effort and it left a bad taste in my mouth for knifemaking. The D2 was a pain to machine, file, and sand. I'd really like to send our blades to Texas Knifemakers supply for HT as they are nearby, and they only do air-hardening steels.

My question is this. Of the air hardening steels, which would be easiest to work with and will it be that much easier to work than D2? (hand files, a craftsman 2x42 sander, and sandpaper will be the only available tools)
A2
D2
ATS34
154CM
Others?

I tried running a file across some D2 bar I have in the shop, and it wasn't nearly as bad as I remember it being. So I'd be willing to give it another shot. Should I stick with D2?

Thanks for any advice!
 
A2 will be easier then the rest to machine less abrasion resistant but i cant say that you will see a big enough difference.
 
I'll confirm, of that lot, A2 is the best to work with. And D2 would be the worst. A D2 integral would not be a trivial undertaking. Though for that matter, integrals are not easy in general. Even with big tools...
 
Nathan! Good to hear from you again.
A2 huh?
I'm now thinking AT34 vs A2
ATS34 is much cheaper, but which of those two will give a better blade?
 
tmix said:
Nathan! Good to hear from you again.
A2 huh?
I'm now thinking AT34 vs A2
ATS34 is much cheaper, but which of those two will give a better blade?
Click to expand...
A-2 is usually cheaper, even precision ground. Choice of steel is all about performance, and purpose. The A-2 is gonna be easier to work and heat treat. As Stan pointed out , the ATS-34 will be more stain and weather resistant.
 
S7 is air hardening, and will be easier to work than any of those listed. It's edge holding may not be what you're looking for though.
 
ATS34 will hold an edge better but not as tough, also harder to work with then A2. but yes ats34 is stainless and A2 is not it is up to you what you want from your knife.
 
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