Best Steel for a Chopper?

LostCause said:
I can't say what's the definite best. I can only say what I'd choose.

Top choice would be CPM-3V.
Second choice would be 80CrV2.
Third choice would be 5160.

I personally wouldn't use stainless steel for that, but if I would - then it'd be AEB-L and nothing else.

Only other powder steels except CPM-3V that I would consider are:
CPM-4V
CPM-CruWear
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My personal choices would be 3V (preferably D3V, but the other work just fine), SR-101, A8 mod. I think that 5160, 8760 and 80CRV2 also work great, but I much more experience with the first 3 I mentioned so I have to go with what I know.

ETA: properly heat treated 1095 also works excellent, I’ve beaten many Tops knives to attest to this.
 
1075, AEB-L, 5160, 80CrV, 8670, 1055, 1080. Basically any steel with medium carbon and enough alloying for an oil quench if desired.

Wear resistance isn’t terribly useful in a big chopper. They don’t dull by slow wear unless they’re only used in clean materials for specific tasks. They dull by deformation or take bigger damage from accidental impacts. If they do dull by wear, it’s rapid from impacting dirty material. Think about cutting saplings or fence posts close to the ground. I’d much prefer a steel that’s easy to sharpen and moderate hardness. For use around my area, Cold Steels 1055 steel machetes are about ideal. I generally reshape them and add a primary grind with a file.
 
coolbreezy37 said:
My personal choices would be 3V (preferably D3V, but the other work just fine), SR-101, A8 mod. I think that 5160, 8760 and 80CRV2 also work great, but I much more experience with the first 3 I mentioned so I have to go with what I know.

ETA: properly heat treated 1095 also works excellent, I’ve beaten many Tops knives to attest to this.
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Does Tops still eyeball the hardening temperature for their 1095 blades? They had a shop tour video a while (pronounced with the h) back showing their process.
 
me2 said:
Does Tops still eyeball the hardening temperature for their 1095 blades? They had a shop tour video a while (pronounced with the h) back showing their process.
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Maybe, I saw that video. Whatever they do, it’s worked on the 10 knives from them I’ve used so far.
 
Cold steel does 3v very well. The trail master or kukri should do fine for a large blade. Find someone to make a custom handle and it would be a lifetime user.
 
I ordered one of those knife connection Field Buddy 6.5 knives in 3V. I’m going to learn to maintain a knife with this beater that will accompany me on a week long hike this summer. I’m going to learn about the patina.
 
Teesac81 said:
I ordered one of those knife connection Field Buddy 6.5 knives in 3V. I’m going to learn to maintain a knife with this beater that will accompany me on a week long hike this summer. I’m going to learn about the patina.
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3V isn't really going to patina much....... might not notice. Maybe a little haziness, Maybe.

If you want patina O1 does just by looking at it.

*Edit... But O1 isn't a good "Chopper" steel.

80crv2, 8670, 5160, S7, L6, Etc.... would Be
 
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