Best steel for "coarse" edges?

M

mps

Joined
Feb 17, 1999
Messages
155
What's the best steel, (or non-steel, for that matter) for the coarse aggressive edge?

Actually, this might be more than one question. For instance, it's possible that some steels get a coarse edge easily, but can't keep it.

Another perhaps even better q is what's your favorite method of getting a really nice coarse working aggressive edge?

Thanks,
mps
 
I'm certainly not an expert, but it sure seems like everyone who's tried the Boye Dendritic swears by it. Also, there's some damascus that would probably do what you want.

Bill
 
I've got a Boye Basic III that I don't use much because the handles are too uncomfortable and the blade is at least 3x too thick. What prompted my post is that eventually I'm going to commission Mel Sorg to make a much improved version in D2, and perhaps get some others made in different steels. I was just wondering what ya'll recommended in terms of other steels.

What little I've seen of A2, I really like. I've not much messed with L6 or W2. What else should I be looking at?

Thanks,
mps
 
The best teel for a coarse edge is a steel with a lot a vanadium in it. One of the cpm's steel would be best. And cpm 15v has the most in it.

The vanadium makes very hard and coarse particles thru out the metal just what you ashed for. NOTHING BEATS 15v for a coarse edge. But it is not the best steel for everyting it is much to brittle. Plus I like a smooth edge on my knives if I what a coarse edge I use a saw.
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-Greg Johnson
ICQ#4236341



[This message has been edited by gregj62 (edited 27 March 1999).]
 
Plain steels like 5160 are very easy to get an aggressive coarse edge on (say x-coarse DMT). The micro serrations tend not to break off and can easly be steeled back into place. Of course the more they flop around the weaker they get and eventually they break away. I would be interested how Talonite and the CPM steels behave. Anyone want to do an experiment?

-Cliff
 
Cliff you are right that you can get an aggressive coarse edge on 5160 using a coarse stone, but on cpm you get natural coarse edge even when you use the finest stone. I think if you tryed it you would agree that the cpm stuff makes a better coarse edge. I like 5160 for a polished edge. The grain size is much smaller with 5160 then with the cpm stuff.(assusming that you heat treat both right)

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-Greg Johnson
ICQ#4236341

 
I'm a big fan of toothy agressive edges. I think ATS-34 gets pretty toothy and like AUS-8 sharpened that way too. But I had a Spyderco Military 440V and it could produce a real grabby edge.To acheive this I use a EZE-lap diamond sharpener.
I have the fine grit one but it still makes an agressive edge Its more course than the grey sharpmaker stones.
scott w
 
I forgot to mention that when I sharpen my M-2 blade that way It just does'nt seem to bite as well. Would it be correct for me to assume that most tool steels would take this type of finer edge? D-2 A-2 etc. thanks
scott w
 
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