Best Sword Steel(s)

ColsonCustoms

ColsonCustoms

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Oct 19, 2015
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Would CPM 3-V or 80CRV2 be a suitable sword steel, or should something like L-6 be used? Ideally, I am looking for a steel with toughness/impact resistance equivalent to or exceeding 5160, but with more hardness. Price and work-ability are not factors and I would like to use the best steel possible for this project.
Will be about 36" long, 1.5"-2" in width, 1/4" stock, single edge, meatier zero-convex grind. All steels will be sent off for heat treating.
Thanks for any advice you guys can give.
 
The 80crv2 pretty much meets the specifications you quoted. Think 5160 with added carbon and vanadium for grain reduction. Pretty good steel and would make a good sword.
Brion
 
Oooh, let me say it. . . If you don't already know the answer to this question, then you aren't ready to make a sword.

OK, now that that is out of the way, what do you plan on using the sword for, show or actual use? If actual use, what kind of sword do you plan, rapier, scimitar, sabre, katana, etc.? I'm still a few years away from my first sword, but I recognize that there is a "right" steel depending on the sword type. Otherwise, we'd just have one type of steel being used.
 
If you want more hardness, you don't want 80crv2.
 
Is 80crv2 usually tempered back below 59rc? This blade does not have to be insanely hard, just a little better than 5160, while still being very tough. 59-60 rc would be plenty. Not sure where 80crv2 is usually taken to.
 
Sound like L6 may be what you are looking for if you want a cast steel and are willing to spring for it. CPM3V dome with the low temper might be better, but prepare for some serious sticker shock.
ColsonCustoms said:
Is 80crv2 usually tempered back below 59rc? This blade does not have to be insanely hard, just a little better than 5160, while still being very tough. 59-60 rc would be plenty. Not sure where 80crv2 is usually taken to.
Click to expand...
 
I hear you there, just grabbed 1 stick of 3v for a customer. Spent over $100. I've gotta do more research on L-6, but it may be the best all around option. I'm not too concerned with spending a little more on quality steel though. Abrasives are where I'm going to eat it.
 
From your requirements, I would go with L-6, or any of the equivalents, like 8670M. Swords generally don't need a lot of hardness, and anywhere in the Rc 56-59 range is plenty. This also increases the toughness, which is a far more important factor in a sword. As said by the others, if money is no impediment, CPM-3V would be awesome.
 
If 15n20 was available in thicker stock, it would also be awesome. I've thought of stack welding some together and probably will do so soon.
 
If it's single edged, and youcan differential temper it, 80CrV2 is pretty tough left with a hard edge-but only if you can DT it. Otherwise I'm in the L6/1084 camp
 
I'm not sure if the ht place will do dt. I have clay and will be able to give it a shot once I get an oven large enough. Just started working w/ 80crv2 a few days ago.
 
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