Blade Steel Preference for Small Knives

greatlakeswaterjet

greatlakeswaterjet

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Just curious in what makers prefer in materials for small knives. Mostly thinking of pocket knives in a stainless. ATS-34, BG-42, Sandvik 12C27 or other Sandvik materials, CPM154 or 154CM. What do you like and why?
 
any of the big 4, 440c, ATS34, 154CM, S30V, maybe even Talonite/Stellite 6k for a non ferrous alternative.

Jason
 
If you can get ATS-34 that is already precision ground it would help all of us that don't have a surface grinder :)
 
WadeH said:
Why just Stainless, what not use carbon for a small knife too?
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Cause it rusts! (Just kidding) :D

I agree with CPM 154 in a big way. Twice as tough for the same hardness goes a long way for a small blades and also means you can go thinner behind the edge while still maintaining integrity. It mirror polishes better than almost anything else and for a small blade, the cost of the steel is almost negligible in comparison to what it takes to work it to a finished product.

Precision ground would be worth the extra cost on folders and other 'acceptable' steels would include; 154CM, CPM S30V, D2 and Sandvic 13C26 would be on my "like to try" list.

There are probably some I've just overlooked (BG42 and RWL34, come to think of it) - some I'm not familiar enough with (S60V S90V..) and some I've omitted on purpose (440C an ATS34). On a small blade, it just doesn't make sense to skimp quality on a tiny piece of steel.

Is any damascus on your list Dave?

Rob!
 
Your neck knife blank, made by E.Boese ,I chose CPM154. A very could choice for both maker and user.Takes a great edge, easy to sharpen yet has good wear resistance.
 
440C and 1095 are not out, but I'm trying to make a list of materials to keep in stock for slipjoints and other small knives. I usually have ATS-34and 1095, but I'm thinking I need more materials other than that.
 
I have been using CPM 154 and CPM S30V. I am convinced the S 30V has an edge holding advantage. I used BG 42 and loved it but cant find it anywhere now.
 
I have BG-42 on the way. I'm also looking at all the Sandvik steels. Waiting on pricing.
 
BG42 is my favorite stainless, but I believe CPM 154 is easier to heat treat.
 
Had to call the maker. Latrobe. Want to go in on it? They are very proud of their steel!$$$$$$$$$.:eek:
 
greatlakeswaterjet said:
Had to call the maker. Latrobe. Want to go in on it? They are very proud of their steel!$$$$$$$$$.:eek:
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So you had to go directly to Latrobe? I heard they only want to sell big quanities and thats why our suppliers dont stock it anymore. What is their minimum? Maybe a bunch of us can go together.
 
Bruce, I'm e-mailing you. Tell me what you think. I can buy a half or whole sheet.
 
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