Buying steel help

Tiiiiiiiim

Tiiiiiiiim

Joined
Jun 11, 2010
Messages
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So im thinking of buying some steel. This is the write up on it.

RWL-34 STAINLESS STEEL BAR STOCK
Top-quality Swedish Martensitic stainless barstock, solidified powder technology for highest edge strength and fantastic finishes.
Annealed for knifemaking. Manufactured in Sweden

Is it an alright steel? Sorry, very new to this. Another question, when it says "Annealed for knifemaking" Does that mean its in the soft state? If so, how do i go about making it hard when i've make the blade? Can i do it from home? Whats the process?

They do sell D2 as well but it's only in 4mm thicknesses but im looking for steel for a folders liner so i only want it 2mm. (i don't have access to a metal thicknesser)

Thanks in advance!
 
I am not sure I understand, do you want the steel for the blade or the liner? For the blade you might want to think about getting some precision ground steel, something to ask if they can supply. It will help keep things nice and parallel without having to grind off the mill scale. For heat treatment you would probably be best to send it away to be heat treated but without knowing your location I can't recommend anywhere.

Annealed does mean it will be soft so make sure you drill all your holes and tap any threaded holes before getting it heat treated.

Depending on the type of folder you are planning on making other liner materials that are quite popular are titanium for liner locks and frame locks or also 410/416 stainless steel.

Alistair
 
I have worked with RWL 34 and it grinds very easily, heat treats like 440C (vacuum oven) and polishes to a very high polish. Some say it looks like a pool of liquid mercury when polished.

George
 
Hey Tiiiiim, I'm just about to place an order with the AKC as well! ;)

I've got two little blades im doing in RWL34. So far ive only done the rough profiling, but it does grind quite easily, easier than D2 for sure.
I have no idea how it would perform as a liner though...

assuming that i was right and you are an Aussie, when it comes time to HT send it to Hills Heat treat in Bayswater, Victoria
http://www.hillsheat.com.au/
From what i hear heat treating stainless isnt too feasible to do at home on an amateur setup.
 
No one has yet written: "Read the stickies"? 2mm is a little thick for a liner, but it should work. For a liner I don't think you'd need to heat treat since it isn't going to hold an edge.
 
Cubane said:
I am not sure I understand, do you want the steel for the blade or the liner? For the blade you might want to think about getting some precision ground steel, something to ask if they can supply. It will help keep things nice and parallel without having to grind off the mill scale. For heat treatment you would probably be best to send it away to be heat treated but without knowing your location I can't recommend anywhere.

Annealed does mean it will be soft so make sure you drill all your holes and tap any threaded holes before getting it heat treated.

Depending on the type of folder you are planning on making other liner materials that are quite popular are titanium for liner locks and frame locks or also 410/416 stainless steel.

Alistair
Click to expand...

Yeah, i want it for a liner. This is the only material i can find in a size closest to a liner. I dont have the machine to thickness the steel.

zaph1 said:
No one has yet written: "Read the stickies"? 2mm is a little thick for a liner, but it should work. For a liner I don't think you'd need to heat treat since it isn't going to hold an edge.
Click to expand...

Yeah, it's the thinnest i can find. I was only going to heat treat it because i didn't want the pivot hole to stretch under stress of hard use. If you dont think i need to harden it. even better! :D
 
Thought i'd just bring the old thread up instead of starting a new one. I was wondering if anyone knew of a S30v steel supplier i could possibly buy off? From Australia is always preferable, but anywhere is fine..

Thanks in advance!
Tim.
 
RWL-34 = CPM154 These are the powder metal grades of ATS-34 and 154CM. Powder metal grades are better but all make fine blades !!
 
I was going to give Elmax a try. It is available in Australia from Bohler. Pricey though.
 
Cubane said:
I was going to give Elmax a try. It is available in Australia from Bohler. Pricey though.
Click to expand...

Whats Elmax? I was after some S30v for a knife that would be hitting bone quite a bit cutting up Roo's. So i just need something that will hold a really good edge.
 
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