Can't find 1084...

J

Justin Presson

Joined
Dec 4, 2013
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So I'm all jacked up about starting a knife but can't find 1084 and that seems to be what everyone suggest for a beginner....so what gives? Big shortage or is the stuff that hard to find all the time?

Sorry if this is a common post but new and have searched the web and old forums with no luck for answer.
NJ Steel Barron has it in .156 but though I would use. .125 for the knife I want to make.

Thanks for the help
 
Shoot Aldo at NJSB an email. He may have what you need very soon.
Or you could use 1080 if you want something right now. I did my first couple of knives in 1/8" 1080 that I got from Texas Knife along with some other supplies. That steel worked and hardened great for me just using files and propane torch soup-can forge. USAknifemaker also has 1080 but it's hot rolled, which means it's partially hardened. I've never used it but you could probably anneal it yourself to make it easier to work.
 
Yeah definitely anneal the 1080 from USAKnifeMaker, it's pretty tough stuff, using it right now
 
Word is Aldo will have more 1084 at the end of the month.
 
So 1080 would be a good alternative? I'm sure this is somewhere already but what is the real difference in the two?
 
At Alpha Knife Supply, they have 1080+. This steel is so awesome. It is a chrome/vanadium steel. Basically 1080, well, plus! I cannot recommend this steel enough. And it is annealed.....ready to grind. You will not regret this steel. .82% carbon .60% chromium .42% manganese .20% vanadium. Treat it just like 1084, but if you can hold it at critical for 5 minutes, to get the best out of the steel.
 
Droptine5 said:
So I'm all jacked up about starting a knife but can't find 1084 and that seems to be what everyone suggest for a beginner....so what gives? Big shortage or is the stuff that hard to find all the time?

Sorry if this is a common post but new and have searched the web and old forums with no luck for answer.
NJ Steel Barron has it in .156 but though I would use. .125 for the knife I want to make.

Thanks for the help
Click to expand...

How much do you need? I have 39 foot of 1/4" thick by 1 1/2" wide.
Scott
 
Droptine,
The very basics on 10XX steels (others can give you waaaay more info but here's what you probably want to know as a beginner)
The last two digits in 10XX steels reference the carbon content. However, this is variable so 1080 steel may have between 75-85% carbon.
1080/1084 steel is eutectoid steel which is easier and more forgiving to heat treat than hypereuctectoid steels like 1095 (which requires a more controlled heat treat with more soak time and a faster quench for optimal performance.)
Aldo's 1084 has added vanadium as well as higher and more consistant carbon content than typical 1080.

The 1080+ that samuraistuat listed sounds pretty interesting and I'd be willing to give it a shot. Actually, found a thread about 1080+ vs 1084 here on BF (http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/1074989-1084-vs-1080) They seem to be very similar.
 
Last edited:
samurai I been looking at the 1080+ myself I guess im going to have to try it. I was waiting for someone to get some 1084 in but after your review I guess ill go ahead and pull the trigger on it.
 
You will NOT be disappointed. I haven't read the thread that FullyTorque mentioned, but I bet few, if any, could tell any difference between 1080+ and 1084. It was my beginner steel, and makes for a superb blade. Give them a call and order some! Fret not, Aldo the New Jersey Steel Baron is scheduled to have some 1084 late in January. Myself, I prefer the 1080+ to 1084.

So I just read the thread mentioned, and sure enough it was mentioned......you can't tell the difference. The small amount of Cr and V added to the 1080+ isn't enough to change your heat treat requirements. There's just enough to aid in hardenability and grain refining. IF you can hold at critical temp for 5 minutes, I would recommend doing that compared to quenching as soon as you reach critical.
 
FullyTorque said:
Droptine,
The very basics on 10XX steels (others can give you waaaay more info but here's what you probably want to know as a beginner)
The last two digits in 10XX steels reference the carbon content. However, this is variable so 1080 steel may have between 75-85% carbon.
1080/1084 steel is eutectoid steel which is easier and more forgiving to heat treat than hypereuctectoid steels like 1095 (which requires a more controlled heat treat with more soak time and a faster quench for optimal performance.)
Aldo's 1084 has added vanadium as well as higher and more consistant carbon content than typical 1080.

The 1080+ that samuraistuat listed sounds pretty interesting and I'd be willing to give it a shot. Actually, found a thread about 1080+ vs 1084 here on BF (http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/1074989-1084-vs-1080) They seem to be very similar.
Click to expand...

Thanks alot for the run down and link.
After hearing some feed back I might just go with the 1080+ if it is in stock.
 
I had the same dilemma...I decided to get some .156 for now, and order some .125 when it comes in. I kind of wish I had waited since .156 seems so much thicker that I need, but I figure I can make it work.
 
The actual DIN for 1080+ is 80CrV2. We are carrying it in 3/16,1/4 and 3/8 and plan to get it in thinner gauges very soon. It is an 80 carbon Chrome Vanadium steel that heat treats very easily, forges well and brings up a moderate hamon(if you're into that kind of thing.). We feel it is an excellent alternative to 5160 do to higher carbon and better edge holding and has a much finer grain then 1080. It lends itself to everything from neck knives to choppers and hawks. I think it is a good go to steel for beginners as well.

Aldo
 
Thanks Aldo, I was wanting to get some 1084 from you because that seems to be what everyone recommends for a beginner but u were out of stock and I was to impatient :) sounds like the 1080+ should work good for me to. I'm sure I will be doing business with you to at some point as I have heard nothing but good things. Thanks to Alpha knife supply to they were good to work with and I should have my steel today :thumbup:
 
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