Condursal Z1100 vs ATP 641

[Rui Pereira]

Hi,

I'm a newbie on these issues. Until now I've only heat treated carbon steel (O1, 1095 and 9260) using a small forge. Since I recently made a homemade kiln/HT hoven, I want to make some experiences with stainless steel and to use a anti scale compound with my carbon steel blades to make my life easier.
On the Internet and on the forum I've found many references to ATP-641 and some references to Condursal Z1100. Since both manufacturers refer that their products can be used with carbon steel and stainless steel, wich one do you recomend? (In theory atp-641 can be used up to 1260ºC, while condursal can only be used up to 1100ºC)
Here in Portugal shipment I can get one 900g can/bottle of condursal for around 95€, the 450ml bottle of ATP-641 can be bought for around 45€.

 

[Stromberg Knives]

I use both of them, and in my experience Z1100 works fine for stainless (higher temperatures), but ATP-641 works better for carbon steel (lower temperatures). Z1100 has a working lower temperature limit, and carbon steels is a bit close to it.

But as I don't make hundreds of knives per year, I've gone back to foil for stainless, and ATP-641 for carbon steel. Didn't like the smell of Z1100, it made me dizzy.