CPM 154 with grainy surface finish

[Robber58]

All,
I could use some insight from those that have used CPM 154. I have made a few blades from it and most were finished with a 400 to 600 grit satin with a couple to 1200. Today, I was attempting to bring a blade up to 1200. When I hit 600, I began to see a strange looking texture on the entire surface of both sides. At 1000, it was very noticeable and reminded me a bit of the orange peel looking polished D2 blades I used to make. This was new bar of steel but the one other blade made from it seemed fine. It was heat treated by Paul Bos Heat Treating (after he left) and looked like normal after heat treat. It must have hardened correctly or they would have told me so I am puzzled. I would show a picture but it does not show up on any I have attempted to take. I have some more from the same bar heat treated at the same time so I will take a look at them soon to see if this is isolated. Has anyone else seen a strange texture on the suface of this steel?
Thanks,
Randy

 

[foxx]

I have a TOPS SSS knife in 154cm, and it's HT is by Paul Bos also. It's not exactly the same steel, but that knife has almost a clear coat over the whole knife. It also has a random grainy pattern to it as well. The two combined look similar to an orange peel.
I also have a keychain bottle opener that looks exactly the same. I have not tried to sand or polish either steels.

I have a couple of Bark Rivers in 154CM that are quite polished, to what number of grit I do not know, but they don't have the same look at all.

I'm not a maker, but I hope there is some insight to this issue. I might want a knife in that steel, and would like to know what it will look like.

Here's a link to Blade HQ's pic of the TOPS SSS. Look at the end of the word Bosworth, from there to the tip it looks grainy. It's not the best image of the pattern, but better than I can do. http://www.bladehq.com/item--TOPS-Knives-SSS-Bosworth--4735

 

[mete]

Remember that 154CM and CPM154 though of the same composition are significantly different due to the different manufacturing methods. With the 154CM you could get segregation and of course you could get problems with the larger carbides .These two things can produce an 'orange peel ' surface. Your polishing technique will also have an effect .Too much pressure and old ,worn belts will add to the problem.

Another advantage of CPM ! CPM154 has become the favorite of myself and many makers and users.

 

[Robber58]

I am not sure I understand your comments. I am using what is supposed to be CPM 154 as I indicated. If they sent me 154CM then I need some money back.

 

[foxx]

I am not sure I understand your comments. I am using what is supposed to be CPM 154 as I indicated. If they sent me 154CM then I need some money back.

I'm the one that mentioned 154CM, sorry to make the thread more confusing.

 

[mete]

You guys did confuse me !! IIRC some of the early batches of CPM154 had problems being non-homogeneous. Makers could have that replaced by Crucible . Do you know if that was an early batch ?