CPM 3V Edge retention push cutting through wood question...

[HPD]

So I made a Kephart out of 3V with .099 stock and gave it a convex edge (no secondary). I used the knife to do some light batoning, made a fireboard and spindle, made kindling, scrapings, three feather sticks, and tried to baton dried and aged nectarine wood. It got stuck in the nectarine and the blade was bent pretty good. Got the blade out and it ended up not being bent with zero chipping or rolling after all the cutting and notching. Very pleased with all of that...however, the edge no longer push-cut computer paper. I could still slice cut, but no way would it push cut. I could still shave arm hair with some effort, but it was noticeably duller. However, stropping quickly brought it back. CMP 3V is supposed to be a super steel. Was this performance acceptable to those of you who use this steel to make knives? How long should you be able to go without dulling that requires stropping? This was my first time using this steel. Just curious what makers expect out of this steel. I did the HT. 1950 for 30 minutes, plate quench, quickly into dry ice overnight. Tempered twice at 350F, two hours each time.

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

You beat it up and it survived. Of course it got dulled slightly when you did all those tests. The fact that it was still sharp and could be restored with only stropping shows it is an excellent blade.

 

[DevinT]

Good job, I would also check for a burr. Sometimes they are hard to detect and will roll on you.

Hoss

 

[HPD]

Good job, I would also check for a burr. Sometimes they are hard to detect and will roll on you.

Hoss

Something I didn't think about. Thanks.