CPM 3V questions

[Charlie Mike]

First, what is the best protectant on the market now for this steel? Second, will it develop a natural patina if I don't use a protectant? Lastly, if a natural patina comes, will it look nice?

 

[beluga]

Any oil will do. You can even use natural mineral oil on 3V to prevent rust. Wiping the steel with tuff cloth will also do. CPM3V will develop patina. I used my Fehrman Peace Maker to cut garlic and pizza slices, and it deleoped patina right away. "Nice" is all about one's preference. I like patina on my steel, but I know that some don't. My suggestion is try the patina on, but if you don't like it, you can always remove it with metal polish.

 

[The Mastiff]

3V is a great steel, but it can begin to pit like the old vascowear it's somewhat based on. I don't even let my 3V stuff ( or old vascowear) begin to oxidize in any way as I've seen the results.

I just use a silicone wipedown cloth ( gun cleaning supplies, any sporting good section) on mine after making sure any corrosives have been removed, and dried off. Keep the edge wiped off too. Sure, Tuff cloth works very well too but just costs more and looks messier.

It's an amazing steel that's very much worth the care it takes. IMO, it's not as bad as say 52100 with a stonewashed finish, for instance, but it is worse than, say D2.

Enjoy the great strength, and savage edges that come with this steel. The care required is well worth it's benefits to me anyway. Joe

 

[Charlie Mike]

Cool. I just got this Reese Weiland proto in a trade yesterday. Nate says its RC'd at 63. I have no experience with the stuff.

 

[beluga]

Damn ! That's one piece of beauty you got there.

 

[Charlie Mike]

Thanks. I'm leaving this thing as is. I'm not going to alter a proto, that's just blasphemy.

 

[Phillip Dobson]

I have a kitchen knife made from 3V. No special care has been extended. It shows no sign of corrosion, not even a patina.

Just don't leave it in the sink. This knife doesn't even get wiped clean after every use. I do wipe it down with mineral oil every month or so.

(I do live in a fairly dry climate.)

Phillip

 

[Charlie Mike]

(I do live in a fairly dry climate.)

Would you say CA is dry? I'd think so after spending much time at Ft Benning and Ft Campbell.

 

[Phillip Dobson]

Yeah, all but the north coast rainforest. Here in Montana, we get almost all of our precip as snow.

Our 3V cleaver really doesn't get treated any differently than the stainless (CPM154) knives. I live with roommates, (it's actually my roommate's knife), and the knives don't always get wiped down like they should. It is used to cut all sorts of acidic foods and shows no sign of the patina that the Fehrmans show. This might just be the difference between a hand-rubbed satin finish and a bead-blasted one.

Phillip

p.s. Hardened to 63! I thought I was a little crazy going to 61 on the cleaver. I really want to know how the knife works out for you.

 

[Charlie Mike]

Hardened to 63! I thought I was a little crazy going to 61 on the cleaver. I really want to know how the knife works out for you.

I haven't cut anything with it yet, but I own a handful of knives RW has modded for me and he hasn't let me down yet