CPM-3V vs. A2

[Cliff Stamp]

Cliff that's simply wrong.

Crucible lists it as air hardening;air, or positive pressure, or interrupted oil/salt. As I noted, in general, assuming the steel can take the shock, the more aggressive quenches usually yield higher performance.

-Cliff

 

[HoB]

I made that point as cautionary note, not as an indictment of the steel.

That is precisely how I understood it. I am sorry if that wasn't clear from my post.

 

[ksc73164]

Heat treating 3V as with S30V requires a fast quench, and most people who heat treat it know that. I was making that point in response to someone (a custom maker) saying they allowed it to air cool for awhile. It won't fully harden in that case.

3V is an air hardening steel, that is why it has the high alloy content, though in general there are benefits from more aggressive quenches even on steels which will air harden.

October 13, 2006 Jerry Hossom and Cliff Stamp agreed that 3V requires a fast quench/agressive quench to achieve optimum performance in a blade. This must be some kind of sign, but what does it mean? I'm scared.

 

[M Wadel]

whats the chem composition of a2? is it tougher than 3v?

 

[Larrin]

whats the chem composition of a2? is it tougher than 3v?

Here's crucible's data sheet, which has the composition: http://www.crucibleservice.com/datash/dsA2v12.pdf?CFID=803719&CFTOKEN=21805529

And no, A2 is not tougher than 3V.

 

[HoB]

I am not sure on this, but I believe you have to look very closely at the hardness when comparing the (impact) toughness of this steel. I believe at very high hardnesses (63+), A2 can actually be tougher than 3V, but again, this is from memory and I might very well be wrong.

 

[Cliff Stamp]

I am not sure on this, but I believe you have to look very closely at the hardness when comparing the (impact) toughness of this steel. I believe at very high hardnesses (63+), A2 can actually be tougher than 3V, but again, this is from memory and I might very well be wrong.

You only have spot checks from Crucible on one toughness test, there are many and you would expect them to pick the one which showcases the best performance and regardless you need the full temper responce. Tempered at 350F A2 has maximum hardness and strength and torsional impact toughness but the ductility is fairly low. If you draw it back to 57/58 you lose about 20% strength and you gain about 75% ductility and also hit a torsional impact toughness peak. I linked all relevant graphs in the reference page. However if you are drawing A2 back that far you are likely better with A8 anyway.

-Cliff