current source for W2 steel?

[Willie71]

With Aldo's last smelt being recalled, and no availability from Canadianknifemaker, is there any current source for W2? I did a few google searches, and came up with 50 sites, but all out of stock, or minimum 5 ton orders. I don't need that much though Anyone know where I can buy some? I found W1 drill rod, but its basically the same as 1095 IIRC. Correct me if I'm wrong.

 

[samuraistuart]

I didn't have luck myself. I contacted about a dozen or so online metal retailers. All said NOPE. I think the inevitable is.....we're gonna have to wait for Aldo's late fall batch.

 

[Alpha Knife Supply]

I don't know of a W2 source other than Aldo. I'm hoarding what I have.

I found W1 drill rod, but its basically the same as 1095 IIRC. Correct me if I'm wrong.

W1 and 1095 are very different. The specifications on W1 are tight. You can expect consistent results. 1095 has wide specifications and you never know what you are getting from one batch to the next.

 

[samuraistuart]

Let me say that the 1080+ at AKS is some MIGHTY FINE stuff. While no W in 1080+....there's a bit of Cr and V. A tad bit more Cr than W2, and about the same V, using the chart on their page of generic W2.

 

[Willie71]

I may order some W1 then. Thank you for the info Chuck. I get my 1095 from Rob at CKS. They're close, cheap shipping, and I get my orders within 3 days. No disrespect to any of the other suppliers here. I "think" his source is the same as Aldo, if not Aldo directly. Their W2 was the same batch. I got the last few scraps of good W2 from Rob. I was looking at the 1080+ and 1075 as well. I am looking for shallow hardening. I heard W2 in Canada may be 1-2 years away still.

 

[Don Hanson III]

W1 drill rod is the next best thing to W2.

Hamon potential is very good, but edge holding and hardness down just a bit.

 

[Ninja Blacksmith]

I spent some time looking for alternative suppliers over the summer, but didn't find anything aside from the occasional international source that has a minimum order of 1 or more tons. I got some other steel (1084) to keep myself occupied until there's some news on the next W2 smelt. I still end up telling myself "People quit smoking all the time, so you can make it through a hamon and brine withdraw."

 

[Mudbug007]

Let me say that the 1080+ at AKS is some MIGHTY FINE stuff. While no W in 1080+....there's a bit of Cr and V. A tad bit more Cr than W2, and about the same V, using the chart on their page of generic W2.

X2. I'd say this stuff is every bit as good as 1084. I was really impressed with how it finished and performed.

 

[GHEzell]

I searched for w2 for more years than I like to admit, it was virtually unavailable until a few years back. I bought a couple of big rounds from Mr. Don (thanks Don!) when he had some for sale, then Aldo came along and became the source for all things ferrous... The very properties that make it desirable to hamon-chasers have caused tool and die makers to phase it out over the years for more user friendly steels. I have my private stash that should last me til Aldo gets more....

1080+ looks interesting, it should make a great blade. It reminds me of 5160 but eutectic.