Edge retention

Walt2

Walt2

Joined
Mar 13, 2001
Messages
1,157
This question may sound silly, and will probably get a lot of opinions.
If a person was going to pick one steel, that would be the best for edge retention, out of the carbon steels and tool steels, which one would be the one?
 
3V has been getting alot of good chatter of late. I can't give a sure preference but O1 is really something. Regardless, it is largely in the HT - not just the steel type.

RL
 
Tool Steels in decreasing order IMHO:

3V, M2
D2
A2
O1

If we include S30V, I would put it at or above D2.

In my experience O1 will not hold an edge as well as A2. D2 at HRC 60 will not chip easily and beats out A2 for edge holding. If M2 is too hard it will tend to chip and is nowhere near 3V in impact resistance.

The super Vs, CPM 9V and 10V, and S60V and S90V are rated highly, but I haven't used them and some people claim they chip easily.
 
HMMMMMM. Hadn't thought about M2. It's still a dead heat with 01 though. D2 will hold an edge longer if you could only make a knife out of it! :footinmou
 
peter nap said:
HMMMMMM. Hadn't thought about M2. It's still a dead heat with 01 though. D2 will hold an edge longer if you could only make a knife out of it! :footinmou
Click to expand...

I make knives out of D2 all the time as do many other people. It is easier to work than S30V or M2.
 
I thought we were just talking about simple carbon steels here?
Anyway 01 is an under rated tool steel. When heat treated properly it is hard to beat. :D

Don
 
Under rated: I don't know. O1 likes to tarnish easily and that is part of its not being used as often as it could be - I think.

RL
 
I gotta agree with Steve.

Also, S90V is way up there if the heat treat is right. If not, it will chip pretty bad.

Don, I use alot of D2. Never had a problem working it, just getting a decent hand rubbed finish on it.
 
I can hardly wait for the 1084 boys to get a hold of this. :eek: OH NO, there is still the 52100!!

I like'em ALL. ;)
 
i prefer vanadis 4 :) super tough and the best edge holding also very good for discolouration
 
I was wondering about forged 52100 and 5160, if they would be mentioned. I am pretty much aware of the edge retention opinions on stainless, just wanted some input on the carbon and tool steels. I don't remember seeing anyone rating one steel as "king of the hill", on edge retention. D2 seems to like to use up belts rather quickly!! Thanks for the replies.
 
Vasco Wear. Just get yourself some, and try to grind a blade out of it. You'll see what a high wear resistant steel is all about. Edited to add that I mean AFTER heat treat. Before heat treat, Vasco Wear isn't any worse than O1 or any other steel.
 
Walt2 said:
This question may sound silly, and will probably get a lot of opinions.
If a person was going to pick one steel, that would be the best for edge retention, out of the carbon steels and tool steels, which one would be the one?
Click to expand...


Sunfishman, if you look at the original post, he says carbon and tool steels.
 
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