Examining grain structure

[Matt Rochester]

This is a broken cpm154 blade. I'm not sure what the grain should look like. What should I be looking for?

 

[me2]

This isn't really a direct answer, but you can break a file and look at that for comparison.

 

[tattooedfreak]

I had pretty much this same question a while ago and posted some of the "experiments" I did to check. i got some really good answers and advice so I'll post the link here. Hope it helps.

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/1005416-Grain-growth

 

[Cody Hofsommer]

This isn't really a direct answer, but you can break a file and look at that for comparison.

This ^

 

[Matt Rochester]

Does it matter that a file is carbon and this is Cpm154? Should the grain size be similar. Mine seems to look good but I'm no expert.

 

[leifjl]

It's hard to tell from your picture, but it seems to be a fine grain. If you ever break a quality HSS drill bit that will give you a perfect example of very fine grain and spot on HT.

 

[SBuzek]

it should look like a fine grey velvet

 

[jdm61]

I wast going to say that with plain carbon steels, there is not only a difference in texture, but also in color/shade. I tell people that blown up grain looks like dirty beach sand.

it should look like a fine grey velvet

 

[Matt Rochester]

Thanks. It looks like a pretty fine grain too me. I figured I would use this broken blade for a learning experience.