help me choose a steel

T

the possum

Joined
Jul 31, 2002
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I've also posted this on the custom board. I have finally decided to try out the neck knife idea, and I'd like to make it myself. Now what steel should I use?

Here's my requirements. I plan to carry this knife while jogging, since most of my jogging pants don't have adequate pockets. I will make it a sharply pointed clip point, and will give it a shallow radius convex grind from edge to spine. Since I sweat a lot while jogging, especially in this 95 degree weather, I guess it will have to be stainless steel. I haven't decided on the thickness of the stock yet. One the one hand, this small knife should only be used for light slicing and stabbing tasks and needs to be lightweight, but on the other hand, this will be the only knife I'll have with me while jogging, so it should be ready to handle tougher jobs if they come up.

I've used ATS-34 in the past, but I'm presently out. So I figure this is a perfect opportunity to try out one of the latest super steels. Perhaps something from CPM? Which one? Do they make stock in these smaller sizes? Any other thoughts or suggestions are welcomed.

thanx.
 
What will you be cutting/grinding it with?

If you've got a grinder and have made knives before I would guess that any stainless of your choice would be fine. If you working with hand tools I would stick with ATS34 or 440C. They work pretty easily with a hacksaw and file, where the CPM steels are supposed to be pretty tough I think.
 
In my opinion, it would be very hard to beat the new S30V. Stainless, and tougher than you will probably have a need for. Takes and holds a great edge.
 
Is that the same as the older CPM-440V? Or their 420V? I forgot what they changed the names to. Or is this a totally different product? Do you have the specs on this steel? I.E., C content, Va, etc. I do have power tools/grinders and have been making miniature knives for about 12 years.
 
I think s30v is tauted as the most resistant to both corrosion and wear of stainless steels for blade use.

I have not yet used it but am planning it for some of my next few knives. I believe, from other posts, I will not be able to achieve high sheen though.

RL
 
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