Help me understand AEB-L steel

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ProudGrognard

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Aug 24, 2020
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Dear forumites,

I am considering having a custom knife made, and I am considering AEB-L steel. I would like however your help to understand what is going on.

As far as I can tell, AEB-L is stainless, initially a razor steel, which can be very tough, can be sharpened easily and can hold a moderate edge especially when just treated to high hardness. I am confused, because it is described as 'stainless 52100' and yet people recommend using it for folders. Wouldn 't a biggish fixed blade be a good idea of the steel? I mean, 52100 is what machetes and kukris are made of.

What don't I understand? Would am AEB-L be good for an 4 inch blade knife, to be used as an EDC alongside a SAK?
 
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Larrin said:
Everything he said would also apply to the effects of hardness with carbon steels.
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Yes, but AEB-L performs remarkably different in my experiences, at the high and low end of acceptable hardness. I do not see such a change in performance with many simple carbon or low alloy steels at their extremes of acceptable HRC.
 
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I remember something about 13C26N being very similar to AEB-L. 13C26N was used on the old Kershaw Shallots, and IIRC, it is similar to 14C28N, trading a bit of edge retention for a bit of added toughness.
 
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tony281sc2 said:
I remember something about 13C26N being very similar to AEB-L. 13C26N was used on the old Kershaw Shallots, and IIRC, it is similar to 14C28N, trading a bit of edge retention for a bit of added toughness.
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14c28n was mostly created for a little more corrosion resistance.

In use, it would be very difficult to tell a difference between the steels if heat treated the same.

13c27 is chemically the same as AEB-L, just made by sandvic.
 
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Which reminds me: OP, if you like SAKs, and want to try AEB-L, you could try with a Boker Tech Tool.

1669566076626.jpeg

Just bought this little guy, opticsplanet has a special, comes in 12c27:

1669567272825.jpeg

You’re welcome :)
 
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I have one small EDC fixed blade from David Mary in this steel and it is a great knife, edge is solid and while the tasks it is put up to are not insanely tough, its a good companion. No problems even when accidently slamming the edge into a metal table when slicing an apple, I liked that a lot. Seems pretty easy to sharpen up!
 
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shane45-1911 said:
Yes, but AEB-L performs remarkably different in my experiences, at the high and low end of acceptable hardness. I do not see such a change in performance with many simple carbon or low alloy steels at their extremes of acceptable HRC.
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You'll believe what you want to believe.

I believe you would need to do a vast amount of scientific testing to make the claims you are making assuming what you say is correct. But I suspect that any chipping or edge damage you have seen with AEB-L would also have happened with your carbon steels if all other things were equal.

The data I have seen suggests that even at the upper end of acceptable hardness, AEB-L is still a pretty tough steel and the reason for the differences in hardness that is used for different purposes is because of the fact that this steel is versatile enough to do it.
 
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chalby said:
You'll believe what you want to believe.
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:rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes:

I believe what I have seen with my own knives (about 2 dozen in AEB-L in various hardness), with my own experiences, in my own cutting and usage applications.

I use all my knives for generally the same things, in the same way - and have done so for decades. Not scientific, but enough usage over 40 years of comparing how various steels in similar geometries perform to make the statements I have made.
 
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shane45-1911 said:
:rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes:

I believe what I have seen with my own knives (about 2 dozen in AEB-L in various hardness), with my own experiences, in my own cutting and usage applications.

I use all my knives for generally the same things, in the same way - and have done so for decades. Not scientific, but enough usage over 40 years of comparing how various steels in similar geometries perform to make the statements I have made.
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No problem, it sounds like you have made up your mind. How many of those knives in AEB-L have you chipped?
 
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chalby said:
How many of those knives in AEB-L have you chipped?
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Not many. Rolling and deflection seems to be more of an issue - even at higher HRC.

Again, I like AEB-L. It's not like I am seeing major issues with this steel over any other. I am simply stating that AEB-L seems to have a definite sweet spot when it comes to hardness versus simple carbon or low alloy steels that are more forgiving across a wider range of hardness.
 
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Knife in question:
20220822_111152.jpg
 
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shane45-1911 said:
Not many. Rolling and deflection seems to be more of an issue - even at higher HRC.

Again, I like AEB-L. It's not like I am seeing major issues with this steel over any other. I am simply stating that AEB-L seems to have a definite sweet spot when it comes to hardness versus simple carbon or low alloy steels that are more forgiving across a wider range of hardness.
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I'm not doubting your experience, but what you are suggesting is the opposite to what i have heard many makers and end users of AEB-L say, and what data i have seen such as from knifesteelnerds.

Anyway, to each their own, how boring would it be if everyone had the same opinion.
 
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