Highest 3V hardness possible ?

BePrepared

BePrepared

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Aug 26, 2010
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How hard can you run this steel if edge holding is more important than toughness? I don't want to make it chip too easily when sharpening, but it's going to be on a 4.5" bladed hawkbill so it's never going to chop anything
 
If you want tough with higher hardness and more abrasion resistance, you may want to try 4V or Vanadis 4E. They are both about 20% tougher than A2 and have abrasion resistance like S30V. 3v is more for good abrasion resistance and ridiculous toughness even with a thin edge.
 
Have you considered M4 steel or 52100?
Both are pretty tough, although not as tough as 3V. However both excel at edge holding. M4 is considerably more money than both 3V or 52100.

According to crucible, 3V can range from 58-62 Rockwell. At 58, impact toughness is the highest at 85 ft.-lbs.

At 62, the impact toughness drops to 40 ft.-lbs. However, the abrasive resistance increases from a "6" to an "8".
 
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yes, unfortunately, i can't get those two in the dimensions I need. 3v is the only premium steel i can get on short notice in the size i need
 
Hmmm...I don't have anything that wide, otherwise I'd send a piece your way.
 
BePrepared said:
How hard can you run this steel if edge holding is more important than toughness? I don't want to make it chip too easily when sharpening, but it's going to be on a 4.5" bladed hawkbill so it's never going to chop anything
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The steel grain will be probably more important for edge holding than simple hardness. Remember that knife edges don't work on adhesive wear or abrasive wear. It is much more likely to be micro-chipping and plastic deformation
 
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