I need your opinion!!

A

Aldo Bruno

Joined
Jul 30, 2004
Messages
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At the moment I'm trying to decide which 52100 steel you guys would prefer. I've come across 2 formulas and I'd like your opinions. I want to keep you guys as happy as possible.

Formula #1
C .95/1.10
Si .15/.35
Mn .20/.40
Cr. 1.35/1.60

Formula #2
C .93/1.05
Si .15/.25
Mn .25/.45
Cr. 1.35/1.60

The formulas are very close but those who like the stuff might prefer 1 over the other.

Here's the good part2thumbs. Whatever you decide will be made available in 1/8" - 3/16" and 1/4" FLAT strip. I've been looking for this stuff for a decent price for nearly 2 years now and I'd say we've done it. The widths will be as follows.1" - 1 1/4" - 1 1/2" - 2" and 4" in each respective thickness. The 2" and 4" I thought would be good sizes for the water jet guys and weather you grind or forge blades I'm thinking the other sizes should cover all concerned.

Your opinions are not only appreciated but will be the deciding factor. I've got a 17 week lead time and I want to get the order in ASAP so please let me know soon.

Aldo Bruno
"The New Jersey Steel Baron"
 
Will round or square stock be an option? I prefer forging from round stock of at least 3/4". I got burned on my last order from admiral of 52100. Two of the rounds made great blades one would not get hard. I even did a sample piece not forged just HT'd and the file bit quite easily. So I'm looking for another source of 52100.
 
Aldo,

I personally prefer #1, as its closer to what I've been using all these years, and there's less likelihood that I would have to change methods, or portions thereof.
 
Mike,

It's a crime that out of 3 pieces of steel you ended up with 2 different ones. The 52100 flat stock is something I've been working on for quite some time. I did the hoochy coochy dance when I got off the phone with the mil rep. My wife thought I'd lost it. The batches being rolled will have consistent chemistry through out. I do plan on having round bar in stock as well. The chemistry will be equally consistent and I will be offering

My initial thoughts when I started knife making was simple that it all looks alike. How do you know what your getting. It's easy enough to list the formula for a particular steel. If you look at the 2 above you will find that the percentages can actually cross. Both could end up with the exact same cert sheet from the mill. In the case of 10XX steels you could take 1 piece of steel, cut it in 2 pieces to be tested for 2 different types and the 1 piece falls into the spec. for both . The thought drives you nuts. I'd say, in your case you ended up with 2 entirely different steels.

Ed,

So glad to hear from you. I know we've discussed this very steel in the past and I do value your opinion. I was kind of leaning in that direction. There is quite a bit of the stuff coming and it's coming a long way to get here and I can't send it back.

Also, I've got a shot at the 1/4" x 1" and 1 1/4" 1084 you love so much. right now it's a toss up between 1084 or 1080V. I've been hearing so many good reviews on the FG I figured the few extra points of Vanadium in a 1080 would serve as well. Any thoughts would be appreciated.

Aldo
 
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To make an informed opinion, I'd like to see the specs to compare them.

I would probably lean towards the 1080V if the specs where tight...although... the current 1084 that I purchased from you is the best 1084 I've ever been fortunate enough to get my hands on. (I anticipated that in the beginning, and thats why I purchased so much of it) From my viewpoint, consistency is of the utmost importance when it comes to steel, and the 1084 from you is the most consistent that I have used.

As with the 1084 you offer, if the steel is consistent and readily available (like if I can purchase several hundred pounds) then I think it would be a valuable asset.
 
Aldo, just to let you know, you have another thread going ref. this stuff.
-Mitch
 
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