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Kevin! - L6 source
- Thread starter rhrocker
- Start date
- Joined
- Jan 18, 2004
- Messages
- 1,135
Well, haven't found those posts yet, but did go to Kevins site again and look at his metals page. He says that L6 is offered in rounds from Crucible, but I'd rather buy squared stock, it's just easier and deletes a process (and time and $$) from the procedure. The source that carries the L6 however he says has a higher ch content, so I don't know if I'd be getting into an area here that isn't good for me. The difference being the HT and temper. I really want to make the right decision before ordering, will continue looking around here some more.
- Joined
- Sep 9, 2003
- Messages
- 2,361
Crucible is my favorite but it is not for the timid in some of its requirements. Carpenter offers it in flats but none under 1/2 that I am aware of. The Carpenter stuff is very clean and fairly tame to work with but will still require a very slow cool to completely anneal.
The third option is the stuff that is being sold by Admiral right now. Despite the given chemistry, this stuff behaves more like 15n20 than L6 and is very nice to work with. It welds very easy and forges pretty smooth.
But then there is the option of good old 15n20, which would be a much better match for 1095. I like this stuff a lot, and need to say that the only reason I don't use it is because they don't make it in any stock thick enough for me to even mess with.
L6 and O1 will make a very formidable knife (it is all I use) and 15n20 with 1095 would be almost as affective. 1095 and L6 would compromise a bit from the first two combos, in my opinion, which is based on my observations.
The third option is the stuff that is being sold by Admiral right now. Despite the given chemistry, this stuff behaves more like 15n20 than L6 and is very nice to work with. It welds very easy and forges pretty smooth.
But then there is the option of good old 15n20, which would be a much better match for 1095. I like this stuff a lot, and need to say that the only reason I don't use it is because they don't make it in any stock thick enough for me to even mess with.
L6 and O1 will make a very formidable knife (it is all I use) and 15n20 with 1095 would be almost as affective. 1095 and L6 would compromise a bit from the first two combos, in my opinion, which is based on my observations.
- Joined
- Jan 18, 2004
- Messages
- 1,135
Ok Kevin, thanks. I was interested in the L6/O1 because I figured if you used it, then why should I spend a lifetime searching (and never getting it right 
) for a nice mix. I also liked the idea of the thicker material for the reasons you stated on your site. I do like the 1095/15n20 though, so maybe trading up to the O1/L6 wouldn't generate that much of an improvement for me. I appreciate your input guy! I'll think it over.
) for a nice mix. I also liked the idea of the thicker material for the reasons you stated on your site. I do like the 1095/15n20 though, so maybe trading up to the O1/L6 wouldn't generate that much of an improvement for me. I appreciate your input guy! I'll think it over.