Kukri in 3V, K890, or CruWear

[Teesac81]

I’m looking to have a custom kukri made by someone with a good reputation who knows how to heat treat and stands behind their blades. Suggestions are welcome.

 

[Crag the Brewer]

AEB-L
80crv2
A8mod

*I wouldn't want a large Kukri in 3v

 

[knarfeng]

Wear resistant steel in a chopper? Pass. I'd go with Crag's suggestions.

 

[SharpBits]

What’s your budget? Something like what you want will not be inexpensive.

 

[Teesac81]

What’s your budget? Something like what you want will not be inexpensive.

There is no cap. I just want what I want.

 

[SharpBits]

There is no cap. I just want what I want.

That will work in your favor.

 

[conan11]

My Himalayan imports Kukris are made of spring steel. 5160 I believe. Can chop wood all day.

 

[Teesac81]

I’m going to stick to one of the three steels I have listed in the title.

 

[David Mary]

Why do people keep asking for big impact oriented blades in wear resistant steels?

 

[Teesac81]

Why do people keep asking for big impact oriented blades in wear resistant steels?

My understanding is that something like 3V is going to be tougher than something like 80crv2 as well. Additionally it should have better corrosion resistance. So since I’ve budgeted for the steel and extra labor, why not?

 

[Crag the Brewer]

Why do people keep asking for big impact oriented blades in wear resistant steels?

I'm pretty sure it's a "chasing perfection" thing.......?
People get sucked into

People are constantly told Here that 3v, magnacut, cruwear, etc, etc are the Best steels.....

(I love cpm Cruwear) btw
*Just Not for a Big Chopper!

 

[Crag the Brewer]

My understanding is that something like 3V is going to be tougher than something like 80crv2 as well. Additionally it should have better corrosion resistance. So since I’ve budgeted for the steel and extra labor, why not?

Well, AEB-L is even Tougher still, and way better than 3V corrosion wise.
Regardless of money

 

[David Mary]

My understanding is that something like 3V is going to be tougher than something like 80crv2 as well. Additionally it should have better corrosion resistance. So since I’ve budgeted for the steel and extra labor, why not?

Because geometry is king when it comes to performance, and your selections require compromising on geometry, and at an exorbitantly increased cost. It makes no sense unless you just want to say you have a knife in a steel not suited to the tasks the design is typically used for.

 

[David Mary]

I'm pretty sure it's a "chasing perfection" thing.......?

Then it's misguided because these high carbide wear resistant steels are never going to be as stable as low alloy tough steels at thinner geometries.

 

[Teesac81]

Because geometry is king when it comes to performance, and your selections require compromising on geometry, and at an exorbitantly increased cost. It makes no sense unless you just want to say you have a knife in a steel not suited to the tasks the design is typically used for.

Why do my selections require compromising on geometry?

 

[Crag the Brewer]

Then it's misguided because these high carbide wear resistant steels are never going to be as stable as low alloy tough steels at thinner geometries.

Yup, I agree totally. You and I Mostly agree on everything knife wise....haha!
It's just the job (of a Good maker) to educate as best we can....


*OP
David is who I would recommend to make Your kukri. His model is pretty sweet!

 

[Teesac81]

I'm pretty sure it's a "chasing perfection" thing.......?
People get sucked into

People are constantly told Here that 3v, magnacut, cruwear, etc, etc are the Best steels.....

(I love cpm Cruwear) btw
*Just Not for a Big Chopper!

It’s definitely a chasing perfection thing.

 

[David Mary]

Let's think this through:

I’m looking to have a custom kukri made by someone with a good reputation

Wise approach.

who knows how to heat treat

Or, presumably, has it heat treated by a service who knows what they are doing, since not all knife makers do their own heat treating.

and stands behind their blades.

Also good. But really, if you want something that a maker will stand behind, don't you think you should listen to their suggestions when they tell you a certain alloy might be better for the job?

Suggestions are welcome.

I guess that means you do.

 

[Crag the Brewer]

Why do my selections require compromising on geometry?

3V isn't good at thin edges.
If you are ok with softer, blocky edges..... THAT will affect your performance.

My current chopper is 62HRC and low angle, thin edges.
It kills wood with every Whack!

 

[Teesac81]

Let's think this through:



Wise approach.



Or, presumably, has it heat treated by a service who knows what they are doing, since not all knife makers do their own heat treating.



Also good. But really, if you want something that a maker will stand behind, don't you think you should listen to their suggestions when they tell you a certain alloy might be better for the job?



I guess that means you do.

Haha all good points, but I was looking for suggestions as to knifemakers who would be willing and able to make a high performing kukri in one of the steels I mentioned. I’m guessing if Carothers has plans to make one, it’s doable.