L6/15n20 or AS-34 or BG-42

well it depends on the HT on steel but i think BG-42 at 62-64rc holds an edge really well, no experience with L6 based damascus or what i presume to be ATS-34
 
I've only heard of L6 Bainite used in high-end japanese katanas, but I'm sure that's different from what you're referring to. What are you looking for in a "hard working" knife? Steel choice is very complicated and demands just the right balance of toughness, wear resistance, hardness, and corrosion resistance for the individual user. BG-42 should be more wear resistant, while ATS-34 should be easier to sharpen. Though that isn't the final word on edge retention, as CPM-154 has similar or better edge holding than S30V despite having less vanadium carbides and thus less wear resistance.
 
Depends on whether or not you mind rust/corrosion. A properly heat treated L6 blade should be almost unbreakable, but will probably rust immediately, if used to cut meat or if not wiped down right away. BG42 would be my choice, but about 61 Rockwell is hard enough. Any harder, you'll probably have chipping issues.
 
nipsip said:
Any opinions for a very hard working knife?
Click to expand...

Hard working at what?
L6 is good for a chopper or woods knife.
ATS-34 is good for a skinner or cutter. Not so much for a woods knife
BG42 is also good for a skinner or cutter, likely better than ATS-34, but is hard to find. Not so good for a woods knife.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top