Large powder steel blades

[Vicarious Reality]

Which of the new crucible sintered powdered steels would be suitable for a machete size blade?

M4? T15? Does anyone make the equivalent of powder 5160?

 

[Steel130]

While I am no steel expert. I would think CPM-3V. It is pretty darn tough steel. I am sure some others more knowledgeable will be along in due time.

 

[james terrio]

Does anyone make the equivalent of powder 5160?

Chemically, not really. There's not much point in making a powder steel with so little alloy. If you mean a powder steel with similar or higher toughness than 5160, CPM-3V is a fantastic choice for sturdy blades both big and small. It also has better edge-holding and corrosion-resistance than simpler carbon steels like O1, 5160, 1095 etc, and reports of it being difficult to sharpen are greatly exaggerated.

CPM-M4 is used in a lot of winning competition knives, but they're pretty thick. I can't say how well it would hold up in a thin machete when chopping, but I think it would be fun to find out.

 

[PB Wilson]

I recall seeing a 3V katana video on youtube that was pretty badass. I love my 3V blades.