maximum blade size for super steels

[hank_rearden]

i actually started a thread of the same basic query before but it got buried. being now familiar with the performance of s30v, etc. for folding pocket knives, i want to know the maximum practical size for a knife made from these steels. think of a bowie-type weapon with blade of at least 6 inches, going upwards to maybe 12 inches. usage is expected to he heavy; with lots of chopping and stabbing at hard objects, normally not done with pocket knives. what about machetes and kukhri-type weapons? are people sensible in sticking of the older ingot carbon tool steels for these blades? is there a major cost and manufacturing concern?

 

[darkangel55555]

Cost of supersteels is higher per ounce than the equivalent in a "plain" carbon steel. Additional costs would include machining (supersteels don't grind easy) and potentially a more involved heat treat, requiring a specialist.

Depending on the supersteel, large blades can be viable - 3V and ELMAX are tough enough that I wouldn't expect chopping and prying to cause them to chip out significantly. This is, of course, all based on other users' tests, since I use prybars for my prying. If you consider L7 a supersteel, then there's an example of something that really only chops or pries.

M4 might be your best bet. It's the standard for bladesports, if you've seen those on YouTube. It's been experimented with by a lot of participants for the optimal toughness and edge retention in such a setting, so that's what would most likely suit you best. I'm guessing you've some experience with non-stainless, so the medium-low stain resistance of M4 shouldn't be an issue for you. It's better than most plain carbon steels, but doesn't get S30V levels of corrosion resistance.

Hope this helps!