Microlab - 26c3 steel/65 HRC scandi zero short blade abuse test

BogdanS

BogdanS

Knifemaker / Craftsman / Service Provider
Joined
Jan 11, 2015
Messages
815
Hello dear brothers,

Today i managed to perform a fast test for a 26c3 steel scandi zero puukko blade blank; i was in a hurry pushing this between other tasks so i haven't had the time to correctly sharpen it before and after the test. It is presented after a 80 grit coarse belt and a quick buffing so, far from the standard finishing.
So, we have a true scandi zero with absolutely no micro second bevel with a 20 degree grind - a laser cutter hardened to over 65 hrc. You might think that at this hardness the so fragile edge would be brittle or at least this is what i thought in the beginning yet it seemed like the new HT diagrams are fantastic indeed.

Unfortunately due to hurry in the vid i was not able to correctly focus on the edge after the cut and the vid was cut short by the camera not having enough space to record IT all but i think that the final cutting test shows best that the edge had absolutely zero chips or rolling - the marks on it are fine scratches left by the steel sheet on the mirror buffed edge (ok it is one of those 'fake' mirror finishes as i had no time to pass through the whole process ;)).

Now test details:

- real scandi zero grind with absolutely no micro bevel
- 20 degree grind for a very thin and aggressive edge
- over 65 hrc 26c3 high carbon tool steel
- steel can as test subject
- an improvised strop

After the cuts through the steel can the knife was passed few times on an improvised strop. As stated the final cutting test shows that the blade suffered absolutely no damage from cutting the steel can (other than fine scratches on the mirror finish of the edge) and if i would have a real strop on hand in less than 1 minute i could have taken it to 'laser sharp' :)

Thank you very much for being here!

All the best, God bless,
Bogdan

 
Alberta Ed said:
Impressive! That steel is new to me. Do you have any information on its composition?
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Hello my dear friend,

Thank you very much for the kind appreciation!

The 26c3 is similar to Hitachi White Steel, it's a very clean steel with just a few alloying elements. It is capable of very high hardnesses up to over 68 HRC. Although very hard if HT correctly it is also quite tough as it proves itself in the vid above ;)

- Carbon - 1.25%
- Chromium - 0.30%
- Phosphorous - 0.02%
- Manganese - 0.40%
- Silicon - 0.25%
- Sulfur - 0.01%

All the best, God bless,
Bogdan
 
Thanks! Who made the blank? My Scandi by Ivan Campos in 1070 is the sharpest blade I own. I'm interested in high carbon blades like 8670 and 26c3.
 
Alberta Ed said:
Thanks! Who made the blank? My Scandi by Ivan Campos in 1070 is the sharpest blade I own. I'm interested in high carbon blades like 8670 and 26c3.
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Hello my dear friend,

I was the one that made the blade but i am sure that are also other makers doing this style yet i am not sure who else is using 26c3 or 8670. I myself love it for it's excellent properties at high hardness (the sweet spot is 65-66 HRC) and great, crisp hamons).

All and only the best, God bless,
Bogdan
 
Great job.... I'd like to see that Police model with a nice HAMON and in green canvas handles😉
 
bogdan, love your knives - ljepi ; )

I can't believe you got such nice toughness from 1.25% carbon steel, please share your heat treat?
....
now I really want to see what you do with magnacut
 
jfk1110 said:
Great job.... I'd like to see that Police model with a nice HAMON and in green canvas handles😉
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Thank you very much dear friend - Ill try one my dear friend right after we can move some for us to be able to resupply ;)
dirc said:
bogdan, love your knives - ljepi ; )

I can't believe you got such nice toughness from 1.25% carbon steel, please share your heat treat?
....
now I really want to see what you do with magnacut
Click to expand...
Thank you too dear friend! The HT diagram is not a secret at all (the whole process is generously and in detail described on dr Larrin's website); the only 'secret' is the precision of the HT equipment as precise and steady temps are the key to aimed results. This is where things get tricky for 10-20 degrees +/- produce noticeable changes of outcome ;)
I will gladly work some Magnacut if there will be request for it.

All and only the best, God bless,
Bogdan
 
Interesting, I had not heard of this steel until now either! I really appreciated a written summary. Typically I will never watch a video review, I find the vast majority far too long and a waste of time, but yours is short and to the point. Thank you!
 
sodak said:
Interesting, I had not heard of this steel until now either! I really appreciated a written summary. Typically I will never watch a video review, I find the vast majority far too long and a waste of time, but yours is short and to the point. Thank you!
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Thank you too my dear brother for taking your time to be here and for being so nice, it is greatly appreciated! ;)

All the best, God bless,
Bogdan
 
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