More Edge Retention Testing - Rex 45, Maxamet, SPY27, XHP, CPM-T15, 420, Rex 76

Larrin

Larrin

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Jan 17, 2004
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A new set of edge retention tests on a range of high speed and stainless steels including Rex 45, Rex 76, CPM-T15, SPY27, XHP, and 420. We also did toughness tests on several of those steels that we had not yet been tested. And we redid our Rex 121 knife with a new heat treatment that was much easier to sharpen so it got a significantly higher score. https://knifesteelnerds.com/2021/05...eels-xhp-spy27-maxamet-rex-45-420-t15-rex-76/
 
As I mentioned in the original thread in the "sticky" at the top of the page...awesome addition to the data you have shared with us. It's fascinating to see how the steels compare to one another.

I am very impressed with how well balanced your MagnaCut is proving. Looking forward to getting some into my collection.
 
Thank you again, Larrin! I have really learned to appreciate steels such as 14c28n, AEB-L, and now even 420 due to your data. It's probably all for naught though, as I have one knife coming in Magnacut, and I imagine as it starts to become more available most of my knives will be trending in that direction.
 
Very interesting results on the 420


Do you have predictive info on how 420HC would rate?

To see 420 at .38 carbon at 55 RC cut in the neighborhood of 52100 and all the other simple carbon steels at even higher hardness is king of shocking to me. Go see it do so much better than 8670 and 01 was a real smack!!

I've recently (past few years) started carying Buck knives in 420HC simply because it is so enjoyable to sharpen. I have felt that it was our performing my 1095 in edge retention... now I know I am not crazy!!

I have not taken the deep dive into super edge retention steels (CPM3v is about as deep as I've gone).

Your efforts have helped move the general understanding of the common man, (every day knife caryint mopes like me), much further into the light!!

We may have to make you the Patron Saint of knife and sword nuts!!

The toughness for 420HC at 58 RC being equal to AEBL at 60 just caused my socks to blow clean off. Especially with the edge retention of 420 at .38 carbon at 55 RC being near edge retention of AEBL at the 60 RC mark is boggling my mind.
 
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In looking at the comparisons of edge retention and toughness...suddenly my enjoyment of Bucks in 420HC all makes sense!!

Two of my favorite customs in AEBL at 61 RC have been getting a lot of carry and use.

I have both a 420HC slipjoint from Buck and a AEBL neck knife in today's carry. (Along with a few 1095, and a CPM3V custom).
 
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Bigfattyt Bigfattyt

FWIW, years ago I was having a discussion with P.J. Tomes (master smith) about why he used 12c27 for his stainless blades. (He was known, of course, for his forged 52100 blades.)

He said that he used it because it was the closest in performance to his forged steel. The tests that Larrin Larrin has performed seem to show that the old dogs knew something about the steel they worked with.

I find that refreshing.
 
Blues said:
Bigfattyt Bigfattyt

FWIW, years ago I was having a discussion with P.J. Tomes (master smith) about why he used 12c27 for his stainless blades. (He was known, of course, for his forged 52100 blades.)

He said that he used it because it was the closest in performance to his forged steel. The tests that Larrin Larrin has performed seem to show that the old dogs knew something about the steel they worked with.

I find that refreshing.
Click to expand...


It's like Larrin's work is confirming good info about knife steel, and dispelling many incorrect opinions of steel at the same time...


In my years as a knife nerd, I've read so many mistruths, and have shared more than my share of incorrect opinions as well!!

It is like watching magicians perform magic....then finding out how much of it is based on science and that some is misdirection... and being shown which was which!!

Larrin is giving us a real look behind the curtain in The Wizard of Ozz's castle!
 
Bigfattyt said:
Very interesting results on the 420


Do you have predictive info on how 420HC would rate?

To see 420 at .38 carbon at 55 RC cut in the neighborhood of 52100 and all the other simple carbon steels at even higher hardness is king of shocking to me. Go see it do so much better than 8670 and 01 was a real smack!!

I've recently (past few years) started carying Buck knives in 420HC simply because it is so enjoyable to sharpen. I have felt that it was our performing my 1095 in edge retention... now I know I am not crazy!!

I have not taken the deep dive into super edge retention steels (CPM3v is about as deep as I've gone).

Your efforts have helped move the general understanding of the common man, (every day knife caryint mopes like me), much further into the light!!

We may have to make you the Patron Saint of knife and sword nuts!!

The toughness for 420HC at 58 RC being equal to AEBL at 60 just caused my socks to blow clean off. Especially with the edge retention of 420 at .38 carbon at 55 RC being near edge retention of AEBL at the 60 RC mark is boggling my mind.
Click to expand...

I have a new Buck 120 General with 420HC steel. My 60RC Tsubosan file skates across it. So the steel is at least close to 61RC.
 
Bigfattyt said:
It's like Larrin's work is confirming good info about knife steel, and dispelling many incorrect opinions of steel at the same time...


In my years as a knife nerd, I've read so many mistruths, and have shared more than my share of incorrect opinions as well!!

It is like watching magicians perform magic....then finding out how much of it is based on science and that some is misdirection... and being shown which was which!!

Larrin is giving us a real look behind the curtain in The Wizard of Ozz's castle!
Click to expand...

The good news is that now we don't have to throw all of our old knives away. :cool: 🥳
 
MichalZ said:
I am really surprised seeing s30v outcutting 4v....hmm
Click to expand...
S30V has very good edge retention. 4V has similar edge retention, but it's strength is it's toughness. The added toughness makes for a more stable edge and the ability to take the edge down thinner, thus increasing edge retention.
 
Very cool data. Hey I'm going to need you to ask CRK to make me a tanto Umnumzaan with magna cut. And throw on some micarta inlays for fun as well. Thaaaaanks!
 
I was looking for an accurate and legitimate 420 and 420hc toughness chart recently. now we have one. always knew it was very tough, now I have a true picture of how it compares. enjoyed the other steels testing too. great stuff as usual. thank you Sir.
 
Larrin said:
A new set of edge retention tests on a range of high speed and stainless steels including Rex 45, Rex 76, CPM-T15, SPY27, XHP, and 420. We also did toughness tests on several of those steels that we had not yet been tested. And we redid our Rex 121 knife with a new heat treatment that was much easier to sharpen so it got a significantly higher score. https://knifesteelnerds.com/2021/05...eels-xhp-spy27-maxamet-rex-45-420-t15-rex-76/
Click to expand...


Outstanding work and really interesting to read. Thanks for turning me into a total Knife Steel Nerd.


P.S. There's no going back is there? Just checking.
 
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