Need Advise on SK2 Steel for knife making!

[eftink]

I am getting knives made from SK2 steel. I am not very familiar with this type of steel and was hoping some of you all were and could share your experiences with it. SK2 is commonly found on razor blades / box cutting knives. Can anyone tell me their experience? Thanks.

Lance

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

http://zknives.com/knives/steels/steelgraph.php?nm=SK2 , 52100&hrn=1&gm=0

It is basically 52100 with much less chromium. Good knife steel if the HT is done right. Better for a slicer than a chopper.

 

[eftink]

Nice chart, does this mean that this steel will be really corrosive?

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

No, it will be no more susceptible to corrosion than most carbon steels. I doubt the average user could tell it from 52100 in use.

1.6% vs .3% chromium isn't significant as it relates to corrosion....... it takes 12-13% and higher to get corrosion resistance from the chromium. What the extra chromium will do in 52100 vs SK-2 is add a bit of toughness.