- Joined
- Oct 7, 1998
- Messages
- 1,838
There are frequent discussions, and at least one or two going on now about the selection of steel for knife blades. One thing common to all of these discussions is a lack of complete data.
Forming opinions without a proper data base is fraught with peril.
I would like to start a discussion of the current new alloys (ferrous and non ferrous), and really examine the data critically, then when and if possible, correlate with real world experience.
To accomplish this effectively, some previous knowledge is required. If you haven't already done so, go to the knowledge base of this Forum, and read the FAQ's; particularly those on blade steel and blade geometry. Further, peruse the Crucible Particle Metallurgy site in its' entirety. It is fairly complex as a whole, but each separate section is lucid. Here is their URL:
http://www.crucibleservice.com/cscd/crumain2.htm
Right on the above page you have an article on the fabricating and heat treating of tool steels. Read this, then click on 'Tool Steels,' and read 'Selecting High Performance Tool Steel.'
Through the good offices of Ed Schott, I have obtained the complete data sheets on CPM 440V, 420V, and 3V. I have prevailed on Spark to post these, so that all of us will have access to these data. They are quite instructive, listing abrasion resistance, toughness, and many other qualities as well. In addition, these steels are compared with traditional steels.
Here are the questions I would like to explore, although any additions are welcome.
Does the trade-off between hardness and toughness still exist in the new steels, and if so, how does it compare with traditional steels. Ditto hardness and corrosion resistance. Why was 440V discontinued by CPM? Why did BM choose M2 over M4 tool steel, given M4's supposed superiority?
I frankly don't think we will find one 'best' alloy, but perhaps a best alloy for a given purpose may be possible.
So, all of you students do your homework, and come back for further data as it is posted, then let's let the chips fly! Walt
Forming opinions without a proper data base is fraught with peril.
I would like to start a discussion of the current new alloys (ferrous and non ferrous), and really examine the data critically, then when and if possible, correlate with real world experience.
To accomplish this effectively, some previous knowledge is required. If you haven't already done so, go to the knowledge base of this Forum, and read the FAQ's; particularly those on blade steel and blade geometry. Further, peruse the Crucible Particle Metallurgy site in its' entirety. It is fairly complex as a whole, but each separate section is lucid. Here is their URL:
http://www.crucibleservice.com/cscd/crumain2.htm
Right on the above page you have an article on the fabricating and heat treating of tool steels. Read this, then click on 'Tool Steels,' and read 'Selecting High Performance Tool Steel.'
Through the good offices of Ed Schott, I have obtained the complete data sheets on CPM 440V, 420V, and 3V. I have prevailed on Spark to post these, so that all of us will have access to these data. They are quite instructive, listing abrasion resistance, toughness, and many other qualities as well. In addition, these steels are compared with traditional steels.
Here are the questions I would like to explore, although any additions are welcome.
Does the trade-off between hardness and toughness still exist in the new steels, and if so, how does it compare with traditional steels. Ditto hardness and corrosion resistance. Why was 440V discontinued by CPM? Why did BM choose M2 over M4 tool steel, given M4's supposed superiority?
I frankly don't think we will find one 'best' alloy, but perhaps a best alloy for a given purpose may be possible.
So, all of you students do your homework, and come back for further data as it is posted, then let's let the chips fly! Walt