No cryo SS

[John L]

If I did not have access to a cryo treatment on stainles steel folder blades...and I wanted to use SS...what steel would you use? D2 ...440C? Thanks

 

[Larrin]

D2 isn't stainless. I don't know if it makes much difference. Most air hardening steels form some retained austenite at the recommended austenitizing temperatures (after quenching). Some consider this to be a good thing. Not all great makers use cryo. However, if I were you I would look into using dry ice if you can't get your hands on a dewar. If you can't get that either, then get it as cold as you can, as quickly as you can after quenching.

 

[SBuzek]

CPM 154 is a good SS even without cryo.Better with but will preform well without.
Stan

 

[cotdt]

I'm sure you can find some dry ice and a solvent (like acetone or any type of alcohol) near where you live.

 

[mete]

You might gain 1-2 HRc points in hardness .You might also HT carefully to use a temperature in the low part of the range to minimize retained austenite.