Opinion(or Can of worms)

cmott69

cmott69

Joined
Sep 11, 2004
Messages
237
In your opinions what is the best steel for a big chopper(18"+Long/2.5" width)
planning on about 3/16" thickness.

will be heavily abused all round camp knife
Unable to forge at present so would be stock removal
 
Yes. :D
Many things would work, just use what you can get. Maybe Admirals 8670M. They can supply it in just about any width you need, IIRC.
 
I like O1, you can get it precision ground at flatground.com

L6 is also highly recommended. You can get this from Admiral Steel.

O1 has better edge retention, L6 is tougher -in case you want to chop nails in half :) Both are very good.
 
I agree with bruce CPM3V, four times as tough as A2 and will hold an edge much better, This steel is so tough I would hardin it to 59-60 even for a chopper!
I would use a interupeted oil quench or a double quench with frozen quench plates, this steel demands that you get the temp. down FAST. Thats the way I due it and I am totaly impressed with its performance. For hunting knifes I set the angle to 12- 15 deg at about 62 Rc, For a chopper at 60 rc I would try 15-18 deg. I bet you will be impressed. Keep in mine 3v only has about 7% chrome but also has 4%vandium which makes it stain resistant, It will rust if you don't take care of it, but not near as bad as carbon steels.
Recommended Heat Treatment: For the best combination of toughness and wear resistance, austenitize at 1950°F (1065°C), hold 30-45 minutes, and quench. Temper 3 times at 1000°F (540°C).
Aim hardness: HRC 58-60 Higher austenitizing
temperatures can be used to obtain higher hardness, at a
slight decrease in impact resistance. The lower austenitizing
temperatures provide the best impact toughness.
http://www.crucibleservice.com/datash/ds3Vv5b.pdf?CFID=856627&CFTOKEN=51031604

Leon Pugh
 
keep in mind guys I have a very limited setup.

majority of the work will be done with an angle grinder and files
my 2x42 craftsman is just not up to bigger blades.
 
I made many knifes without a belt grinder, the first 2 I made about 40 years ago I only had 2 files & sand paper. In fact I think any one that is serious about learning to make knifes should first master the hand tools, especily file work. I will always admire my high school machine shop instructor for forcing his students to learn how to use files and grind tool bits before he would alow us to use lathes & milling machines. Thank God he did not make me learn to spell !
Leon Pugh
 
i 2nd the cpm3v great steel
grinds nice before heat treat and like said so strong even at 60-61 no real worries about huurting it
i make my OB knives out of it and i have yet to find a marine that has hurt one
do an etch to it and you get a nice grey blade ready for all the work you can send your way
i have plans on a big camp/chopper/comp knife made with it
i heat treat close to the temps in leons post
 
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