opinions on 15n20 as a stand alone blade steel

ScottRoush

ScottRoush

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Jan 10, 2010
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I see 15n20 used quite a bit in pattern welding, but what are folks opinions on it as a stand alone blade steel?

Happy Thanksgiving!
 
+1 to all of the above. The only problem is finding it thick enough. I have some .092 but it all goes into my damascus.
 
+Infinity to the above answers... like was said. good luck finding it in thicker than 1/8" but even the 3/32' stuff would be cool to make a San Mai blade out of

Jason
 
+++ for all said above, you have other posts about damascus making so since you can weld if you need thicker stock weld it up like a mono steel billet and draw it out the the thickness you need. The nickel oxidizes quick so be sure to flux it early. You may want to weld (mig/arc) the center of the billet to keep it from expanding open as the billet heats as that opens it up to get scale on your welding faces.
 
We have one 15n20 blade in the kitchen drawer. It is a favorite. Doesn't hold an edge for long, but it touches up nicely on a steel.

I like it!
 
When the old timers said, "Saw Blades make great knives", that was in the days when saw blades were very close to 15N20 or L-6. Many ABS test knives are 15N20/L-6.
Great steel for a knife or for damascus paired with 1084.
 
thanks folks... I'm interested in using it because I know I can get it very easily in a variety of widths and because it IS thin. I'm looking for a thin steel to do a series of stock removal kitchen knives and some bushcrafters. I was mostly asking because I want to make sure it's a decent steel for a hard working, thin bladed buschcrafter
 
oh and Jason... I've been buying the 1/8 expressly for my wrought iron san mai and feel that it has been working really well.. especially since I've started adding nickel foil as a carbon migration barrier (which just looks wicked as well). so mostly I was looking to see what other people's opinions are if I start to offer a bushcrafter with 15n20....

one semi-related question... The first san mai billet I forged was 1084/15n20. I was unhappy with the contrast between the two when I etched. I was thinking that the nickel would etch differently. I've since learned that in 15n20/1084 damascus the reason that you get the contrast is due to the differential etching of the surface allowing the 15n20 to be is raised relief. Does anybody know of a good etchant that will show more contrast in the patina as well??? Although.. in reality I don't see any reason to do anymore 15n20/1084 san mai. The wrought/nickel is just too incredible.
 
Ferric is not enough? It's easy to find and produce results.
Othrwise you have to try with sulphuric acid but with ferric i think is nice enugh!
 
Ive made a couple of kitchen 'slicers' from thin (1/8") 15n20, and love it. Its just that tad extra corrosion resistant, which suits me as I tend to cook, eat, watch some telly, have a few beers, then evenutally get round to tidying the kitchen the next day! :) O1 blades dont like that, 15n20 blades dont need a full re-polish !!

My opinion, people generally make kitchen knives far to thick. I made one recently from 0.060" stock with a full flat grind on it, with a slight convex secondary bevel. Cuts like a light saber for most light tasks :cool: had to heat treat the blank, then grind the bevels it was that flexible!
 
yeah that is one of the reasons I wanted to use the 15n20.... my first big chef knife was more like a camp chopper. I was too lazy to draw it out to proper thinness.

I was also thinking that it would be more corrosion resistant as you mention....
 
Very happy with 15n20 as stand alone knife steel. I've made near 100 of them mostly skinners and 3/12 -
4inch drop points. Heat treats easily and thin blades in my opinion are the way to go for hunting and fishing. If your looking for a big camp knife its probably not the best.
 
Still valid though. Hopefully Stacy leaves this open. I actually had a guy ask me my opinion about it as a standalone blade steel the other day. Good valid question.
 
I closed two other threads Birch river resurrected. At least one was on the same subject. I'll leave this one open since you asked.

I will comment that there is noting new to add to the answers already made......15N20 is a perfectly good steel as it is. It is also a great steel for damascus paired with 1080.
 
Greetings,
Perfect timing on this post. This is great and current info for reference regarding 15n20. I am rolling 10 feet of 15n20 at 5/32 for hunters and kitchen knives this week. My poor back will like me this weekend. LOL.

Regards,

Dennis Paish
 
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A couple of years back, Ray Kirk told me that you can even plate quench the thin 15N20 with good results.
 
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