Opinions on L6 versus 5160

t1mpani

t1mpani

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Basically, I'm just curious what people's experiences have shown them in regards to how these high-toughness steels compare to each other. I have blades in both, but not of similar size/geometry/design so the comparisons don't mean much.

And yes, I do realize that the heat treatment method and RC hardness either is brought to will have a major impact, so I'm just looking for general stuff. The only thing I can definitely say--comparitively--from my own experiences with them are (obviously) both are tough steels, and 5160 is more corrosion resistant than L6.

I've heard, somewhere, that L6 will hold an edge longer, all things being equal. But then again, I have 5160 blades from some makers (Bill Siegle comes specifically to mind) that will keep a great edge through some very abrasive work, much longer than most would expect from that steel.

Anyway, I'm rambling. I was just curious to hear people's thoughts on these two in comparison to each other. Ease of working, ease of heat treat, edge holding, toughness, whatever you have to throw in please do. :)

And yes, it had occured to me to perform a search, but since "L6" is shorter than the required three letters, I was having trouble finding much. :)

Thanks,
Warren

Edit for spelling
 
I`m pretty sure 5160 would be tougher and stronger because they use that on car and truck springs. I think L6 used to be used in sawmill blades so it should hold an edge longer. Thats all I know.
 
Yes, that's my understanding of the common wisdom between the two, I just wonder if it has been born out by people's experiences. I've noticed many swordmakers are using L6 in their blades, and it seems to be getting something of a following back in bowies.

What'd be kind of neat would be to get a maker to make a duplicate pair using the two steels and run them off together. If I stuck to a very basic (meaning cheap) knife design that might almost be worth the money. I've wondered about how these two compare for quite a while.
 
I seem to remember Kevin Cashen saying that L6 is tougher than 5160 at higher hardnesses, due to how each steel derives its "toughness". I hope he'll chime in here with a more precise answer :).
 
Yeah, I thought I had remembered that too, though I hadn't remembered who had said it. Would make sense L6 being tougher at higher hardness since it has a little more carbon. I wonder if that's the only difference? Let's kick this back up here for the during-the-week crowd.
 
In my experience, at the same RC, the difference in toughness between 5160 and L6 is neglible. Again at the same RC, L6 tends to hold an edge better, presumably because it has more carbon and therefore more carbides. Both rust, but 5160 tends to take on a nice patina easier than L6. The patina helps prevent rust - a little.
 
Thanks :thumbup:

I was doing some net searching last night and found one comparative comment that L6 was less brittle than 5160 at extremely low temperatures. The reason for that behavior (if it's accurate) easily exceeds my materials knowledge, but I find it interesting. I wonder how extremely low one would have to go to notice this trait. Probably lower than I would like to be out in.
 
I don't know anything about 5160. However, I have an L6 knife 4" blade that gets used and abused by my family in the kitchen. It holds an edge better than 1095, Forschner stainless, AUS8A, 440C, ATS34 and VG10. I steel it once a month, sharpen it about once a year. It hasn't chipped although it lies around banging into pots, dishes, sinks, etc. It gets a nice patina but doesn't rust. It was made by an amishman, cut out of a saw blade and was bought at a local farmer's market.
 
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