Polishability of metals...

K

KuKu

Joined
Jun 25, 1999
Messages
178
Some metals are said to be unpolishable such as CPM420 and Talonite. Is that because of the grain size of the metal or because it would just take too long? Seems like all the unpolishable ones are high in wear resistance.
 
CPM-3V is certainly unpolishable. Crucible Steel doesn't even score it on the polishability scale. My guess is that the exceptually hard vanadium carbides keep the polish from working. When hardened, the steel does a pretty good job of polishing grinding belts though.

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Jerry Hossom
www.hossom.com
 
So it can be done but it would just take a long time and a lot of belts?
 
Maybe with diamond polishing compounds you could polish CPM-3V. Otherwise, I don't think it can be done with conventional knife polishing techniques

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Jerry Hossom
www.hossom.com
 
Polishability is related to crystal structure, the finer crystal structurres polish best. Coarse crystal structures like talonite defeat polishing because the polishing exposes the angular crystals and no matter what you do the surface looks rough. The coarse crystal structure makes for fine edge retention and a toothy edge however.


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george
www.tichbourneknives.com
sales@tichbourneknives.com


 
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