Question about 15N20

beluga · Nov 29, 2002

How good is the edge holding of 15N20 ? I have a knife with damascus blade (1084 + 15N20), and I have to say that I am disappointed with it. It doesn't hold the edge very well.

I also have another knife (1084 + L6), and this one holds an edge very well.

Both knifves are made by the same maker. Both are heat treated (nice temper line).

Raymond Richard · Nov 29, 2002

15N20 and L-6 are pretty much the same. Even though there is a temper line doesn't mean that the edge itself is all that hard. There's alot of things that could or didn't happen. If a knife is heated and edged quenched but didn't reach the proper temp it wouldn't get as hard. The drawing temper could have been to hot or during one of the finishing steps it got to hot but the temper line would still be there.

Also were both knives used the same?

beluga · Nov 30, 2002

Yes, they were used at the same time. I did it as an experiment.

I'm afraid I don't understand what you mean by 15N20 and L6 are pretty much the same. In what way are they the same ?

steelfirebug · Nov 30, 2002

I have been using 15n20 in my damascus for 8 years now, and I have made several hundred knives and sold enough damascus to make a thousand more. I have yet to have a complaint about edgeholding.

indian george · Nov 30, 2002

I am in the same place a Delbert Ealy on the 15N20.
Nice to see you Delbert.

Darrel Ralph · Nov 30, 2002

The composition of 15n20 and L6 are very close.
15n20 is just a bit different in heat treat.
They both cut very well.

Laredo7mm · Nov 30, 2002

I use 15N20 and 1095 in my damascus as well. The stuff gets hard. Some blades I have tested rockwelled out to 60 hrc. That was with an oil quench and 375 deg temper.

I am not sure on all the chemical analysis of the two materials but i do know that 15N20 has 74 points of carbon in it and L6 has about 75. I think the main difference between L6 and 15N20 is the nickel content.

I think your problem lies in the ht and temper.

beluga · Nov 30, 2002

I think your problem lies in the ht and temper.

Ah, I guess that must be it then.

Thank you for your replies. I appreciate it.

Danbo · Nov 30, 2002

From what I have been told, L6 and 15N20 are near identical, with the difference being 15N20 contains no chrome. L6 does have a little chrome. I have a neat little Al Dippold neck knife made from pure 15N20; the blade was marquenched in salt, and it takes and holds a wicked edge. I think you got a problem with your heat treat.