Question on metal terms:

[johnnybegood]

What do the terms 01, D2, & A2 mean? What do they stand for?

 

[J. MacDonald]

Look here for some wisdom from a deceased master:

http://users.ameritech.net/knives/steels.htm

Look here for more technical info from the leading producer of high quality steel in the US:

http://crucibleservice.com/

 

[mlovett]

0-1 Oil Hardining, D-2 Die Steel, A-2 Air hardining. Mike

 

[johnnybegood]

So when you say oil hardening, do you mean it is best to quench 01 steel in oil after bringing it to hardening temperatures?

 

[johnnybegood]

Does A2 steel harden best if left to quench/cool back down by air?

 

[J. MacDonald]

Sorry to not be more specific. If you follow the first link I posted, you get Bob Engnath's explanation about many steels and their properties as he understood them before he passed away. Newer steels have been developed since, but his list has a lot of good info.

If you follow the 2nd link to Crucible's site, then navigate to the Knife Steels section, you'll get a listing of links to their pages on individual steels. The info on each steel is very specific as to type of quench, temps, etc.

Follow the links and you'll find an amazing amount of info. It can't all be explained in a couple sentances.

 

[howiesatwork]

I agree, John.
In addition to what Bob Engnath has written about steels, his other writings are also helpful.

 

[DGG]

Here is some good info from our resident Wizard, Ninja Warrior, Jedi Knight, knife maker Mr. Joe Talmadge.

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=368828

Here is some techy info but with interesting comparisons. It is really designed for knife makers who do their own heat treatment.

http://www.ajh-knives.com/metals.html

 

[johnnybegood]

Thanks alot.