r2 Steel

[Cushing H.]

I have a Petty with an R2 core ... and so far really like the way it performs. Does anyone here have any experience with this steel from a makers perspective? This is a japanese steel (i think there is also a PM version) - is there a USA equivalent available?

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

R-2 is the similar in function to SG-2. They are from different makers. Good Japanese steel.
http://www.zknives.com/knives/steels/steelgraph.php?nm=R-2, SG-2&hrn=1&gm=0

 

[Cushing H.]

Thanks Stacy. After a quick search though, it appears that SG-2 is not generally available in the USA???

 

[Larrin]

You can find it if you look around, either imported or from BladeGallery in the USA. It can be pricey though.

 

[Larrin]

The steel I used in writing this article: https://knifesteelnerds.com/2019/12...akefu-stainless-steel-properties-and-history/
came from Barmond: https://www.barmondsheffield.com/product-category/shop/knife-steels/takefu/

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

Yes, it's easier to get it from Germany.

The Japanese haven't been conducive to letting the USA market work their steels for various reasons. I think the biggest one is the Japanese guild smiths would loose the market for their highly overpriced knives. A Japanese petty or sujahki can run $750-$1000 while the same knife made by a good USA maker may run a third of that. They won't allow any Japanese style knives made outside Japan to enter the country, either.

 

[Cushing H.]

Thanks Larrin and Stacy. Yeah - you are not kidding it is "pricey" ... and also only seems available in thicknesses too thick for kitchen knives. Bummer - it was worth a try at least . I guess I will need to keep experimenting with CPM-154. so far I like it (profiles nicely, but have not ground bevels yet - and it came back from JT dead flat with no indication that he needed to do any of his magic straightening...)

Just for yucks - are there any steels available in the USA at a reasonable price that might be roughly equivalent to SG-2? (loaded question - lets say "equivalent" in terms of work ability, and ability to create a really sharp edge? (but not necessarily toughness)... ???

 

[Larrin]

Just for yucks - are there any steels available in the USA at a reasonable price that might be roughly equivalent to SG-2? (loaded question - lets say "equivalent" in terms of work ability, and ability to create a really sharp edge? (but not necessarily toughness)... ???

CPM-154, S35VN, and Elmax would be your closest.

 

[Cushing H.]

Thanks Larrin. Ill keep playing with my CPM-154 then maybe give a go at S35VN when I finish those knives.

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

New chart adding CPM-154, S35VN, and Elmax:
http://www.zknives.com/knives/steels/steelgraph.php?nm=R-2, SG-2, CPM - 154, S35VN, Elmax&hrn=1&gm=0