Ranking of Steels in Categories based on Edge Retention cutting 5/8" rope

The Mastiff said:
I was under the impression SR101 was 52100, which already has 1.30 to 1.60% chrome in it by composition. Is there anywhere I can read about the extra chrome?
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Don't believe so, all I have ever read was they changed the name due to the special HT process they do on 52100.
 
I believe there is a thread in the busse combat forum that talks about the steels, could be bad info passed on though.
 
Oaaaa man ,I was waiting to get the carpenter s30 till you told me it will hold up as long as xhp.maybe ill just get it and see what happens.this year the new steels seem to just keep coming and I can't keep up
 
Ankerson said:
Nope I don't....

If I ever do get around to it don't expect that much...

Hardness + Alloy Content = Edge Retention
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I think everyone needs to remember that while the tests that Jim does are awesome and incredibly informative, knowing how well a knife holds an edge while cutting rope won't necessarily predict how well it will hold an edge while doing other chores. Look at INFI for example, its a middle of the pack steel in the rope cutting test but if you are using a knife for tough, high impact activities like chopping wood, INFI will probably hold a working edge longer than just about any steel on here because it doesn't chip easily. A steel like CTS XHP or S30V with a soild heat treat will outshine INFI for lighter chores like food prep, fine wood work etc... but would more than likely lose an edge faster than INFI if chopping because of the brittleness of the steel.

Also, most of us can't put an edge on a knife like Jim can so the results we get from use won't be identical to his testing results. Alot of factors go into edge retention and while Jim's tests are just about the best way to show how a knife performs, they aren't an end all be all analysis of edge retention.

Jim, thank you for doing these tests, they are a great help:thumbup:
 
I am not sure what hardness the Mule is, but some of the Bladesports guys use 52100 and it seems to hold an edge quite well.

Then again, there are a lot of ways to use a knife and test an edge;)
 
unit said:
I am not sure what hardness the Mule is, but some of the Bladesports guys use 52100 and it seems to hold an edge quite well.

Then again, there are a lot of ways to use a knife and test an edge;)
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You have to remember those events are VERY short so those knives don't have to hold that edge for very long.

And they are chopping through rope and wood, not slicing it, there is a big difference there.
 
I believe the mules were advertised as RC 62 though I haven't personally seen any tested. They do perform very well, and were a heck of a way to kick off the project. Joe
 
I had to do some tang work on my 52100 MT01. I have a large pile of broken and literally burned out tools from that effort. I have no idea what the RC range was, but that one was a keeper.
 
Ankerson said:
Nope I don't....

If I ever do get around to it don't expect that much...

Hardness + Alloy Content = Edge Retention
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But even that isn't an absolute rule given where N680 and N690 ranked right?
It also depends on what you're cutting. As wear resistance, toughness, hardness, and corrosion resistance are each stressed by different tasks.
 
The 52100 mule team would be a unfair comparison because its target Rc was 62. I have one and its performance is far beyond SR-101 @ 58-60, performmance was similar to the CPM-M4 mule team when tested on 3/4 manila rope.
 
kurodrago said:
Limited source, limited information!
You should also test YXR 7 steel ,use by Rockstead Co. Hardness : around HRc65.

They tested the YXR 7 by catting 800 pieces of Manila rope with an excellent result.
All on video for you.:D


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8PRgRLZ_bdI&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yhAktrN0xVM&feature=mfu_in_order&list=UL

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O_9Pub9oQcM&feature=mfu_in_order&list=UL
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That's push cutting, there is a HUGE difference between slicing cuts and push cutting.

The results will be a lot higher push cutting than making slicing cuts, about 3 to 4 times as high on ave from my testing.

Now if that knife made 800 slicing cuts by hand through that 3/4" rope and was still sharp I would be impressed...
 
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Ankerson said:
That's push cutting, there is a HUGE difference between slicing cuts and push cutting.
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I don't think so, not with HR65 & not when all the edge its polish.


The results will be a lot higher push cutting than making slicing cuts, about 3 to 4 times as high on ave from my testing.
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I don't have any visible data?.....except what you write? both will be questionable in any case!

Now if that knife made 800 slicing cuts by hand through that 3/4" rope and was still sharp I would be impressed...
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You will impress everybody when you put your own staff on video.
 
kurodrago said:
I don't think so, not with HR65 & not when all the edge its polish.



I don't have any visible data?.....except what you write? both will be questionable in any case!




You will impress everybody when you put your own staff on video.
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I have done the testing......

Anyone who has done rope cutting will tell you the exact same thing, it's a well known fact...

Sorry, but that's just how it is.....

You can even drive down and ask Rockstead, they will tell you...
 
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Ankerson said:
I have done the testing......

Anyone who has done rope cutting will tell you the exact same thing, it's a well known fact...
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Can you show me those fact?
What you mean....? push cutting is superior or better than slicing cuts?
In other words.. an AX, with HR40 on push cutting will maintain better edge retention...VS knife at HR40 with slicing cuts on Manila rope? Correct?
If that its true....how do you know exactly all steel that you been using until now.. HR?

You can even drive down and ask Rockstead, they will tell you...
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Why bother when I have ya
 
kurodrago said:
[/COLOR]
Can you show me those fact?
What you mean....? push cutting is superior or better than slicing cuts?
In other words.. an AX, with HR40 on push cutting will maintain better edge retention...VS knife at HR40 with slicing cuts on Manila rope? Correct?
If that its true....how do you know exactly all steel that you been using until now.. HR?



Why bother when I have ya
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I don't give out numbers, everyone knows that, numbers are the devils playground... ;)

The basic facts are that slicing cuts will dull the knife faster than push cutting because slicing cuts are a lot more abrasive to the edge.

That's as simple as I can make it. :)
 
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