s35v

[DennisStrickland]

can anyone explain the role of about .5 colbalt & .5 niobium that is supposed to make s35 a better performer than s30v.? thanks dennis

 

[black mamba]

Dennis, according to the Spyderco website on their latest Mule in S35VN, the niobium refines the grain structure making it take and hold a better edge. It also increases the temperature stability, which makes it easier to machine.

I got a Mule in S35VN, but haven't had a chance to try it out yet. It came with the sharpest out of the box edge of any knife I've ever owned.

 

[Larrin]

If you know how to search for patents, the s110V patent and modified 3V patent talk about the addition of niobium and, the S110V talks about adding cobalt. I'm too lazy to find them right now.

The bottom line is that the replacement of niobium for vanadium reduced the overall carbide size. Also, niobium carbides form in the middle of the grains instead of on the grain boundaries which increases toughness. Cobalt increases toughness as well as prevents retained delta ferrite which was a problem with S110V, I don't know if there was a similar issue with S35VN, but it's possible the retained delta ferrite is a problem after additions of niobium. Niobium also is very reactive with carbon, preventing the formation of chromium carbides for greater corrosion resistance. Both cobalt and niobium increase tempering resistance for greater hardness.

 

[cotdt]

I'm not sure what makes S35VN a better performer than S30V, might have a higher amount of hard vanadium/niobium carbides, though with less carbide volume overall. According to Crucible, S35VN is more wear resistant, is tougher, is more corrosion resistant than S30V. It does seem like it so far, but by the end of the day it's still going to depend largely on heat treat.

Larrin, got any more info on the retained delta ferrite issue with S110V? That's the first time I've heard about this.

 

[DennisStrickland]

thanks guys i will need to reasses this later when its not so early. when one talks or carbides & grain formation i think slowly since my weakness is cogitation in 3 dimensions.if i'm not incorrect is'nt s35 only one of few alloys using niobum & colbalt in same mix.

 

[black mamba]

Seems like S35VN has tungsten and nickel, in addition to cobalt and niobium-- a very complex coctail!

 

[JNewell]

Dennis, according to the Spyderco website on their latest Mule in S35VN, the niobium refines the grain structure making it take and hold a better edge. It also increases the temperature stability, which makes it easier to machine.

I got a Mule in S35VN, but haven't had a chance to try it out yet. It came with the sharpest out of the box edge of any knife I've ever owned.

Sadly, I have only begun to use mine. I agree on the edge - amazing for a factory edge.

 

[DennisStrickland]

the carbide formulation makes a little more sense at 3:30 pm .i wonder if the colbalt or nibiom act as counter catalysts. really guys we will just have to see how it performs in usage. do you guys think it could outcut zdp? it may be too expensive to put into many models. thats been the problem with m4 one of my favorites.