San Mai Question

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brettn

Joined
Dec 4, 2010
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I've been thinking about forging some San Mai billets with carbon cores and stainless on the outside. Originally I was looking at using 416 for the outside layers but that is quite an expensive option. Would there been any problems with using a cheaper stainless blade steel such as aeb-l or 440c with a 1095 core (assuming it will weld)?
 
Check with Aldo at the NJ Steel Baron to see if he can give you any advice.
 
Message HHH oh here or Burt foster... both have a lot of experience in mixing carbon/stainless. i got a great piece with a W2 core and i believe a 420 outer.
 
Karl Anderson has used some 3xx series stainless. So long as you follow good assembly procedures and weld up the edges you should be fine. Most anything will weld but what will happen in the HT. If you use an air hardening steel it may shrink faster than the core material and literally pull the billet apart. If you want to try using the steels you mentioned do a sample piece and tray a HT to see if it will work out for you before you invest too much time.
 
I don't think I've ever used 300 series steel for San Mai.
I started with 416 and about 3 years ago switched to 420.
Forget the cost of steel components when it comes to blade making. It is just about the most insignificant expenditure in the knife.
 
Karl - I ordered a press and it should be here in a couple weeks. I'm having trouble finding 420. Do you have any suggestions on where to find it? 416 seems to be plentiful but not so much for 420. Thanks!
 
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