soft stainless san mai

Kevin Davey

Kevin Davey

Joined
Jul 4, 2005
Messages
135
I am going to do some experiments using stainless as the outer cores on a san mai with a HC edge...I will be trying to weld in a controlled atmosphere.

..... looking for the softest stainless steel I can buy......I do not want it to air harden...the softer the better.

Admiral offer
303
304
410
416
420 steels.

which of these would be a good choice?

Am I correct in thinking that the %carbon is the only factor with regards to hardening..so I should aim for as low a carbon as possible (.8 is offered).

Are there other alloys in the stainless that I need to consider?

recommendations and advice always welcome:)

thanks.
__________________
Kevin Davey
 
The 400 series can be hardened by HT. The 300 series can only be hardened by cold working. 303 is a free machining grade so stick to 304.What did you intend to use for the core ?
 
mete said:
The 400 series can be hardened by HT. The 300 series can only be hardened by cold working. 303 is a free machining grade so stick to 304.What did you intend to use for the core ?
Click to expand...


Thanks......


I will probably start of with a simple carbon, few alloys, and see what happens.....10xx or W2?

welding it will be challenging, ...let alone it trying to tear apart during hardening.
 
Kevin

Ariel Salaverria has done this successfully several times that I know of, and usually posts "in progress" pics in the Knifemaker's Gallery section of the forums. He had a small knife in the For Sale section recently made in this manner.

Todd
 
Several years ago I got a bar of san mai with D-2 core and 410 sides.It was pretty neat stuff.Whole blade hardened in HT.I don't remember for sure,but maybe Devin Thomas made it up?
Let us know how it comes out.
Stacy
 
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