stainless for newbie

J

jingo

Joined
May 11, 2008
Messages
27
Hey All

I am going to start making knives as a hobby soon, mostly kitchen knives at first but with some puukko/bushcraft style blades later. I will be getting a craftsmen 2x42 for stock removal and will send the knives out for heat treatment. I've done a ton of reading (mostly from this site using the stickie at the top of this forum and the google site search function) and I am almost ready to go. I would like to know what stainless steel you think would be best for a new maker to learn on.

I want (maybe NEED) to use stainless because my hands are ultra corrosive. Before jumping head first into knifemaking I decided to try putting handles on blades first. I bought an Enzo in O1 and a couple of carbon steel Moras. The Enzo came in the special wrap to help prevent corrosion. I handled it once and the entire back end of it rusted up. The Moras I merely touched on the tang and my fingerprints are outline in rust on them. Even S30V rusts readily after use by me, but at least it wipes off easily with steel wool.

Anyway, I have done a lot of looking around and think that either 404C or 154CM would be the best options, but I want your opinions. Should I go with lesser steel for my first knives? It seems these two have a reputation for easy grinding with high corrosion resistance. I also don't want my first knives to be made of worthless steel. Even though they may not be cosmetically perfect I think I can make usable blades on my first tries. Is it foolish for a new maker to expect to make a usable knife on his first few attempts?

Thanks for the help
 
Compare prices between 154cm, 440c and ats34 and see which price is better. I bought two feet of ats34 for my first blades and made three of them two small and one regular size. I still have and use a CM 2x42 and its not the best but works well enough. Good luck and be careful cause this is a very addicting and expensive hobby. I posted how I installed a ceramic platen on here so you could do a search for it.

-frank
 
I hve some extra 2" x 1/4" 440c I could get to you at a reasonably cheap price!!!
I like 440 though, easy to wouk and finishes up great!!!
 
I made my first knife from CPM154 and couldn't be more happy with the choice. It's an excellent performer in the kitchen, too. All told, material and HT costs were under $50 per blade.

And no, it's not unreasonable to expect your first blade to perform well. Just, be sure to do plenty of research on the design and take your time with the finish. I'm not super happy with the grind on my first knife, (it's a little thick), but it performs as well or better than many commercially made blades.
 
Most any steel ,including stainless, will rust easily before HT. Stainless does not become stainless until the chromium carbides form in the HT oven. It is not just you,everyone who doesn't live in the desert has this problem.

CPM 154 is my all time favorite steel for kitchen, fishing and hunting, and general use stainless blades.

154Cm and ATS 34 are the same steel, just two different makers.CPM154 is a particle metallurgy steel made from 154CM. It is fine grained, will get very sharp, and retains the edge well.

Stacy
 
I haven't used as much of it as Stacy surely has, but here's another vote for CPM154. It's a great all around steel, especially in the kitchen.

--nathan
 
I've settled on CPM154 for my stainless projects, based on recommendations from the gentlemen above and others. But all the steels you listed are well-respected and proven. Any reputable HT outfit will be familiar with them. Go ahead and spring the extra couple bucks for cryo treatment.

I think you're wise to start with a proven high-quality steel. Like Pancho, I have a 2x42 and it works well enough (just a bit fast). Try to spring for good belts from Tru-Grit or Pop's; the Sears and Harbor Freight ones are hardly any cheaper and they wear out FAST. It's definitely possible to come up with a usable knife your first try or two, even if it's not as pretty as the professional's work. It sounds like you've done your homework and have a good plan. :) Have fun!
 
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