Steel choice

AntCaps

AntCaps

Joined
May 6, 2009
Messages
928
Alright iv been planning a rather large project for a while now and I need help once again.
Iv located a steel supplier as well as a water jet facility to cut out my blanks but I’m having a hard time choosing a steel.
So my question to you is for a large chopper which of these steels would you choose and why?
A-2
S-7
O-1
Thanks a bunch in Advance
 
O1 is the only one I have experience with, and I'd have no problem using it for a big chopper project because:
1. It's both tough and easy to sharpen
2. It's very readily available and excellent HT procedures are widely known and tested

From what I've read, A2 is equally tough and probably will hold an edge longer; S7 is probably the toughest of the three but I don't think it's known for edge-holding very well.
 
Low alloy steels like O1 or 1080 aren't going to hold an edge as long as D2 or CPM-154. On the other hand, they're easier to touch up.

For a big ol' chopper I don't think edge-holding is a huge deal; you're probably not going to put a super-thin edge on it. a 20-30 degree edge on a thick blade will take a lot of pounding before it really needs to be sharpened.

Now if you want very high toughness and high edge retention, look at CPM-3V or M4 tool steel. That's what a lot of the competition cutting guys use in their knives. But I have no problem with O1 for a chopper.
 
It's my belief that A2 will work best in this application. It has a higher wear resistance and impact toughness than O1 and a higher wear resistance than S7. S7 is not going to hold up well in the abrasion department and I have some doubts as to how well the edge will hold up to impact. The steel is indeed very tough and is designed for impact applications, but it doesn't seem to have been intended to be used in sections as thin as a knife edge.

I would also have a look at CPM-3V if you're in need of a super steel, however, I think you'll find A2 more than adequate for the application.
 
I use a lot of A2, and it's one of my favorite steels. A2 can be plate or air quenched, so there is no oil residue to clean up.
 
Thanks guys all the help is really appreciated.
I would love to get my hands on some M4 or some CPM 3V but i dont have access to the steel in the size i require (plus if i did it would probably cost me $400 in material alone)
This forum is made great by friendly knowledgeable people such as yourselves.
 
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