Steel for newbie?

[Stillhunter]

Howdy,

Is there any reason why I shouldn't start making knives right off the bat with ATS 34? I'd like to use nice steel for any knife I make, even if I'm learning. I realize I'd probably have to send it out for heat treat, but that's ok.

Is there another steel that might be better? I'd like to use one that is really nice, but doesn't have weird qualities that will muck up the learning process.

Thanks,
Stillhunter

 

[magnum .44]

it really depends on what your using the knife for, and where. you may want to try d-2, tougher to gring though. you should send them to rob simonich for heat treating, he heat treated mine, they're on there way back now.

 

[Darrel Ralph]

Mags Right!
Ats is expensive. D2 is cheap and might be a good choice to start with. It is in all the supply catologs also.

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[steveba]

I would use 440C. Easier to work than D2, not expensive, and with a good heat treat makes a fine blade.

Steve

 

[Corduroy]

LOL! See, ask a question twice, get two different answers. For the record, I like the grinding properties of ATS-34 better than D-2 or 440C.

Darrel,

Where can I get D-2 much cheaper than ATS-34?

-Drew

 

[magnum .44]

stillhunter,
try sheffield knifemaker's supply. the have the best pricing i have seen on all steels, i've tried indfustrial supply companies, mills, other supply companies, and they're all more expensive.

 

[magnum .44]

what kind of knife do you have in mind, what tools do you have to work with? if your gonna make a small knife get the best steel you can, but make sure you fit and finish is good, or your money is wasted, try comparing your knife to the fit/finish of a company's knife.

[This message has been edited by magnum .44 (edited 17 September 1999).]