Steel Grain

R

Rob!

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Feb 9, 2000
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I have some old scraps lying around left over from 6 x 36 sheets, where I only used about 6 x 33 of it. I was thinking of turning out some shorties from the leftover pieces which are about 6 wide by 3 long.

The question arises about "cross grain" steel use. I know everyone is going to have an opinion on this, but I'm looking more for metallurgical advice than 'old timer truisms". Any guidance appreciated as always.

Thanks

Rob!
 
The impact strength of a blade with the flow lines running from spine to edge could be less than that of one with the lines running from tang to point. Etch a portion and see if you can reveal any of the directional properties. The only real concern you should have is in larger blades that will see very high stresses in use. Smaller blades used as knives should be all right. Much of the worry over very minute issues are a result of the continuous hype-mongering in this business over indestructable blades. I have yet to break a blade, that didn't have a serious flaw, while using it as a knife.
 
To add to Kevin's good answer - The grain direction of most steel will be mitigated with a good HT. Normalizing the steel,followed by a proper length soak at the proper temperature should remove any problems (unless it is bad steel to start with).
Stacy
 
bladsmth said:
To add to Kevin's good answer - The grain direction of most steel will be mitigated with a good HT. Normalizing the steel,followed by a proper length soak at the proper temperature should remove any problems (unless it is bad steel to start with).
Stacy
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Maybe in simple carbon steels, when most everything goes into solution, good luck doing anything with high alloy stuff. The PM process helps a little, but it's still much stronger in the right direction.
 
In high alloy steels, you can actually get a toother edge, that cuts very well when the grain isn't spine to tip. I make all my skinners, such as the drop points, so that the grain runs slightly asque of the belly. I find that the edge is much more agressive, and longer lasting this way in 154-CM-ATS-34, and D-2. Mike http://www.lovettknives.com/
 
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