Steel question

Candy or gum?

What are you using it for. it will make a big difference. On the knives i do i prefer 5160 because if its toughness and i like to edge quench some of my blades. you wont get that with a2 as its an air hardening steel. also 5160 is very easy to heat treat. a2 on the other hand needs an heat treating oven and hold time at various temperatures.
 
I think for most applications these steels would hold up similarly. 5160 is cheaper, A2 is a more likely candidate for a "properly" heat treated knife.
 
I have not compared the two in testing, but it is my impression that A2 has better edge retention. This may be due to higher carbon and more alloy carbides or perhaps better edge stability at higher hardness. I'm not stating this as fact, just my impression.
 
A2 - slicer, 5160 - chopper. 5160 is also easier to forge and HT. A2 will take a better edge and keep it much longer.
 
A2 - more complicated HT, better edge retention.Good grinding steel.Excellent for thinner blades.
5160 - easy to get,easy to work, easy to HT. Good forging steel. Excellent for heavier blades.Makes a moderately tough edge,that is easy to re-sharpen.
Stacy
 
Thanks guys.

I'm trying to do a large chopper/camp knife and am unable to forge at this time(have all parts to my forge just gotta find time to put it all together) and cannot find 5160 in 3/16 x 2 1/2, A2 on the other hand I can get in all sizes.

Always been a fan of 5160 anyway
I'll just hold out for a while still need to find an A.L.O(anvil like object)
 
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