Steel recommendations?

M

Mobius1

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Feb 15, 2016
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I used to work with 3v, then I switched to Z-Wear, which I really like. My problem is that I can only get the steel in .098" thickness at AKS. I don't mind having a blade of that thickness by any means, but for certain applications I just wish I could get thicker blanks.

I was just wondering what types of steels people like working with these days? I should mention that I tend to make bushcraft/camp type knives, and a lot of Puukkos. Corrosion resistance does matter to me somewhat, but anything that's as good as 3v is good enough for me.

I've heard some good things about steels like Rex 121 when it comes to edge retention, but I am skeptical of its real world performance, especially with its low toughness.

I think a lot of critiques on steels is hugely lacking in the edge geometry arena, which is why I worry about trying out a lot of these low toughness high edge retention super steels. I tend to have 15 degree bevels and batoning does matter to me, so toughness matters to me to a certain extent.

Cruwear? K390? Maximet? LC200n? M4? V4e?

Maybe I am thinking too much, and should just go back to 3v...

EDIT: If anyone knows where I could get some thicker Z-Wear stock, that would be fantastic.
 
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Given the application, I would return to 3V.
What don't you like about it, or were you just restless?
 
The main reason was because AKS stopped carrying 3v, and so I gave their Z-Wear a try and liked it. It's such a versatile steel I find - You can make a wicked camp knife that can hold up to abuse, or even really nice kitchen knife! It just gets a good mix of hardness/toughness.

I was looking at V4e, but with lower chromium I'm worried it will not be so corrosion resistant.
 
Alpha Knife Supply said:
We have a big shipment of Z-Wear in multiple thicknesses and other alloys coming in this week.

The more I use Z-Wear the more I like it. I'm looking forward to testing MagnaCut to learn the similarities.

Chuck
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I'm looking forward to when you carry MagnaCut so I can add some to my order of staples!
 
Mobius1 said:
The main reason was because AKS stopped carrying 3v, and so I gave their Z-Wear a try and liked it. It's such a versatile steel I find - You can make a wicked camp knife that can hold up to abuse, or even really nice kitchen knife! It just gets a good mix of hardness/toughness.

I was looking at V4e, but with lower chromium I'm worried it will not be so corrosion resistant.
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That was disappointing, but I understand their position. I only average just over one blade per month so I don't mind paying a little extra for precision ground at Jantz.
 
I just read about MagnaCut! I'd love to try it, but I am unable to find it for sale anywhere. I'm assuming it's too new to be readily available? Or am I just not looking in the right place?
 
Mobius1 said:
I just read about MagnaCut! I'd love to try it, but I am unable to find it for sale anywhere. I'm assuming it's too new to be readily available? Or am I just not looking in the right place?
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SB Specialty Metals has some now. You can reach them at 800-365-1168 to see what's available. We have 90,000 pounds on order with Crucible so it will be more readily available this fall through distributors or our store.
 
nsm said:
SB Specialty Metals has some now. You can reach them at 800-365-1168 to see what's available. We have 90,000 pounds on order with Crucible so it will be more readily available this fall through distributors or our store.
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Am I imagining things that I thought there was a going to be a drop larger than the first in June?
 
Triple Stripe Knives said:
Am I imagining things that I thought there was a going to be a drop larger than the first in June?
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We will receive shipments from Crucible starting next month. The shipments will weigh between 5,000 and 15,000 per load. The first 10,000 pounds are already sold to production knife makers and distributors. We will be sure to let everyone know where they can go to get CPM MagnaCut as soon as it's available. Thanks for your patience.
 
Mobius1 said:
EDIT: If anyone knows where I could get some thicker Z-Wear stock, that would be fantastic.
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Z-Wear is the same exact thing as CPM CruWear. They are both melted by Crucible Industries and rolled at Niagara Specialty Metals. We process the Z-Wear for our customer who resells to industrial customers or distributors. You can visit our online store at nsm-ny.com and get sheet up to .250" thick.
 
Wow, I always heard they were similar but I didn't realize they were exactly the same. That is good to know!

Also, thanks for the tip on the MagnaCut. I'm hoping to get some ordered today, and maybe it will become my new favorite steel!
 
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For knives in that range M4 works great and I have only had it rust in salt water or with something on the blade. I have been carrying a M4 pocket knife for over 10 years and only had rust spots maybe a half a dozen times. I haven't even had a lot of discoloration.
 
I'll probably want to do some testing with oil quenching once I get the Magnacut. I couldn't find a spec sheet on it anywhere, but I assume an interrupted quench at 1000F is what I should shoot for?

I plan to run a few test blanks to see how it compares to a plate quench. I also got thicker stock than I normally work with, so I may also do some practice quenches in similar sized steel to pin down the timing (I usually shoot for interrupting the quench right when the steel stops glowing.).

I understand that most people would rather plate quench, but oil quench is preferable to me if possible, since I don't have to grind the bevels post heat treat.
 
As shown in the datasheet an oil quench and plate quench result in similar hardness. An oil quench doesn’t make it completely different or something it’s just a faster quench.
 
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