Steel: Sleipner vs niolux (SB1)

N

Neo

Joined
Sep 12, 2002
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How do they compare in terms of toughness, stain retention, edge holding?

This is what I found on niolux

SB1/Niolox is a stainless steel with a modified AEB-L composition which is alloyed with vanadium, niobium, and molybdenum. The molybdenum is only added for corrosion resistance. Niobium and vanadium are very reactive and form most of the carbides, meaning little or no chromium carbides which aren't as hard, and aren't what we're looking for in this steel, and means more chromium in solution for corrosion resistance and no large chromium carbides. Niobium promotes toughness because it does not form carbides on the grain boundaries as well, and it heavily promotes small grain size. Niobium carbides are extremely hard and naturally are small, even without PM. Vanadium carbides can be large when there are larger volumes of them but the vanadium content is kept low in this steel
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I believe Sleipner to be the eight legged horse that Odin had, able to cross between the land of the living and dead. sired by the stallion Svadilfare and Loke ( Or Loki if you want) in the form of a female horse.

I've never heard of either steel though.
 
Even not with al the talk about the Lionsteel SR1 :D

Sleipner: toughness like A2, Stainless like D2, better edge holding and easier to sharpen.
 
16,674 active members (with a lot from Europe) and nobody has experience with either of these steels? :(
These are now for some time on the market and quite a lot of customs are made from SB1.

:confused:

I even heard the success of SB1 (and BECUT, TN15X...) made crucible update their S30V to S35VN
 
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I never heard of it before but now Im eagerly waiting for Sal and ThomasW to get down with it :p

Sounds like a pretty good contender in the supersteel category...
 
I've worked with niolox, amazing steel. And very wear resistant as wel as stain resistant. Holds an edge like nobody'sbuisiness.

I've heard that sleipner is somewhat simikar to D2 if that's true then Niolox all the way for me.(as long as I don't have to grind it myself that is)
 
Hey Neo,

I used SB1 (aka Niolox) in 2 of my selfmade knives. I haven't used these supreme steels like s30v and the like. But I can assure you that SB1 kicks ass! Compared to D2, 154CM/ATS34 or N690CO the Niolox takes a very very very fine edge and seems to be very wear resistant as well! These two knives made out of niolox are by far the sharpest blades I have (even sharper than F1 out of the box or the Bark River Bravo1). Haven't had any problems with rust so far - seems to be quite corrosion resistant.
If I was you I would get the SB1. For me it seems to be really tough to beat SB1!!! So hands down :)


Edit: I have even talked to the guy who created this steel and sells it. He is a real professional and knows what he is talking about. Got a good reputation as well! So I highly recommand SB1. Would love to have a "battle" between SB1 and the other high end steels!
 
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Hawkings said:
I believe Sleipner to be the eight legged horse that Odin had, able to cross between the land of the living and dead. sired by the stallion Svadilfare and Loke ( Or Loki if you want) in the form of a female horse.

I've never heard of either steel though.
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Sir you have made my day.
I have something someone posted earlier about Sleipner


istarr88 said:
D2 and Sleipner are somewhat similar because they are in the same cathegory of semi-inox steels, however....

the chemical compositions are quite different, and this is reflected in a very different response in terms of performance.

D2 chemical composition:C=1.55%, Mn=0.3%, Si=0.3%, Cr=12%, Mo=1%, Va=1% Ni=0.3%

Sleipner chemical composition: C=0.9% Si=0.9% Mn=0.5% Cr=7.8% Mo=2.5% V=0.5%

D2 has more Chromium, it reduces a lot the resilience of this steel (thoughness) making it just a bit thougher than inox steels. it's about 30J/cm^2 at an hardness of about 60 hrc.

Sleipner instead at the same hardness has a resilience superior than the one of A2 tool steel, it means about 60 or more J/cm^2 so the resilience is the double.

D2 has more carbon and chromium, this gives D2 an higher abrasive wear, which translates in a steel hard to sharpen. field tests prove it.

Sleipner is easier to sharpen A LOT.

the corrosion resistence is pratically the same, in my direct experience Sleipner proved a bit more corrosion resistent in humid conditions and sea water than D2.

edge holding: Sleipner wins, for sure.

maximum sharpness achievable Sleipner due to a finer grain structure.

in the particular case of Kniferesearch the heat-treats will be done maniacally, so you can stay sure the steel will revail all it's potentials ;)

in conclusions... I've tested both, liked sleipner more, that's it.

I repeat, I have no interest and have no direct connections to kniferesearch, but I'm a collector who loves to use his blades and I've just given my experience, impressions and knowledge to you.

hope this helps. ;)
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I have sleipner and its one of my favorites for sure. I have a blade in niolox on the way. I was wondering if anybody has anymore input
 
I have a Fox Ryu in Niolox and love it. It takes a hair popping edge and holds it very well. I have had no problems with rust or anything. It's one of my favorite knives.
 
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