Sword Steel: A2 vs S7 vs CPM3V vs ???

T

Two-Seven

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Greetings! I’m new here but I’m about to commission a custom type XXa cut-and-thrust bastard sword. I was hoping you knowledgeable folk here at Blade Forum might give me some advice on what the best steel for the sword would be.

The sword would be designed to be a powerful cutter and capable thruster, with a 35” blade, 2.1” wide at the base and a hexagonal or lenticular cross section (which is better vs hard targets?)

My ideal sword material is CPM3V, however I understand it is difficult to machine or get in lengths greater than 36”. Any tips on how to make this steel work in a large blade?

That leaves me with either A2 or S7. I’m leaning towards S7 but I hear it has poor wear resistance and can’t harden to 60 hrc effectively. What are the strengths and weaknesses of these steels, and which would be best for a battlefield weapon designed for frequent use against hard, armored targets? Which steel would look the best if the sword was dug up in 100 years? I am inexperienced at maintaining a sword, so a steel that requires as little maintenance as possible is preferred.

Any other steel that might be better for my swords intended purpose?

Thanks!
 
I'm not sure who you intend to commission your sword from but I would suggest that it would be prudent to talk to that person about what steel they are most comfortable with rather than telling them what steel you want them to use. This will increase your chances of getting a good product.

I would also suggest that for your average user the heat treat is going to be far more important than the steel used. Again talk to your maker.

I'm honestly not sure why wear resistance (perhaps you meant toughness, i.e. resistance to fracturing?) would be much of a thing to worry about with respect to a sword you aren't going to have much friction on a regular basis I wouldn't think and in my opinion you probably don't want a sword that is hardened to 60 RC that sounds very hard i.e. brittle in a sword length blade.

I doubt any steel even pure stainless is going to look all that great if dug out of the ground after a hundred year hiatus. The ancient swords that have been recovered as artifacts are most often found in anaerobic conditions and their state of preservation has little to do with the steel used and everything to do with the environment.

Sword maintenance isn't actually all that hard, a light coat of gun oil once a month or so and wiping off fingerprints with a rag etc. should do the trick, unless you live in a cave or some other crazy damp environment. :)

I would suggest that what you probably really want is a good carbon steel that your maker of choice is proficient in using.

I know I sound like a wet blanket here, my apologies that is not my intent. If you really want to delve into steels and such may I suggest before you commission anything that you purchase a book called The Complete Bladesmith by Jim Hrisoulas. Some of it is a bit dated but he does have a section on steels and sword applications of said steels that you might be interested in.
 
Triton said:
I'm not sure who you intend to commission your sword from but I would suggest that it would be prudent to talk to that person about what steel they are most comfortable with rather than telling them what steel you want them to use. This will increase your chances of getting a good product.

I would also suggest that for your average user the heat treat is going to be far more important than the steel used. Again talk to your maker.

I'm honestly not sure why wear resistance (perhaps you meant toughness, i.e. resistance to fracturing?) would be much of a thing to worry about with respect to a sword you aren't going to have much friction on a regular basis I wouldn't think and in my opinion you probably don't want a sword that is hardened to 60 RC that sounds very hard i.e. brittle in a sword length blade.

I doubt any steel even pure stainless is going to look all that great if dug out of the ground after a hundred year hiatus. The ancient swords that have been recovered as artifacts are most often found in anaerobic conditions and their state of preservation has little to do with the steel used and everything to do with the environment.

Sword maintenance isn't actually all that hard, a light coat of gun oil once a month or so and wiping off fingerprints with a rag etc. should do the trick, unless you live in a cave or some other crazy damp environment. :)

I would suggest that what you probably really want is a good carbon steel that your maker of choice is proficient in using.

I know I sound like a wet blanket here, my apologies that is not my intent. If you really want to delve into steels and such may I suggest before you commission anything that you purchase a book called The Complete Bladesmith by Jim Hrisoulas. Some of it is a bit dated but he does have a section on steels and sword applications of said steels that you might be interested in.
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Thanks for the reply! I have already discussed the steel with the smith I am commissioning, A2 and S7 were some options I was given, which is why I am seeking info on these steels because I don’t know much about them.
Thanks for the advice I will certainly take a look at that book
 
If I can ask who are you talking to, I'm not familiar with smith's working in those steels and would love to know who is?

Thanks
 
Triton said:
If I can ask who are you talking to, I'm not familiar with smith's working in those steels and would love to know who is?

Thanks
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I am currently discussing the project with the masterful Ernie at Yeshuas sword. His swords are masterpieces, and he has been very accommodating and patient with my requests, he truly is one of the best.
 
Phil Hartsfield made lots of pieces in A2. You could do a lot worse than that.
 
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