Thin CPM 3V

R

Ravaillac

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Feb 14, 2005
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I've started use the bushcraft for various tasks, and it has worked perfectly so far. As noted earlier that 3V steel works just fine combining edge holding with excellent toughness.

I'm not done yet with testing, yet one of my first remarks is that the knife is quite thick.

AFAIK, the bushcraft is far tougher then a mora since it is substancially thicker and has a better steel.

Question is since mora in 1095 are generally tough enough already for "common" tasks, since CPM3V is supposed to be a zillion times better than average run of the mill steel, wouldn't simply shifting steel without substancially increasing thickness be enough to give it an above average toughness, or is it a particular problem about using 3V in thin pieces (so far, all the 3V knives I've since -and they aren't that common- are quite thick...).
 
I'm not sure I can completely or honestly answer your question. However, I have seen some makers use 1/8" stock to make pretty big blades out of 3V. The reason as explained was the toughness of the steel under the proper heat treat. I may be wrong but I think 3V would hold up in bigger blades with 3/16" or thinner stock. If I'm not mistaken I believe Jerry Hossom made a chopper out of 1/8" stock. Hope that helps a little. Maybe some makers or Mete can chime in with the technical aspects.
 
3V works great in thin blades, since it is a tough steel as well as providing more than amply edge holding. Unfortunately, many people think you need a heavy blade to chop efficiently. That's not true in my experience, but I'm pretty sure I'm in the minority. Part of the problem is that few of you get a chance to experience light chopping blades, since almost none are made. General mindset is that if it's a chopper, then blade must be 1/4" thick.

The knives I did with Spyderco, the Forester/Woodlander series, are from 5mm (0.200") stock, but the spine in radiused and the flat grind is full height so they work out to be about 3/16 in the end. I've made many large blades in 1/8" and 5/32" CPM-3V (other steels as well). 3V is my favorite.
 
The thinnest I could get 3V was 1/8" oversize. *shrug*


A practical (rather than theoretical) matter.

I did indeed ask for 0.100" stock at first...unavailable.
 
Light blade works for the same reason titanium hammers work? You offset the weight with increased velocity?

For the record, my best-performing chopping blade was a rather thin HI khukuri. However, it probably still exceeded 1/4"
 
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