Thoughts on SF100 versus AEBL or one of the Swedish steels?

[J. Hoffman]

Imitation alloys are a problem. Imitators copy the name and/or the composition of Voestalpine (Bohler/Uddeholm) alloys. This problem is largely ignored. But it is getting worse.

This example is AEB-L. Some companies are copying the composition of the alloy, but the manufacturing processes are not the same. Quoting Dr. Larrin Thomas:



What does this mean to knifemakers? Feedback we get from knifemakers is the toughness is lower and there is more chipping. We’ve also heard the edge holding is not as good. The common scenario is the knifemaker has used Voestalpine AEB-L previously and then tries an imitation. When they are not happy with the performance of the imitation, they call or talk to us at a show.

Some of the imitated alloys are AEB-L, 15N20 and 26C3. These three alloys are only made by Voestalpine (Bohler/Uddeholm). All other steel mills making copies are producing lesser quality imitations.

Chuck

Can't agree more, which is why all my AEB-L comes from AKS. Does BU only cold roll AEB-L or do they also hot roll some?

 

[Alpha Knife Supply]

AEB-L is available both cold and hot rolled. The AEB-L hot rolled descaled annealed (HRDA) finish is better than most other hot rolled steel finishes.

Chuck

 

[Stuart Davenport Knives]

The as received finish on Alpha Knife Supply's AEB-L is simply EXCELLENT.

 

[Horsewright]

The as received finish on Alpha Knife Supply's AEB-L is simply EXCELLENT.

Yep:

Even comes with my templates pre drawn! Don't know how Chuck knows how to do that!