Took a crack at W2

[Don Hanson III]

I think it has something to do with the vanadium. I believe the only difference between w1 and w2 is the vanadium (someone please correct me if I am wrong) and it must be the vanadium that makes the difference.

The vanadium does play a part, it promotes fine grain. The finer the grain, the less harden-ability (more shallow hardening). This really shows in the absence of other alloys. The more shallow hardening, the more likely to get a good hamon. However, vanadium in larger amounts will make a steel deeper hardening and it becomes difficult to get a hamon. There is a fine line here.

This W2 is also very low in manganese, this is the big reason we get a good hamon. More manganese = less hamon. Less manganese = more hamon. I like more hamon

Chromium is good for blade steel, to a point. Much above .015% and it make hamon more difficult. Causes other probs too, unless you know how to work that particular steel. This W2 only has a trace of Cr.

 

[atakach]

Well, maybe 10 more years. but thanks for the compliment. Hope you dont mind me using a pic from your site.

give me a second while i pick my jaw up off the floor

nice work matt,

 

[silver_pilate]

Great job, Matt! Some nice ghosts floating around in that hamon.

BTW, off topic, but I got the knife I bought from you yesterday, and now I have a big smile on my face . Great job! It feels great in the hand, is nice and slim, and the sheath is wonderful work. I love the tidy size of this knife. I'm thinking of making a smaller leather or micarta cross draw sheath for it and making it on of my EDC sheath knives (for when I'm not at work...the university frowns upon knives so I have to carry a little Alsdorf doctor's pattern).

You did a wonderful job, and it's fit and finish is very good. I am very, very happy with your work. Guys, if you ever get a chance, pick up on of Matt's knives, and you'll be glad you did. Thanks!

--nathan