W-1?

cmott69

cmott69

Joined
Sep 11, 2004
Messages
237
does anyone use w-1?
how workable is it with basic tools?(ie files, angle grinders, and torches(?
how do you like it as far as a blade steel?

Any info is much appreciated.
thanks guys.
C.J.
 
I use W1 and like it very much, it forges easy, works easy and makes a very good blade. W1 is one of my favorite steels. The way I get it is in the form of drill rods - round stock. Good stuff.

Don Hanson lll
 
Like Don says, W1 is some good stuff. W2 is even better, since it contains Vanadium. One thing about W1 & W2 is that they are reputedly very clean steels. Something that you can't say about 1084 and 5160 nowadays.
 
Bill Bryson, the metallurgist who literally wrote the book on tool steel cryogenics, actually recommends W1/1095 as the best steel for a knife that will be used (as opposed to put on display). It's hard to keep it from corroding, but since it's shallow hardening you get a hard case and a nice, ductile core that allows the blade to bend and spring without cracking or breaking.

And it takes a very keen edge. A2 is frequently used in woodworking blades these days because of its high wear resistance, but W1 is still the first choice when you want that screaming edge.
 
thanks guys, did a little research in the archives and found a lot of interesting info.

Does anyone know of a supplier that carries 2'' x 3/16'' or 2'' x 1/4''?
 
I have never run across W1 in bar stock, just rounds :(
1095 would be a close second and available.

Don Hanson lll
 
McMaster-Carr carries strips of W1, but only up to up to 3/4" wide.

1095 is almost the same thing, just not as perfectly "clean" as W1 as it's not rated as a tool steel. Like Don says, it is available in many more sizes. My employer made blades from 1095 for a long time with very good results. It also costs about 30% as much as W1. Give it a try.

-Allin
 
I use w1 for my hunters. If I had a press I would use it for all my blades, I really don't want to hand forge a 1" rod into a 10" bowie :). W1 is very easy to forge, grind, file, stamp... Great hardending lines too.

Matt
 
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