W1 or W2?

U

unky_gumbi

Joined
Aug 28, 2009
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What is better or should I say what is each steel better for? And what are the differences between each of these steels? I know they are a forging steel, but I may have found a source for both locally and i am making a forge so If the price is right I may buy some for future use
 
W2 is W1 with the addition of a decent amount of Vanadium. A little Vanadium makes a big difference. :thumbup:
 
New West Metals on Higgins, I still have to go over there and make sure they have it in stock and what the price is. Their web site doesn't give a lot of info such as pricing and stock. I bought 12' of 3/16 brass rod from there for $20 cash a couple of months ago and was looking to see what they had for stainless rod when I noticed they say they carry W1 and W2. I really like the look of some of Don Hanson III's w2 knives so I though maybe I would pick some up and give it a try once I get my forge, not that I think just using the same steel will make my knives better, thats going to take a lot of time and practice:o
 
Both will form decent hamons, W2 with more activity. My understanding is that W2 is a superior steel to W1, but they both make good knives.

--nathan
 
i noticed the same thing on there site but i called them and they said they didn't have any W2. I don't know about W1 though, i never asked. If they say differently to you then please tell me. I would love to get my hands on some of that stuff
 
They may have to get it brought in, I am going by there tomorrow to ask about it in person and look at the stainless 3/16 rod. I will let you know
 
Roman Landes prefers W1 over W2. He told me that "W2 allows more impurities in its alloy content according to its standard,
this is why you want W1 over W2."
He is the first person that I've ever heard of to like W1 over W2.
But, he is "The Man", so I've got to go with his recommendation.
 
Roman Landes prefers W1 over W2. He told me that "W2 allows more impurities in its alloy content according to its standard,
this is why you want W1 over W2."
He is the first person that I've ever heard of to like W1 over W2.
But, he is "The Man", so I've got to go with his recommendation.
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Mitch, too broad a statment. Not all W2 is created equal, depends on the mill. I've used a bunch of W1 and W2 from different sources. I like W1 but W2 gives a more active hamon and out performs W1 by a good bit.
 
Don Hanson III said:
Mitch, too broad a statment. Not all W2 is created equal, depends on the mill. I've used a bunch of W1 and W2 from different sources. I like W1 but W2 gives a more active hamon and out performs W1 by a good bit.
Click to expand...

Thank you for clarifying that, Don. Your opinion also holds a lot of weight with me, especially when it comes to W2. :thumbup:
 
Don Hanson III said:
Mitch, too broad a statment. Not all W2 is created equal, depends on the mill. I've used a bunch of W1 and W2 from different sources. I like W1 but W2 gives a more active hamon and out performs W1 by a good bit.
Click to expand...
I am not sure where they are getting from that is something else I will have to find out toady
 
make sure you guys get the "recipe" sheet that shows what the alloy is made of, for w1 and w2. There can be a lot of variance. also Fastenal carries a good W1 in round stock great for forging.

Jason
 
So I went to New West Metals today and they don't have W2 any more and what they have in W1 wont be replaced once its sold out. They have W1 sized from 1/8 up to 1", some of it they only have one bar of so I think maybe I should grab a couple before its gone. Any suggestions on what size to get? I am thinking medium to large sized bowie, yet could decide on small too.
 
Go with the larger round stock....1" or so.
You can make a little knife from a large piece of steel, but
not a big knife from a little piece of steel.
 
I use 5/8" - 1" (15.875mm - 25.4mm) I use the 15.875mm - 19mm for hunter/bushie size knives and 20mm up for bowies and other choppers

Jason
 
JasonSCarter said:
I use 5/8" - 1" (15.875mm - 25.4mm) I use the 15.875mm - 19mm for hunter/bushie size knives and 20mm up for bowies and other choppers

Jason
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:eek: They only have 1 of the 5/8", 5/16" and 1" left I better get over there and pick them up before someone else does. I am not sure how long the length are though or the pricing yet:confused:
 
Standard length of W1 Drill rod is 36"

You will notice that as the size increases, the price jumps Way up from one size to another...It seems horribly drastic, but compare it to the area of each size...

the Pi r Squared thing comes into play, then you will see just how much more steel there is in one size versus another ...
 
doing the quick math there is a 39% gain in volume (pi r ^2 H) from 5/8"X36 to 1"X36 and a 62% gain in surface area (2Pi R H)
 
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