W2 steel?

[jimmyd1982]

So I just got a what looks like a great deal on an italian viper knife. It's a damascus blade made from 1095 and w2. I love 1095 but have no experience with w2, has anyone used this?

 

[bd51]

It is a tool steel which means it will have pretty good toughness. Not sure about the other traits of it though; I don't think it is a very widely used steel nowadays.

 

[brets-ftw]

its a pretty good steel, a lot of files are made of W1 which is the same but lacking the vanadium so id say enjoy your new knife, if you want more info on its contents check out spyderco's website, they have a pdf of steel contents

http://www.spyderco.com/edge-u-cation/index.php?item=3

 

[Don Hanson III]

Little late here, but...

W2 is similar to 1095, but a higher quality tool steel and has +/- .20% vanadium add. Very good steel !

A damascus mix of W2 and 1095 would show very little pattern.

 

[Gator97]

Both AISI W1 and W2 steel specifications allow huge variations in carbon content 0.70%-1.50% for W1 and 0.85%-1.50% for W2, 10xx series have more tight specs. I'm neither a knife maker nor a metallurgist, but it's pretty basic math and chemistry Neither is a bad steel, but unless exact batch/composition is specified, properties may wary quite a bit. For the reference, 1095 vs W2 steel composition comparison.