W2

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BackWoodsPuppy

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Oct 21, 2011
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So I've been hearing a bit about W2 tool steel, and a lot of cool makers (nick wheeler :D) use it. (and get really nice hamons, but that may not be exclusive to the steel) What I've heard is that it is basically 1095 with added Vanadium, which gives it 'strength'. What do they mean strength, is it hardness or flexibility, or both??

I looked on some steel suppliers and noticed that 1095 is about 3/4 of the price of W2. Any opinions on if it's worth it, and what I would use w2 for (big knives small knives, some as big as your head...)
 
In relatively large amounts (I think it really kicks in at 2%, but don't quote me on that) it forms carbides that improve hardness, without sacrificing toughness. Vanadium carbides are very hard, but not brittle. Even in very small amounts, it also helps maintain a small, consistent grain, which is also good for toughness.

You do not have to make big choppers out of vanadium-bearing steels to take advantage of this (although it's fun!). Even on small, very thin blades it helps prevent a fine edge from being "chippy", and improves edge-retention. In my opinion V is good for pretty much any knife steel.

Alloying elements info here: http://www.materialsengineer.com/E-Alloying-Steels.htm
 
I don't think that you need that much vanadium to form carbides. The W2 that many of us are using has somewhere in the mid .2 range and it is some fairly wear resistant stuff. You can tell not only from how long it holds an edge, but also when you are hand sanding it. it is not as difficult to sand as say Cru Forge V which has about 3 times as much vanadium but there is a noticeable difference compared to straight carbon steel like 1075. The other thing about the W steels is that W1 is sometimes referred to as VERY clean 1095 and W2 is the same stuff with vanadium added.
 
I use both, and they are both my "go to" steel. The end user will not notice any difference in performance if all things during the forging/heat treat process are done properly. The one "problem" until recently is that W2 flat stock was hard to find, HOWEVER Aldo now has it available... and it is GOOD stuff.
 
I agree. This has become my go to steel also...I really enjoy the way it performs...And hand sanding has become my zen relaxation thing, so the V isn't a horrible thing. I agree with Lamey about the Aldo comment...Great stuff...Plus hamons.... :D
 
W-2's origins were back in the 60's I believe. It replaced W-1 used in stamping dies in the Auto Industry . Apparently the W-1 was prone to chipping. The Vanadium in W-2 took care of the problem. The W-2 went out of favor when Bethlehem came up with S-7. We've pretty much been using W-2 leftovers ever since.(Well.........until now!!:D)
 
A nice little lesson in steel history there. I love W2. For a hamon nut like myself it's essential.
 
Ive used it for cutting bits in hatchets and hawks..I love it..It takes and holds a beautifully keen edge..Welds easily to almost anything too..
 
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