What are Matrix steels? YXR7, CPM-1V, Caldie, and More

[Larrin]

Matrix steels were first invented in the 1960s and then kind of forgotten. But they continue to have an effect on knife steels today. What are they? How were they invented? Which knife steels can be called “matrix steels”? https://knifesteelnerds.com/2021/01/25/matrix-steels-yxr7-cpm-1v-caldie-and-more/

 

[Seedy Lot]

Great article Larrin, as usual. I just slowly reread the article and I am mulling over matrix steels and how the knowledge of them as contributed to steel development, very interesting.

 

[PEU]

Thanks Larrin. A few months ago I got a sheet of Bohler S600 that's waiting to be tested as a knife... I need to bump my oven to 1200C as I capped it to 1100C

Pablo

 

[Larrin]

Thanks Larrin. A few months ago I got a sheet of Bohler S600 that's waiting to be tested as a knife... I need to bump my oven to 1200C as I capped it to 1100C

Pablo

I had to look up that one. It’s M2.

 

[PEU]

It is! A colleague asked me if in my next order I could buy some 3mm rods of S600 for his chisels. While at it I asked the Voestalpine rep if they had it also in sheets, yes was the answer, so I bought a piece, it was expensive, something around $65+tax a kilo. Time will tell if it makes a decent knife.

Pablo

 

[Seedy Lot]

It is! A colleague asked me if in my next order I could buy some 3mm rods of S600 for his chisels. While at it I asked the Voestalpine rep if they had it also in sheets, yes was the answer, so I bought a piece, it was expensive, something around $65+tax a kilo. Time will tell if it makes a decent knife.

Pablo

I have made a couple dozen M2 knives, run it hard and grind it thin and you will be happy with the results.