What steel is it?

not2sharp

not2sharp

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As makers, users or collectors we are interested in the metal alloys employed in our blade. But, we are also dependent on what we are told by our vendors and suppliers. Often, we don’t even have that and we are left to guess at the blade composition. While I can easily check the hardness and geometry, finding the chemical composition is always a challenge. That is why I have become interested in XRF tools like the one below.

kovedtech.com

Apollo Carbon LIBS Analyzer — Koved Technical

The Thermo Scientific Niton Apollo handheld LIBS analyzer delivers fast, accurate, portable elemental analysis – including carbon detection – for mater
kovedtech.com kovedtech.com

Is anyone familiar with these things and the sort of hurdles that the average guy needs to clear to own one of these?

My primary interest would be to explore the composition of antique and ethnographic edge tools.

n2s
 
My initial impressions are that these tools can currently be very expensive (around $20k) and the results would be limited by blade coating, patinas and finishes; so that the item may have to be marred ( ground down at test location) in order to properly analyze.

n2s
 
I've not familiar with the analyzers with LIBS technology as in the link. Most typical are the XRF analyzers. The biggest problem with XRF analyzers is that they cannot detect carbon and are less accurate the lighter the element it is trying to measure. Which is why the analyzer in the link they are advertising for detecting light elements and carbon. My guess is that the LIBS analyzer is more expensive than even the pricey XRF analyzer. Also the LIBS works by lasering away a small amount of material so if works like other spectroscopy analysis methods it probably leaves a burn spot which may not be ideal for finished knives.
 
not2sharp not2sharp Well, for only $10 per guess, yes, only $10!, send me a pic of the knife and I will do my best "guesstimation" as to the steel content.

First answer = free and here it is.

"It looks like 440a".
 
gazz98 said:
not2sharp not2sharp Well, for only $10 per guess, yes, only $10!, send me a pic of the knife and I will do my best "guesstimation" as to the steel content.

First answer = free and here it is.

"It looks like 440a".
Click to expand...
I usually use a crystal ball, and that other glowing thing that is rectangular in shape. :)

But, it looks like the tools are finally catching up.

n2s
 
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My method; sharpen it then use it. It’s either ok or junk. It will be obvious after a week or so.

Still won’t know what it is, but I’ll have the info I need.

Even if you know exactly what the composition is, the heat treat will make or break you.

I applaud your desire to push the boundaries of our hobby, but I don’t think this will be feasible.
 
Interesting tool.

Like Larrin mentioned tho, you will mark a 1'x1' square section of the metal that you shoot with the laser.

The cost of that tool could buy you some very nice knives.
 
We can only hope that the tools eventually are revised to operate on a much smaller test footprint.

n2s
 
Knowing what an alloy is would still leave the question of how it was manufactured and treated.
 
gazz98 said:
not2sharp not2sharp Well, for only $10 per guess, yes, only $10!, send me a pic of the knife and I will do my best "guesstimation" as to the steel content.

First answer = free and here it is.

"It looks like 440a".
Click to expand...
I think you and I can work together and make an app for smart phones that's where the real money is
 
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