What's happening to my CPM 154 blades?

G

godogs57

Joined
Apr 16, 2004
Messages
795
Love my CPM 154 steel, but lately I am experiencing pits and inclusions in the finished product ONLY after taking it to the buffer for its final polish. I got some of the first CPM 154 a few years ago and Crucible let some get out before the recipe was perfected and it had pits and inclusions in it as well (by Crucible's admission). This stuff is looking just like that!

What's strange is that there is zero evidence of pitting while progressing through the sanding belts. I can tell if something is wrong before I get to my 600 grit belts usually, but not in this case. It only shows after I put a ton of time into the knife blade, fit a handle and guard to it and start to buff after shaping.

I ht at 1950 for 30 min and triple temper at 375 for 2 hours each time. Foil wrapped blades and the foil is the high temp stuff. Everything has worked like a charm for me for years with this steel until now.....

Any suggestions? Thanks in advance.
 
Bad batch of steel ! ATS-34 had similar problems for a while .You're just pulling out the inclusions with the buffer. A change in buffing proceedure or just don't buff .
 
There should never be inclusions in these high end steels - BUT - Crucible has been through the ringer, both finacially and in processing of the billets. It's a shame, but part of keeping these excellent steels available would inevitably be a few challenges to overcome. No one can replace the hard work you've put into your blades, but hopefully, your supplier will replace the steel for you.

Not sure how much this is ocurring for you. When the ATS34 was "dirty" (still pops up sometimes) it was only in maybe 2% of blades - like 2 in a 100 blades. This sounds like more???

I did hear talk of "vanadium stringers" in some CPM steels, but haven't seen anything official on it. FWIW, we haven't had any CPM154 returned here. Those using it, universally love it.

Keep us posted please.
 
Going to talk to my supplier about this...he's well known on this board and if there is anything to be done about it, he can pull the strings to get it done.

Thanks
 
I've been worried this might happen ever since Crucible went under. Damed shame. The Loveless Shop just had a batch of 154-CPM do the same thing.

I just started a batch of blades, keeping my fingers crossed.

We have had this happen with 154-CM-ATS-34 and now 154-CPM.

Not good. Not good at all!

My Customers expect a flawless finish.:(

Mike
Maker
The Loveless Connection Knives
 
Loveless shop? Well, I don't feel so bad then....it apparently happens to the best of 'em too. Don't have any idea what kind of steel to go to if this crap keeps up....
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top