What's the easiest grindng steel

ashwinearl

ashwinearl

Knifemaker / Craftsman / Service Provider
Joined
Nov 9, 2006
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I'm just starting out flat and hollow grinding (10" wheel) making smaller utility type styles 1/8 to 3/16 thickness.

My initial goal is to focus on my grinding. I have a 2 brick forge for basic heat treat but not opposed to sending out for heat treat at all.

I have tried 1084, O1, and a little 440c so far. The O1 has felt more 'sticky' and grabby on the belts than the other two.

If heat treating isn't a factor (if outsourced) is there steel that lends itself to learning grinding better?
 
First let me say that if you fill out your profile and let people know where you are located they may respond more often.

This isn't an easy question to answer, too many variables. Some steels arrive softer than others, some work harden faster than others. Belt type and speed make a difference.

I haven't compared how easy steels are to grind, but using the belts, speed and technique I use, I'll say that 154CM is harder to grind than ATS34. So given the steels I use I'd place them in the following from most difficult to easiest. Just realize others will probably dissagree.

154CM
ATS34
O1, 1095, 52100
5160
1084

Jim A.
 
If you're going to HT yourself I would do the 1084. If not you've got a ton of options like DAMNENG stated. I would add AEB-L as a great stainless option for ease of finishing. You couldn't heat treat this in a forge though.
Check out the "Sticky's" section at the top of Shop Talk. Lots of info there that will help you.
 
I find 440c very nice to grind and finish myself, I prefer working with it over the carbon and tool steels I've used.
 
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