What's the lab report on this San Mai steel?

[golok]

I know I am coming in a bit late on the subject of san mai but I understand that the Japanese have developed this particular 3-layer (am I right?) to some extent.

There have been some favourable reports regarding its performance. At this juncture, that's all I know.

I think Cold Steel produce some knives with this particular material with good results. But everything since then has quietened down.

So is the san mai interesting enough for further consideration?

 

[Mike Hull]

This type of construction has been used for centuries, both by the Japanese, and the Scandinavians, for blade steels.
It works great.

Edited to add; The above was stated assuming the proper quality steels are used, and fabricated in a professional, and proper manner.

Maybe that will cover it.

 

[DaveH]

I think you have to be careful, San Mai I believe refers to the technique rather than the steel itself.

in Cold Steel's case it was revealed before their forum closed down that their San Mai was something like AUS-8 sandwiched between 420 stainless. At least that was my recollection.