Where to get 3v?

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Mobius1

Joined
Feb 15, 2016
Messages
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I just realized that AKS no longer carries CPM steels!

Anyone have any recommendation for a different source of 3v?

Unless someone wants to convince me to change steels! Honestly, I haven't looked at research or testing lately.
 
Mobius1 said:
I just realized that AKS no longer carries CPM steels!

Anyone have any recommendation for a different source of 3v?

Unless someone wants to convince me to change steels! Honestly, I haven't looked at research or testing lately.
Click to expand...
A
Mobius1 said:
I just realized that AKS no longer carries CPM steels!

Anyone have any recommendation for a different source of 3v?

Unless someone wants to convince me to change steels! Honestly, I haven't looked at research or testing lately.
Click to expand...
Admiral, Jantz, SB Specialty, Midwest Knife Supply, Niagara Specialty Metals
 
Z-Wear is close to 3V.
 
What a bummer, cause those other sources are much more expensive.

I'm looking at Z-Wear, and the heat treat seems to be the same as 3v, pretty much.

I'm assuming it tempers the same as 3v, when using liquid nitrogen? (I usually go to 375-400F on final temper, with 3v.)

Maybe I will give it a try.
 
Mobius1 said:
What a bummer, cause those other sources are much more expensive.

I'm looking at Z-Wear, and the heat treat seems to be the same as 3v, pretty much.

I'm assuming it tempers the same as 3v, when using liquid nitrogen? (I usually go to 375-400F on final temper, with 3v.)

Maybe I will give it a try.
Click to expand...

Z-wear gets Rc62 if heat treated at 1950f, cryo, and 400f temper. 1975f gets Rc63.
 
Well, thanks for the info/advice. It piqued my interest, so I went ahead and ordered a couple feet to play with.
 
Mobius1 said:
Well, thanks for the info/advice. It piqued my interest, so I went ahead and ordered a couple feet to play with.
Click to expand...

For regular use knives, edges at 0.005” and 15dps are very stable. I only use it at Rc62 or higher. It’s my favorite steel.
 
I reciently wanted to get some as well. AKS seemed to have some serious quality issues with their 3v stock. Makes me wonder who else may have bad stock? I have purchased 2 knives in 3V and love it.
 
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There's no issue with AKS's 3V stock, they are just choosing not to carry CPM.

CPM Cruwear is the equivalent of Z Wear. (Same as CPM 20-CV = M390 = 204P) We have plenty in stock at Niagara Specialty Metals. Zapp Tooling and Alloys probably has Z Wear if you want that. You can reach them at 847-599-0351.
 
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