which is better 154cm are ats34

[proedge84]

I would just like to know what the chemichal differences are in thease two knife steels. and please let me know your oppinion on which one is better.

 

[KC Slim]

I'm not 100% sure, but I think 154cm is the american version of ATS-34

 

[mgeoffriau]

I believe they are identical metallurgically speaking. However, 154CM is American, made by Crucible (I think). ATS-34 is Japanese, made by Hitachi (I think).

Here's the story as I've heard. 154CM was used some time ago as a premium steel. Was good stuff. At some point it started becoming lower quality steel - the tolerances weren't as high, overall quality was suffering. So a lot of manufacturers switched to ATS-34 because it was very good quality.

Now, 154CM is very high quality, and a lot of people think it's even better than ATS-34.

Now, keep in mind it's the same stuff - it's just how carefully they make it.

At this point, I'd say it's about six to one, half-dozen to the other.

 

[Knife Outlet]

Nothing to worry about. The differences are so slight as to be meaningless. Take care.

 

[stjames]

154 CM is produced in the United States. Reason enough to choose it over ATS-34.

 

[Sid Post]

When I spoke to the guys at Crucible, they said the main difference what the grain structure they got. If I remember correctly, the rolled once, then turned it on its side and rolled it again to produce a better grain sturcture.

In my personal use, I have found 154CM to be superior to ATS-34. It keeps an edge longer and takes more abuse before it rusts (spots). I would give a slight advantage to 154CM but, not enough to make a big difference. A good heat treat with either could make them perform better then the other so, you really need to look beyond the steel used.

For a good use "non-Super Steel" I still find BG-42 to be a better choice.

 

[callahwj]

Originally posted by stjames
154 CM is produced in the United States. Reason enough to choose it over ATS-34.

Agreed. I lived in Syracuse, where Crucible Specialty Metals is, and they make it, I used to point it out to my freinds whenever we drove by the place.

 

[Bugs3x]

Will attempt to paste in a part of a steel composition chart. If that fails, will go back and get the URL. (Sure wish I had that multiple level Clipboard)

C MN SI CR MO
154CM 1.02-1.05 .50-.60 .25 14.0 - 4.0 - -
ATS34 1.0-1.05 .25 .41 13.75-14.0 - 3.56-4.0 - -

As you can see, virtually identical -- on this chart. The charts do not always agree to the decimal.

I'm pretty sure I've read a couple times that manufacturers -- possibly some custom makers also -- are finding that the 154-CM does hold an edge a bit better, and has perhaps a hair better corrosion resistance.

 

[Bart student]

all correct..154-CM is made by crucible, and has a better grain structure (smaller and more equal). ATS-34 is made by hitachi, in bigger quantities, to lower quality standards.

154-CM holds an edge good enough, but in daily use, you won't find the difference between 154-CM and ATS-34.

If you compare different heat-treaths, then you'll find a difference.
154-CM from Microtech hold an edge much better then benchmades.

greetz, bart.