Which metal to choose?

K

kifeter

Joined
Sep 8, 2011
Messages
153
Hey guys,

I am new to custom knives and I was wondering what was a good type of metal to choose. I didn't realize there were so many different variations until I started reading up on them here. I really like the look of dimascus but Im not sure how good that will hold up and keep its edge. I have also thought about damasteel and I am not sure of that either.

Do you pro's have any suggestions? Im sure there are still plenty of different metals used to make knives that I am still not aware of so any help will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Kris
 
I'm sure the majority of makers will reccommend Aldo's 1084 for a new maker...one that plans to do his own heat treat anyways. Even if you planned to send it out for heat treat 1084 is a good choice, and the material is cheap.

Fill out your profile you may be my neighbor, and I'll give you a hunk of steel, and help you with the heat treat.
 
Hey Jordan,

Thanks for the response. I guess this is more of a sub forum for knife makers. I am actually ordering a custom knife and was wondering about the steels from those that make knives.

I really do appreciate the offer though and if I did live by you I would at least like to see a knife being made. I live in South Florida. I will fill out my profile though.

Thanks again,
Kris
 
Hey Kris, steel choice depends on many variables. Just a few are, 1.The main use of the knife 2. Whether you want stainless or carbon. 3. The makers ability to properly heat treat the steel chosen. 4.Will the knife actually be used or just added to a collection. I wouldn't suggest damascus for a knife that will see use. Not because it wont make a good knife but because the pattern will wear away with use and its expensive for a knife that will eventually lose most of the pattern. Steel choice should be one of the first details a good maker discusses with you when you place your order. Without any more info asking what is the best type of knife steel is kind of like asking what is the best kind of car to buy. If you give us a few more details we can do a better job of helping you select a good steel. The main thing to remember is that no matter what steel you choose, if its not properly heat treated it will not give good service. The simplest steel with a PROPER heat treat will outperform a supersteel with poor heat treat.
 
Thanks for the responses.

Well, the knife will be an EDC, but I probably wont actually use it to much. The maker is experienced with both damascus and damasteel. To me, they look more or less the same, thats why I wanted to know the pros of either or the cons of either.
 
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