which steel is right for me

R

rokspydr

Joined
Jan 18, 2006
Messages
31
Hi all,
I am going to try to make a medium size machete 18" blade or so. It will be used for camping and general use. I want the strongest steel I can afford as I hate when things break. I was looking into s30v but I am not sure if it is right for this job? So I am asking for your helpful knowledge on this as I am still new at this. I have made a few knifes out of bg42 which is on it's way to Paul Bos for heat treating so I am excited to get them back.So any advice is appreciated. Again I am not so concerned with price I am really concerned with performance and strenth.


Thank's,
Marc
 
My choice would be L6.

Has anyone else seen the video of Howard Clark trying to destroy one of his L6 swords?
 
5160 would be my choice.I made one for my son to take to Cost Rica.I wouldn't have used anything I thought would break.I would not use S30V or BG42 for a blade of that size and use. For a machete,draw a high temper. Edge hardness is not the prime focus of this blade shape.Put lots of mass in the spine.
Stacy
 
I would like to say that the 1095 and 1084, and 52100 is a great choice of blade material. The strongest will be the results of the proper heat treating. personally I do my own so I know exactly what it is and not what someone says it is. A hardened tester is a necessary in a Knife Shop if you are in for the long haul. Also, the way you grind your knives will determined the outcome of your blades as well. Good luck with your decision and welcome to the land of knife making. God bless you and yours.

Barkes:rolleyes:
http://my.hsonline.net/wizard/knifeshop.htm
1.812.526.6390
 
I want to make a blade similar to a machete about 4" thick at the widest point. I was thinking about a 1/4" thick I tried finding L6 in the 24"x5"x1/4" but could not find it. I also saw S3V was promising but I am no expert so I need help deciding. I do remember some using A2 steel for swords but how about a machete?

Marc
 
http://www.crucibleservice.com/contact/index.cfm?mapArea=USA
if your goingto use any of the CPM steels just call and order its not cheap but they have always been nice and helpful
btw i love cpm3v last bar i got from them was 5/32 thick x24 inch long
they will cut any width you want im not sure how thick they offer but i can tell you that 5/32 is lots of this steel
i havent realy had any problems with rust i just do a light etch and try to keep it clean and dry i never realy tried to get it to rust
hope this helps
butch
 
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