Which steel should I buy??

L

lesoleilnoir

Joined
Jun 15, 2001
Messages
149
And why. I'm going to start on my first few stock removals. I can get both ATS34 and BG42 for about the same price. I always hear great things about bg42 but I've never even seen it, let alone used it. ATS34 is of course a reliable old standby. Thoughts?

Thanks friends,
Dan
 
Might want to take a look at S30V if you are going stainless, I just ordered a custom with it and now have another custom using it on order, the maker has nothing but good things to say about it, should be worth checking out. It's supposed to be the next super stainless, take a look at This Thread. Hope this helped.
 
BG42 is almost always more expensive than ATS34, so if you can get either for about the same price, go with the BG42. But, I would opt for the S30V myself. I dont think it is any more expensive than what BG42 sells for.
 
Ok call me naive ( in unison: YOU'RE NIAVE ). Obviously s30v is crucible but I've never heard of it. Does it go by another name ( ie. 440v=s60v )
If so, where can I buy it.

BTW, the knives to be made are small boot knives
(~5 aol, 2" cutting suface ) I am looking for strenght and piercing ability over cutting and edge holding. Perhaps that helps a little.

Thanks again,
Dan
 
CPM S30V doesn't have an alternative name, as it's brand new and didn't ever have another alias.

If you want strength AND stainless, S30V is your choice in premium steels that also hold an edge well.

Piercing ability is more a function of grind geometry than anything... somewhat independent of steel. Sharp point, stout tip grind, etc.
 
Hi Dan,
If you want a versatil unexpensive and easy to work steel try 440C, if you want performance for folders and small knives any crucible's stailess steel is a good choice,(S30V, S60V,S90V) but they are generally hard to finish, you'd better have a good sand belt stock, between BG42 and ATS34 I would pick BG42, because of the vanadium content, although it's kind difficult to heat treat.
Looks like S30V, the newest crucible stailes steel, is the best choice for knife blades, btw it was developed specifically for the knife industry, there is an article about this steel on Blade Magazine, april 2002, if you want to get some of this steel, try to contact Bruce di Vitta, from the Crucible steel, 1-800-365-1168.
 
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