praktis
11-20-2003, 11:39 AM
Hi guys,
i´ve got a bit of a problem. i can´t decide on which steel to use for my second knife,
i´ve narrowed it down to these 2.
the first one is called elmax and consists of:
C 1.7
Si 0.8
Mn 0.3
Cr 18
Mo 1.0
V 3.0
the other is called vanadis 10 it consists of:
C 2.9
Si 1.0
Mn 0.5
Cr 8.0
Mo 1.5
V 9.8
both these steels are powder metallurgical cold work tool steels.
Don Cowles
11-20-2003, 11:54 AM
I think it depends a great deal on what performance features you are looking for. The Elmax has enough cromium to be called "stainless," whereas the Vanadis does not, just as an example.
Jerry Hossom
11-20-2003, 01:36 PM
Looking back on the experience, I wouldn't have wanted to use either of those for my second knife. Both are difficult to work. I'd suggest RWL-34. It's a very good steel and a lot less of a headache.
Gary Mulkey
11-21-2003, 08:33 AM
I agree with Jerry. Judging by the chemical analysis, neither appear to be easy to work or H/T. Also, from the high chromium & vanadium contents they would appear to have a high abrasion resistance but lack the toughness that I like to see in a blade steel.
It's your call but IMHO for your second knife I would suggest working with one of the knife steels that is more forgiving and stick with it until you know it well. You can experiment with others after that.
Gary
shgeo
11-21-2003, 09:40 PM
I tried to get some Vanadis 10 and 4 last year from Uddeholm in the US and they didn't stock either in sizes anywhere near blade barstock.
I am really interested in the Vanadis 4. It is sort of between 3V and S30V in composition and specs.
I Dubyu lifts the steel tariffs, I might be able to afford some.