|
|
High-Performance Blades Sharing ideas for getting the most out of our steel. |
|
Thread Tools | Display Modes |
#1
|
|||
|
|||
best performing carbon steel?
What is the best performing carbon steel out there? I know there may be no definative answer to this question but I would be interested in peoples opinion.
Mark |
#2
|
|||
|
|||
You're right that there is no deffinitive answer. If you narrow down the intended use though, you can start hearing about some more well suited steels for the purpose. Big chopper, small carving blade, etc.
__________________ ~Andrew W. "NT Cough'n Monkey" Petkus |
#3
|
|||
|
|||
I thought about this after I posted my question. Lets start with the best high carbon steel for hunters/skinners.
Mark |
#4
|
||||
|
||||
Best steel is the steel from the maker who has strict control and understanding of his steel, whatever it maybe.
__________________ Romey Cowboy inc Keep a light rein, a foot on each side and a faraway look http://www.highcountryknives.com |
#5
|
|||
|
|||
Speaking of getting the best performance possable out of a steel has anyone seen the article in Nov.'s issue of Blade magazine (page90)about heat treating O-1? A couple questions what is vermiculite and what is its purpose? And I imagine this process is good for stock removal method as well.?.
Mark |
#6
|
||||
|
||||
It has been used as insulation and lord knows what else, its used to anneal steel after forging. Can be had at garden supply places , among other places. I have used lime and ashes both and i prefer vermiculite to either of them,seem to get a more through deeper softening of the steel in annealed state.
__________________ Romey Cowboy inc Keep a light rein, a foot on each side and a faraway look http://www.highcountryknives.com |
#7
|
||||
|
||||
Quote:
__________________ "Many are chosen, but few are Pict" "The doer alone, learneth" NT Neo-Devo |
#8
|
||||
|
||||
Quote:
|
#9
|
|||
|
|||
I agree completely. That's also probably why you see some great master smiths, each using different steels. You usually won't go wrong by going with the steel preferred by your favorite knifemaker.
Vermiculite is that white granular stuff they sell in garden supply stores to add to potting soil. It feels a little like chunks of white foam, but is able to tolerate very high temperatures. |
#10
|
||||
|
||||
ehhh, got cha Jerry, I believe the white foam looking stuff is pearlite. Vermiculite is tannish brown and light as a feather. Also I think I have heard it said that it is mined in and around the same location as asbestos. Atho a hamburger is considered a danger to your health today. I would avoid breathing the dust.
__________________ "Many are chosen, but few are Pict" "The doer alone, learneth" NT Neo-Devo |
#11
|
|||
|
|||
Getting a gotcha on me is dead easy...
I think vermiculite is available at garden store though. If someone has a better answer please give it. I was just trying to help out, and everyone knows I don't know jack about that oil quenched world! |
#12
|
||||
|
||||
Jerry, you have helped me and probably far more many other newbies than we could count. A big hearty thank you for all your generosity and commitment to the advancement of the craft. Your fast replies and clear explainations have turned the ol' light bulb on more than a few times. Thanks again, Roc
__________________ "Many are chosen, but few are Pict" "The doer alone, learneth" NT Neo-Devo |
#13
|
|||
|
|||
Jerry's right about where to get vermiculite. It can be found at any garden supply place. It is tan/brown/mixed (mine is, anyway), and it is very light. It will compact into an almost impenetrable layer in the bottom of your annealing container, though. I like it much better than lime, too, but I haven't tried any wood ashes.
Todd |
#14
|
|||
|
|||
Best Steel
I can't argue that the real craftsman can make a silk purse from a sow's ear. However, the rest of us can usually get good results from O1 or D2. 5160 is ok but lacks enough carbon to hold an edge like D2 or O1. Differential tempering will give you a very tough blade with superb edge holding.
__________________ Which is worse; ignorance or apathy? Who knows? Who cares? |
#15
|
|||
|
|||
CPM3V will excede the best features of all those steels but is demanding of precision heat treating.
Leon Pugh |
Tags |
blade, choose, forging, knife, stainless, stainless steel, steel, survival |
Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests) | |
|
|