Vasco Wear

[Carl Tappan]

I am going crazy trying to find a supplier for Vasco Wear or a similar alloy. Does anyone know where one can get it, either mail order or in MA? Please let me know.

[Jerry Hossom]

Vascowear is no longer made. Cru-wear is Crucible Steel's equivalent. You can get it by contacting them at 800-365-1168. Talk to Bruce DiVita. They may not stock it at that location, but Bruce can tell you how to get it.

Good luck. Everyone I know who's tried it has said, "never again"...

[C L Wilkins]

Texas Knifemaker's Supply has LOTS of Cruwear. It DEFINITELY isn't stainless but is a good steel.

Don't get it hot while grinding, it will work harden like nobody's business. If you get it too hot and it does harden then you might as well throw that piece away. Trying to continue grinding will just knock the grit off of your belts.

Do as much as you can before heat treat, you won't be doing much afterwards. It is tough to work with but holds an edge a very, very long time. It is tough to sharpen on a stone.


Craig

[Jerry Hossom]

Yeah, when the book says "tougher than M2" it means it's TOUGH!

[Carl Tappan]

Cool, thanks. I did not know Vasco Wear had gone out of production, though it does explain why I have been having so much trouble finding it. Will get in touch with crucible.

[Danbo]

Not even close to stainless, so your blades will patina and rust if not taken care of. Like already mentioned, Vascowear/Cruwear is some tough steel to work with! Will air harden if you get it too hot while grinding. A heat treated Vascowear/Cruwear blade will make a brand new ceramic belt gloss up almost immediately, so do as much stock removal before hardening.

I still love the stuff, but now I have other knifemakers construct Vascowear/Cruwear knives for me.

[Daniel J]

Does anyone make files out of this stuff?

[whv]

welcome to ckdf, carl. good luck with your project. gotta love these masochistic folks around here

[C L Wilkins]

Originally posted by Daniel J
Does anyone make files out of this stuff?

I don't every recall seeing where any file was made from Cruwear or Vascowear. Commercially, where you will see Cruwear or Vascowear used is on those "paper cutter" blades. Ever see a dull one? Me neither...