Author Topic: Steel grades (Read 679 times)

Haywire Haywood · « **on:** November 07, 2005, 01:11:58 PM »

Being totally ignorant on the different designations for steel alloys as I assume the majority of people that casually buy knives are, I have a question.

Is there a general guideline online somewhere that lists the qualities of the more common alloys?

When knife makers proudly list, "made of abc123 with a Rockwell of 3.7 trillion", they might be listing the makeup of pot metal for all I know. And if the marketing is good enough, and with pretty pictures, I just might buy said pot metal knife.

Ian

Joel · « **Reply #1 on:** November 07, 2005, 06:29:46 PM »

Probably the most comprehensive and easily understandable site for a beginner to learn a bit about knife steel is at http://www.agrussell.com. Look under the encyclopedia and the knife steels section. I don't always agree with what he has to say about certain steels, but still it's not a bad site. Another site that lists most of the common steel compositions, plus prices and some techical data is at http://www.admiralsteel.com. I, along with many knifemakers, buy most of my steels there. Doesn't hurt to know what steel costs when evaluating the price of a knife; custom or factory. Look under the stainless and speciality knife steels section: also their online catolog lists the makeup of the most popular stainless being used by makers/factories today. Their metals glossary in the library reference section lists most of the common terms used in metallurgy along with a brief definition. The knife network at http://www.knifenetwork.com is where I usually go when I"m looking for information. The forums section is pretty comprehensive. Look under the workshop section; especially under the forging workshops for articles on steel heattreat and composition. You don't have to register to look, but if you have a question then register you must.

Haywire Haywood · « **Reply #2 on:** November 09, 2005, 12:22:29 PM »

Thanks for the links, I'm sure they will be informative.

Ian

James B · « **Reply #3 on:** December 16, 2005, 10:57:21 AM »

Good info above for sure. I can only add that even the best steels if not properly heated treated and ground can be disapointing. If I buy a knife from Spyderco, Gerber or Kershaw I am pretty darn sure that I will get my money worth of knife. Buck is sort of hit and miss. Benchmade may be the best stock knife out there but they get a premium price as well. If you get a knife from a reputable company with s30v steel you will have a great knife. IMO.

moontroll · « **Reply #4 on:** December 17, 2005, 10:41:25 AM »

What kind of knife you looking for and what kind of sharpening equipment do you have.I,m looking into the same thing you are,and if you get to high quality(on the blade) you may have trouble sharpening it.In my mind I,m looking for something in the 57 to at most 59 rockwell hardness scale or it starts to get difficult to sharpen with common rocks.I,m going with 440c or 154cm metal.As they posted above the makers heat treating is the most important part of the process.Theres a wourld of knowledge to be learned about knives/metals,educate yourself before making a decision. http://knifeforums.com/forums/fusionbb.php? http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/