If you’re a knife maker, you know that choosing the right steel can make a huge difference to your work. Steels come in a variety of different types, from carbon and stainless to tool and low alloy. These are all important factors to consider when making your next stock removal knife.
Carbon steels
When it comes to making knives, you may ask yourself if carbon steels are the best option. These steels have some important advantages and drawbacks.
Carbon steels are relatively simple in composition. They also come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Depending on your needs, you can find something to suit your particular purpose. If you’re not sure what you need, a local steel foundry might have some by the bar.
Carbon steels can be heat treated. This process is a type of metallurgy that bonds individual particles of the metal with heat and pressure. The combination of the two produces a hard, dense material that has a well-defined grain structure.
Carbon steels are usually easy to forge. This makes them ideal for knife making. Unlike stainless steels, they do not require specialized tools and equipment. Also, they are easier to manufacture.
Stainless steels are generally harder than carbon steels. They also have a higher wear resistance. However, they are more difficult to forge and anneal. Additionally, they are prone to cracking. So if you’re looking to invest in a new knife, you’ll want to choose a steel with a good balance of wear resistance and toughness.
Stainless steels
If you are new to knife making, then you may not be aware of the different types of steels. They are all different in terms of their properties, and it is important to choose the right one for your needs.
The main difference between stainless steels and other steels is heat treatment. Heat treatment involves heating, quenching, normalizing, and sanding. Stainless steels have a chromium content, and this reacts with oxygen in the air. This process produces a transparent layer of chromium oxide.
Stainless steels also have a lower carbon content, which prevents “sensitization” during welding. The chromium ingredient in stainless steels also contributes to corrosion resistance.
Forgeable stainless steels have been used in the knife making industry for many years. 440C is the most common. It is rust resistant, holds an edge well, and is easy to polish.
Stainless steels for stock removal knife making come in a wide range of grades. Some steels are harder to work with than others, and some require more effort to sharpen.
Low alloy steels
When it comes to stock removal knife making, you need to make sure that you use a blade steel that is suitable for the task at hand. There are several types of alloys available on the market. Some of these are ductile and tend to flex when under load. These materials are also more likely to dent. If you want a durable and long lasting edge, you should use a high carbon steel.
Unlike high speed steels, low alloy steels are not as tough. However, they are more forgiving when it comes to heat treatment. This means that they do not break as easily as other types of steel. They also hold an edge for longer.
One of the best knives you can buy is a high speed steel. CPM REX 66 (HSS) is a cobalt-bearing super high speed steel. It’s an upgrade to the popular M4 grade, and offers better wear resistance and hardness.
Other high carbon steels include those with vanadium and copper. These can improve toughness, but can be difficult to work with. You’ll need specialized heat treatment to get the best results.
Tool steels
There are many different types of steel that can be used for stock removal knives. Different grades have different pros and cons. Choosing the best steel for your blade will depend on your personal preferences and the type of knife you plan to build.
Tool steels are alloys that contain chromium to improve corrosion resistance. They also improve wear resistance. Most alloys contain 1% carbon and five percent chrome. The higher the carbon content, the more difficult the metal is to work with.
Stainless steels are great for making knives. They are very easy to shape and have excellent edge holding. However, they are not as durable as high carbon steels. If you want to make a very durable knife, you might consider a high carbon steel.
A tool steel with a good balance between toughness and wear resistance can be a good choice for a stock removal knife. 1095 is one of the better steels for this purpose.