If you have ever wondered whether or not high speed steel is good for a knife, you are not alone. It is a common question and there are many different reasons to consider. There are some that are more important than others, and you should be sure you understand all of them before making a decision.
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If you are looking for a high speed steel for knives, you have plenty of choices. These types of metals have been developed to be tougher than their standard carbon cousins. They are also able to hold an edge for a long time. You can find high-speed steels in custom knives and in the latest Spyderco Military.
The best type of high-speed steel is usually one that is tough, corrosion resistant, and has excellent edge retention. It is important to understand the properties of these steels in order to make the most effective choice. Some of the most commonly used high-speed steels include the CPM-S35VN, CPM-S90V, and CPM-REX.
The CPM-S35VN is one of the pricier high speed steels. Although the price is high, it is still one of the best knife steels available. Compared to the other high-speed steels, it has slightly better edge retention and is more corrosion-resistant.
80CrV2
If you are in the market for a knife that is hard and tough, then you might want to consider 80CrV2. This alloy is very popular among knife manufacturers, and is known for its durability. It also has a high level of hardness and edge retention.
80CrV2 is a high carbon, low alloy steel with a high chromium content. It has a Rockwell hardness of 57-58HRC. These properties make it a good choice for a knife, particularly if it is being used for outdoor activities. Unlike other alloys, it does not rust easily. However, proper care is required to keep it in good shape.
In addition to a high chromium content, 80CrV2 contains a lot of vanadium. Vanadium adds to the strength of the steel and helps prevent it from brittleness.
BG-42
BG-42 stainless steel is a hard and tough alloy of Vanadium, Manganese, and Molybdenum. It provides a balanced performance and long edge life. This steel has good abrasion resistance and is easy to maintain.
The composition of BG-42 is ideal for a variety of applications. For instance, it is used in aircraft and cutlery. Also, it is often used for high speed bearings in the aerospace industry.
However, it is still a bit difficult to find BG-42 in the market. In addition, it is also expensive. That makes it very hard to afford. Although, it is very popular with custom knife makers.
BG-42 is not brittle, but it requires proper sharpening and is not suitable for cutting thick materials. Nevertheless, it is a very useful material for knives.
D2 HCHC
D2 HCHC is a high carbon, high chromium steel that is highly resistant to nicks, wear, and chemical deterioration. It is a great tool steel for cutting soft woods.
It was developed in England in the early 20th century, and it has been a popular tool steel since then. Today, it is used for threading rolls, lamination dies, punches, planer blades, and thread rolling dies.
Its high carbon content gives it better toughness and abrasion resistance than some lower alloyed steels. It has a polished surface that helps it resist corrosion. The hardness of the material can vary depending on the rate at which it is heated and cooled.
This steel is typically heat treated to HRC 60-62. However, it can also be nitrided.
M2 HSS
M2 high speed steel is a type of tool steel with great wear resistance, a good level of toughness, and good edge retention. It is used in a variety of industrial tasks, such as cold work, forming, and metal sawing. The machinability rate of this steel is 60%.
This metal has a 62HRC hardness. However, it requires a good amount of heat to be hardened. A temperature of 460-500 degC must be reached in order to achieve this. Once hardened, the material must be quenched in oil or brine.
It has an excellent balance of molybdenum and tungsten. These elements contribute to the hardness of the knife blade. The phosphorus and sulfur content also helps to provide the internal strength of the metal.