When it comes to making knives, there are a number of different types of steels that you can choose from. A few of these include A2 tool steel, S30V, and 154 CM. However, there are a few things to keep in mind before you buy a new steel for your knife making.
A2 tool steel
The steel A2 has a high carbon content which contributes to its edge retention. Its hardness makes it ideal for outdoor survival knives. In addition, the chromium carbides provide a measure of corrosion resistance.
If you are looking for the best tool steel for your knife, you might be surprised by the versatility of A2. There are many uses for this type of steel, including tools, molds, and more.
One of the biggest reasons that A2 is popular among knife makers is its durability. It is one of the toughest types of steel available. However, you need to be careful in the way that you heat treat and temper it. If you are not careful, you might end up with a knife that is brittle and prone to breaking.
It is also important to know how to heat-treat and anneal A2. Annealing improves the flexibility and ductility of the steel. You can anneal it for up to two hours at a temperature between 400 and 500 degrees F.
420 modified stainless steel
If you are looking to buy a knife for your kitchen, you may want to consider buying a 420 modified stainless steel. This type of steel is a good choice because it is tough and cheap. It is also easy to sharpen. However, it is not a good choice for cutting bones. You can cut your bones without breaking it, but it may deform the edge.
420 modified stainless steel is a high carbon version of 410 and 416 steel. This makes it an excellent choice for knife makers.
420 steel is a versatile metal that can be used for a variety of knives. It is a low-end steel, but it is still a popular choice among knife enthusiasts.
Aside from its affordability, 420 steel is very durable. Although it isn’t as tough as other stainless steels, it has great corrosion resistance. In fact, it is considered to be the best knife steel for beginners.
154 CM
If you are looking for a hot rolled steel that has a great edge and is durable, a 154 CM is a good choice. It is not a standard grade, but it is a decent option for knife makers and hobbyists.
The first 154 CM was made by Crucible. They also introduced a powder version, which they named CPM-154. This is a slightly better version of the old grade.
A powder metallurgy process refines the carbide structure and improves toughness and performance. Some argue that it is a better overall steel. In addition, the finer grain structure allows for a sharper, thinner blade.
Aside from its great edge, 154CM is durable enough for most uses. There are many quality pocket knives that use this steel. Compared to 440C, it has a higher hardness and more molybdenum.
Another advantage of 154 CM is its corrosion resistance. It has better corrosion resistance than 440C in salt water and HCl.
S30V
S30V steel is a very strong, martenistic steel with superior dimensional stability and erosion resistance. It is an alloy of chromium and vanadium and is used for knife making. The chemistry of the material promotes the formation of vanadium carbides. This helps maintain a precise balance between the blade’s hardness and toughness.
S30V was designed in a collaboration between knife manufacturers and heat treaters. It was meant to be easy to heat treat and to provide a high-quality, balanced stainless steel. Heat treating is a very important aspect of the blade’s performance.
It is important to remember that each type of steel has its own unique characteristics. Some are easier to work with than others, and some are more corrosion resistant. Before buying a new knife, you should make sure you know which steel is best for your particular needs.
Chris Reeve Knives created a version of S30V that has a harder edge and a better edge retention than other versions. However, it is also harder to sharpen, and a bit more difficult to craft.