Edge retention

[tyler34]

what is the news on Spyderco H-1 steel?

it's rust proof.

 

[sadclownwp]

it's rust proof.

but how is the edge retention?

 

[tyler34]

nothing to write home about but not horrible. it has basically no carbon.

 

[Dwight D]

tyler34- It is always very informative to read your posts regarding knives and the more technical aspects. As on old time gun guy but only a recent knife collector I find them to be very helpful. I was wondering if you had ever considered making a post on here, something like a layman's guide to the different kinds of blade steel with your personal comments and opinions. I am sure it would take some time, but no doubt it would be very enlightening to those of us who are not as knowledgeable as you. Thanks for the consideration.

 

[rhino]

nothing to write home about but not horrible. it has basically no carbon.

Will it take a decently sharp edge?

 

[tyler34]

Will it take a decently sharp edge?

yeah

 

[billyboyr6]

Tyler34 what do you think about D-2 as blade steel? I'm getting ready to forge a bunch of it and make some choppers out of it.

 

[tyler34]

I'm not so sure I would use it for forging but it's a good knife making tool steel. I know a lot of people say it can be brittle and is why you don't see in a lot of choppers but I like it for smaller knives because it will take a pretty thin edge a keep it for awhile.

 

[rhino]

I'm not so sure I would use it for forging but it's a good knife making tool steel. I know a lot of people say it can be brittle and is why you don't see in a lot of choppers but I like it for smaller knives because it will take a pretty thin edge a keep it for awhile.

Yeah, my Kershaw Outcast is D2. I've yet to chop with it.

 

[tyler34]

Yeah, my Kershaw Outcast is D2. I've yet to chop with it.

Those are retarded light for their size. I had far smaller knives feel heavier.

 

[billyboyr6]

I'm not so sure I would use it for forging but it's a good knife making tool steel. I know a lot of people say it can be brittle and is why you don't see in a lot of choppers but I like it for smaller knives because it will take a pretty thin edge a keep it for awhile.

Ahh, I see. Ok I'll keep that in mind. Thanks.

 

[Bradsknives]

what is the news on Spyderco H-1 steel?

it's rust proof.

but how is the edge retention?

nothing to write home about but not horrible. it has basically no carbon.

Basically Tyler is correct about "no carbon"...but there are a couple of other elements added at a higher percentage than most steels. H1 has a higher percentage of Chromium (Cr) and Molybdenum (Mo) which provides better/greater resistance to corrosion than most other steels. Because H1 steel has very little carbon in it, the carbon is replaced with Nitrogen (N). The Nitrogen atom will function in a similar manner to the carbon atom but offers unusual advantages in corrosion resistance.

 

[rhino]

Those are retarded light for their size. I had far smaller knives feel heavier.

I've worn it as a neck knife (concealed). People are . . . surprised . . . when I whip it out.

 

[DaKruiser]

Tyler34 what do you think about D-2 as blade steel? I'm getting ready to forge a bunch of it and make some choppers out of it.

I'm not so sure I would use it for forging but it's a good knife making tool steel. I know a lot of people say it can be brittle and is why you don't see in a lot of choppers but I like it for smaller knives because it will take a pretty thin edge a keep it for awhile.

+1 I'm with Tyler on this one, D2 is brittle, unless you have a lot of heat treat experience or have someone that does. My hawk is 3/8" D2 but I drew it back to a 45rc so I can beat the crap out of it. Being a hawk a razor edge isn't as important.

As far as forging D2 I've been told it will very quickly "work" harden. I would try o1 for forging and save your D2 for stock removal.

 

[tyler34]

if you want to forge something try 52100 it's great for forging a really tough with good edge holding

 

[billyboyr6]

if you want to forge something try 52100 it's great for forging a really tough with good edge holding

52100 is not a material that I have on hand at work. What other more common materials are good for forging choppers out of, that will retain a descent edge? Mostly What I have is high alloy's and more exotic metals. I recently acquired a small scrap piece of hastaloy x, that seems hard as a rock that I thought about tring to forge out a little to see how it turns out.

 

[rhino]

52100 is not a material that I have on hand at work. What other more common materials are good for forging choppers out of, that will retain a descent edge? Mostly What I have is high alloy's and more exotic metals. I recently acquired a small scrap piece of hastaloy x, that seems hard as a rock that I thought about tring to forge out a little to see how it turns out.

1095 will work for . . . anything!

 

[tyler34]

1084,1095,1075,O1,S5, and 4130 would work.

 

[billyboyr6]

We have tons of 4130, 4340,9310, m2,d2,d3 and those are just a few off of the top of my mind. I wish we had some 1095, but we just don't. Ohwell. Thanks for the info.