Pontif
Member
OK, this question has been kicked around so much that many will probably not even mess with it. However, having so little experience with carbon steel (I make all my blades with ATS, S30V, BG42, etc via stock removal), and virtually no experience with forging, will the masters of the "flame" chime in on why the carbon blade (forged or not) appears so superior to the stainless blade in performance. At the same time, would those utilizing stainless for their blades give me their reasons.
I understand the chemistry, carbon migration, etc. What I am looking for are examples of the difference in practical application between the basic forms of steel.
I am a huge fan of Fowler. He uses 52100 and has extremely good results with the steel and the manner in which he heat treats it. Also, the forging process appears to make a significant difference in the performance of a blade. He wrote a specific two part article in Blade Magazine that compared two knives that were exactly the same in form and steel, but one was made via stock removal and the other was made via forging. I never found the second or follow up magazine. He did indicate the two knives performed quite differently.
What are your preferences (re. steel) in a survival blade? Why? And, if possible, give an example of how the particular steel, heat treatment process, forging or stock removal, etc., played a part in the steel's performance (or lack of, if applicable).
Thanks for addressing this one - AGAIN - for a newbie to your group.
Pontif
I understand the chemistry, carbon migration, etc. What I am looking for are examples of the difference in practical application between the basic forms of steel.
I am a huge fan of Fowler. He uses 52100 and has extremely good results with the steel and the manner in which he heat treats it. Also, the forging process appears to make a significant difference in the performance of a blade. He wrote a specific two part article in Blade Magazine that compared two knives that were exactly the same in form and steel, but one was made via stock removal and the other was made via forging. I never found the second or follow up magazine. He did indicate the two knives performed quite differently.
What are your preferences (re. steel) in a survival blade? Why? And, if possible, give an example of how the particular steel, heat treatment process, forging or stock removal, etc., played a part in the steel's performance (or lack of, if applicable).
Thanks for addressing this one - AGAIN - for a newbie to your group.
Pontif