Blade Steels, Steel Analysis and Heat Treating Methods.- 1st page

Admiral STEEL

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AISI D-2 (AIRDI® 150) TOOL STEEL

Typical Analysis

	Carbon	Chromium	Vanadium	Manganese	Molybdenum	Silicon
D-2	1.55%	11.50%	0.90%	0.35%	0.80%	0.45%
154-CM	1.03%	13.75%	0%	0.25%	3.50%	0.41%

D-2 for Planer Blades

Carbon +	Chromium +	Vanadium +	+ Nickel	+ Tungsten	All others
1.67%	12.27%	1.13%	0.27%	0.25%	same

AIRDI® 150 is the outstanding high Carbon, high Chromium tool steel for general use.
The most important characteristic of this air hardening die steel is its resistance to abrasion.
The change of size during hardening is negligible. AIRDI® 150 may also be hardened in oil from slightly lower hardening temperature than when air cooled, but the movement in hardening is slightly greater when oil quenched.
"D" series steels are classed as Cold Work Tool Steels, high Carbon high Chromium type.
Not all are the same. Some have more Carbon or Molybdenum, some have Cobalt or Nickel and Tungsten, some left out Silicon.

Applications
Blanking, drawing, forming, coining, lamination, thread rolling and trimming dies, burnishing tools, gauges, lathe centers, punches.
Forging
Heat slowly and uniformly to 2000 - 2100 degrees F. Do not forge below 1700 degrees F. Reheat if necessary. Cool slowly from the forging temperature in furnace, ashes or lime. Critical temperature 1490 degrees F. Annealing
AIRDI® 159 should always be annealed after forging and before re hardening.
Heat uniformly to 1100 - 1850 degrees F, hold at temperature for 2 hrs and cool slowly in the furnace at a maximum rate of 50 degrees F per hour below 1200 degrees F, than air cool.
For cycle annealing, heat to 1100 -1850 degrees F, hold at temperature for 2 hrs, cool to 1450 degrees F and hold at this temperature for 4 - 6 hrs. It is very important that actual temperatures of the steel be maintained instead of just furnace temperatures; otherwise unsatisfactory results may be obtained. The steel may than be cooled in air if required.
Cycle ( isothermal) annealing is most practical for applications in which full advantage may be taken of the rapid cooling to the transformation temperature, and from this temperature down to room temperature. Thus, for small parts which can be handled in salt or lead baths, or light loads in batch type furnaces, cycle annealing makes possible large time savings as compared with conventional slow furnace cooling. The method offers no particular advantage for applications such as bath annealing of large furnace loads in which the rate of cooling to the center of load may be so slow as to preclude any rapid cooling to the transformation temperatures. For such applications, the conventional full annealing method usually offers a better assurance of obtaining the desired microstructure and properties.
Hardening
Equalize at preheating temperature of 1450 - 1500 degrees F, than raise temperature to 1825 - 1875 degrees F, soak, and cool in air.
This hardening temperature is critical, overheated blade will not get as hard as it should.
It requires a 20 minutes of soaking time at the hardening temperature prior to air cooling.
In order to prevent any possibility of recarburization, it is desirable to use a controlled atmosphere furnace. When this is not available, pack hardening is recommended. Wrap parts in paper and pack in a container with an inert material such as clean dry cast iron chips or 6 - 8 mesh size spent pitch coke. Tools also may be wrapped in stainless steel foil to prevent contamination.
The interrupted oil quench may be used on large sections, or certain parts which require a very fine surface after hardening and on which the slight scaling caused during the air cooling from the hardening temperature may be objectionable. If this interrupted quench method is used, quench from 1800 degrees F in oil, but remove from the oil when parts have reached approximately 1000 - 1100 degrees F (dull Red) and allow to cool from this temperature in air until below 150 degrees F or to a temperature at which the tool may be comfortably held in bare hands. Which this method slightly greater distortion in hardening may be expected.
Tempering
AIRDI® 150 should be tempered as soon as the parts are cool enough to handle in bare hands.
The usual temperature employed is 400 - 98% degrees F, but this may be varied to suit the needs. Tempering time should be 3 - 5 hours. Sections over 3" should be tempered a minimum of 1 hr per inch. Double tempering is recommended.

Hardness table
Tempering

Degrees F	As hardened	400	500	98%	700	800	900	1000
Hardness(Rc)	62-64	60-62	59-61	58-60	57-59	57-59	57-59	54-56

Available hot rolled or precision ground.
The disadvantage of working with D-2 is that it does not polish to mirror finish well. It develops a distinct orange-peel texture when overworked on soft buffing wheels.

Listed in the catalog of:

Admiral STEEL

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AISI O-1, O-2

Color Marking
O-1: Ends Aluminum, and Aluminum stripe full length.
O-2: Ends Yellow and Pink, with Yellow and Pink stripe full length.

O-1 and O-2 are the most widely used general purpose oil hardening tool and die steels. They are used where it is desirable to maintain minimum distortion and dimensional change, and at the same time have a good combination of hardness and toughness. Machining characteristics of these grades are very good.
O-1 steel very popular with forgers as is easy to work with, and relatively cheap to buy. It takes and holds an edge superbly, and is very tough, but rusts easily.
Used by Randall Knives.

Typical Analysis

	Carbon	Manganese	Chromium	Tungsten	Vanadium
O-1	0.90	1.20	0.50	0.50	0.20
O-2	0.90	1.60	0	0	0

Applications
Broaches, drill bushings, hobs, knurling tools, reamers, taps, cold forming and bending dies, master tools, forming rolls, master dies and gauges, drawing dies, punches, trimming dies, coining dies, plastic molds, rubber molds etc.
Forging - Heat to between 1850 and 1950 degrees F. Do not forge below 1500 degrees F. Cool slowly by burying in lime, ashes or some other retardant material.
Annealing - It is advisable to pack anneal to prevent decarburization. Heat slowly to 1400 - 1450 degrees F for O-1 and 1375 - 1425 degrees F for O-2. Hold at temperature for at least 1.5 hours per inch of greatest thickness. Furnace cool at rate of 20 degrees F per hour to 900 degrees F, than air cool.
Average Brinell Hardness - 202.
Hardening - It is advisable to protect steel with some inert material packed in containers or to heat in a well-regulated atmosphere-controlled furnace to prevent decarburization. On large parts, preheating at approximately 1200 degrees F and through soaking is recommended before raising to quenching temperature at least 1/2 hr per inch of greatest thickness. Quench in oil to 150 - 200 degrees F and temper immediately.
Average Rockwell "C" hardness, 65.
Tempering - The tempering temperature generally employed may vary from 300 - 450 degrees F, depending on size and properties required. For all general purposes, tempering at 350 degrees F is satisfactory. In no case should the temperature of 450 degrees F be exceeded because brittleness may be encountered in the range of 450 -600 degrees F. Small tools should be held at the tempering temperature for at least 1 hr per inch of greatest thickness, and large tools for 2 hrs per inch. If exceptionally low temperatures, such as 212 - 300 degrees F are used, these holding times should be doubled.
Average Rockwell "C" hardness at 350 F = 63, at 450 F = 61.
Available hot rolled or precision ground.

PG 1/64"	1/2" 3/4" 1" 1-1/4" 1-1/2" 2" 2-1/2" 3" 4"
PG 1/32"	1/2" 3/4" 1" 1-1/4" 1-1/2" 2" 2-1/2" 3" 4" 5" 6"
PG 3/64"	1/4" 5/16" 3/8" 1/2" 3/4" 1" 1-1/4" 1-1/2" 2" 2-1/2" 3" 4" 5" 6"
PG 1/16"	1/4" 5/16" 3/8" 1/2" 3/4" 1" 1-1/4" 1-1/2" 1-3/4" 2" 2-1/2" 3" 4" 5" 6" 8" 10"
PG 5/64"	1/2" 3/4" 1" 1-1/4" 1-1/2" 2" 2-1/2" 3" 3-1/2" 4"
PG 3/32"	1/4" 5/16" 3/8" 1/2" 3/4" 1" 1-1/4" 1-1/2" 2" 2-1/2" 3" 4" 5" 6" 8" 10" 1" 1-1/2" 3/4" 1" 1-1/2"
PG 7/64"	1/2" 3/4" 1" 1-1/4" 1-1/2" 2" 2-1/2" 3" 4" 5" 6" 1"
PG 1/8"	1/8" 1/4" 5/16" 3/8" 1/2" 3/4" 1" 1-1/4" 1-1/2" 1-3/4" 2" 2-1/2" 3" 3-1/2" 4" 5" 6" 7" 8" 10" 12" 14" 1" 1-1/2" 1" 1-1/2" 2"
PG 9/64"	9/64" 1/2" 3/4" 1" 1-1/4" 1-1/2" 2" 2-1/2" 3" 4"
PG 5/32"	5/32" 1/4" 5/16" 3/8" 1/2" 3/4" 1" 1-1/4" 1-1/2" 1-3/4" 2" 2-1/2" 3" 4" 5" 6" 7" 8" 1-1/2"
PG 3/16"	3/16" 1/4" 5/16" 3/8" 1/2" 3/4" 1" 1-1/4" 1-1/2" 1-3/4" 2" 2-1/2" 3" 4" 5" 6" 7" 8" 10" 12" 1" 1-1/2" 1" 1-1/2" 2"
PG 7/32"	5/16" 3/8" 1/2" 3/4" 1" 1-1/4" 1-1/2" 2" 2-1/2" 3" 4" 5" 6" 7" 8"
PG 1/4"	1/4" 5/16" 3/8" 1/2" 3/4" 1" 1-1/4" 1-1/2" 1-3/4" 2" 2-1/2" 3" 4" 5" 6" 7" 8" 10" 12" 14" 1" 1-1/2" 2" 1-1/2" 2" 3"
PG 9/32"	9/32" 1/2" 3/4" 1" 1-1/4" 1-1/2" 1-3/4" 2" 2-1/2" 3" 4" 5" 6"
PG 5/16"	5/16" 3/87quot; 1/2" 5/8" 3/4" 1"
Length	18" amp; 36"
HOT ROLLED	1/8" x 1" - 1/8" x 1-1/2" - 5/32" x 1-1/2"

Listed in the catalog of:

Admiral STEEL

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AISI O-6 (GRAPH-MO TOOL STEEL)

Color Marking
Ends painted Aluminum, with Black stripe.

This is an oil hardening, non deforming tool and die steel with remarkable machining properties. Because the graphite retains the lubricant, it possesses excellent non-sizing properties. It also has good resistance to wear and abrasion.

Typical Analysis

Carbon
1.45

Manganese
1.00

Silicon
1.25

Molybdenum
0.25

Applications
Blanking dies and punches, master gauges, hobs for non retaining dies, spinning tools, drill bushings, thread gauges, air hammer pistons, shear blades, rubber slitting rolls, brick mold liners, taps and reamers for non-ferrous metals where the sizing has been encountered.
Forging
Preheat slowly to 1500 degrees F. Soak well and heat slowly to 1959 degrees F maximum. Soak till steel is uniformly heated, than proceed with forging. Do not forge below 1500 degrees F. Cool in air.
Normalizing
Heat slowly to 1100 degrees F and hold at this temperature until all parts of the furnace charge are soaked through. Remove from furnace and cool in air.
Annealing
Heat to 1450 degrees F and soak out. Cool at the rate of 20 degrees F per hour to 1100degrees F and remove from the furnace. To rework hardened Graph-Mo, anneal to 1300 degrees F.
Graph-Mo contains about 0.40% graphite after annealing.
Average Brinell hardness - 207.
Hardening
For average conditions the following temperatures should be used on cross sections:
Up to 1/2" - heat to 1450 degrees F.
1/2" - 2" - heat to 1475 degrees F.
2" and up - heat to 1500 degrees F.
Do not exceed 1500 degrees F for maximum results.
Sections should be thoroughly equalized prior to quenching into a well agitated 100 - 140 degrees F oil bath. Allow the parts to completely reach the quenching medium temperature before removing to temper.
Tempering
The service requirements of the tool or die determine to a large degree the tempering temperature to be used. For most applications, temper between 300 - 500 degrees F and hold for 1 hr per inch of greatest thickness.
Available hot rolled or precision ground.

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ATS-34 and ATS-55 STAINLESS STEEL

Not widely known Japanese alloy, ATS-55 is similar to ATS-34, but with the Molybdenum content reduced and new elements added.
It looks like the intent was to get ATS-34 edge-holding with increased toughness. Since Molybdenum is an expensive element useful for high-speed steels, and knife blades do not need to be high speed, using much less Moly hopefully decreases the price of the steel and at the same time retaining ATS-34's performance.
It is used by Spyderco.
ATS-34, a Hitachi product, is concidered to be the ultimate, all around knife steel. It is the Japanese version of 154 CM and, comparing the alloy content, these two steels are interchangeable.
154 CM was developed by Crucible Metals as a high temperature alloy for use in fan-jet engines. 700 degrees F would not soften it and has enough Chromium to make it stainless in normal use.

Normally hardened to around 60 Rc, it holds an edge very well and is tough enough even at that high hardness. Not quite as rust resistant as the 400 series stainles.
Used by many custom makers, Spyderco (in their high-end knives) and Benchmade

Color coding
Color code on the end of the ATS-34 bars is Red.

Typical Analysis

	Carbon	Silicon	Manganese	Phosphorus	Sulfur	Chr	Moly	Copper	Cobalt
ATS-34	1.03%	0.25%	0.41%	0.026%	0.001%	13.74%	3.56%	-	-
ATS-55	1.00%	0.35%	0.50%	0.03%	0.002%	14.00%	0.60%	0.20	0.40
440-C	1.04%	0.74%	0.36%	0.003%	0.003%	16.92%	0.46%	-	-
154-CM	1.05%	0.30%	0.50%	0.030%	0.030%	14.00%	4.00%	-	-

Heat treating:(as done by Paul Bos)
AST-34 is a secondary hardening steel. That means it gets harder with the freezing and tempering, usually gaining 2 -3 Rc points.
Heat to 1975 degrees F and soak for 40 minutes. Quench in Argon or rapid quench in air, straighten as necessary before freezing to 120 degrees F, than freeze to below 220 degrees F for 6 - 8 hours to transform retained austerities.
Double temper at 950 degrees F, 2 hours for each temper. This gives a final Rc of 59 - 60.
Compared to: 440-C when tempered from 950 degrees F gets only 54 Rc.

Available hot rolled or precision ground and in the sizes used by most knife makers.

Listed in the catalog of:

Admiral STEEL

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AUS-4, AUS-6, AUS-8, AUS-10

Also designated 4A, 6A, 8A, 10A - are Japanese stainless steels, roughly comparable to 440A (AUS-6, .65% carbon) and 440B (AUS-8, .75% carbon) and 440C (AUS-10, 1.1% carbon).
AUS-6 is used by Al Mar. Cold Steel's use of AUS-8 has made it pretty popular, as heat treated by CS it won't hold an edge like ATS-34, but is a bit softer and may be a bit tougher.
AUS-10 has roughly the same carbon content as 440C but with slightly less chromium, so it should be a bit less rust resistant but perhaps a bit tougher than 440C. All 3 steels have some vanadium added (which the 440 series lacks), which will improve wear resistance. No Tungsten.

Typical Analysis:

'

	Carbon	Chromium	Manganese	Molybdenum	Nickel	Silicon	Phosphorus	Sulfer	Vanadium
AUS-4	0.4-0.45%	13.00-14.50%	1.00%	-	0.49%	0.04%	1.00%	0.03%	-
AUS-6	0.55-0.65%	13.00-14.50%	1.00%	-	0.49%	0.04%	1.00%	0.03%	0.10-0.25%
AUS-8	0.70-0.75%	13.00-14.50%	0.50%	0.10-0.30%	0.49%	0.04%	1.00%	0.03%	0.10-0.26%
AUS-10	0.95-1.10%	13.00-14.50%	0.50%	0.10-0.31%	0.49%	0.04%	1.00%	0.03%	0.10-0.27%

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Sandvic 12C27 and 12C27 Modified

Scandanavian steel used often in Finish puukkos and Norwegian knives.

Typical Analysis:

	Carbon	Chromium	Manganese	Phosphorus	Silicon	Sulfer
Sandvic 12C27	0.025	0.4	0.01	0.025	0.4	0.01
Sandvic 12C27 MOD	0.025	0.4	0.01	0.025	0.4	0.01

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CPM 3V, CPM 10V, CPM 420V and CPM(T)440V

CPM is a registered trademark of Crucible Materials Corp.
Information is posted with Crucible Materials Corp. permission

CPM S30V is the NEW addition from Crucible Materials Corp.
CPM S60V is a new designation for CPM 440V
CPM S90V is a new designation for CPM 420V.

CPM - Crucible Particle Metallurgy - steels are made by Crucible Specialty Metals, and are super edge holding steels.
The process used to manufacture particle metallurgy permits unusually high Carbon and Vanadium content.

About Particle Metallurgy
The traditional process uses the pressing of blended metal powders into a mold. The compacted part is then heated to just below the melting point. This is called sintering.
Sintering is similar to forge welding, since the individual particles are bonded without melting down. Parts can be produced that contain elements impossible to include in casting procedures.
Like making porous filters for gas and oil lines, sintered bronze self lubricated bearings, tungsten carbide cutting tool tips and replaceable ceramic inserts.
Crucible Specialty Metals company advanced the process of particle metallurgy in 1970 by introducing
Crucible Particle Metallurgy.
This process differs from traditional PM in that it is used to produce a large compact (billet), which is than rolled or forged in conventional mills into bars, rods, wire, sheet or plates required by the industry.
The wear resistance and strength of CPM steels are always greater than of the steels made by conventional methods. The fine grain size and even distribution of the alloy elements are the key.
Spyderco offers at least one model in CPM T440V

Comparison of CPM versus 440-C and 154CM Stainless:

	Carbon	Manganese	Silicon	Chromium	Molybdenum	Vanadium
440 C	1.20	1.00	1.00	18.00	0.75	0.00
154 CM	1.02	0.60	0.25	14.00	4.00	0.00
CPM 3V	0.80	0.50	0.90	5.23	1.30	9.75
CPM 10V	2.46	-	-	7.50	1.30	2.75
CPM S60V (440V)	2.30	-	-	14.00	1.00	9.00
CPM S90V (420V)	2.15	0.40	0.40	17.00	0.40	5.50
CPM S30V	1.45	0.40	0.40	14.00	2.00	4.00

Heat treating
Preheat at 1500 - 1550 degrees F and hold for about 1/2 hour. Transfer to furnace heated to 1950-2150 degrees F, depending on the temperature selected.
- 1,950 degrees F is recommended for maximum toughness,
- 2,150 degrees F is recommended for maximum wear resistance.
To ensure adequate solutioning of the alloy carbides and proper response to tempering, a minimum soak time of 30 minutes at temperature is recommended for hardening from 1950 degrees F, and a minimum soak time of 10 minutes at temperature for hardening from 2150 degrees F.
These times should be adjusted accordingly for large or very thin section sizes.
Air quench. Temper immediately.

Edge holding ability is said to be 2 - 3x better than 440C at 57 - 58RC.
CPM steels are easier to grind and polish than conventional stainless.

440-V available SIZES

Hot Rolled	1/8" thick x 1-1/2" wide x 1' + and 36" long - Orange End 3/16" thick x 1-1/2" wide x 1' + and 36" long - Orange End 1/8" thick x 1-1/2" wide x 18" and 36" long - White End 5/32" thick x 1-1/2" wide x 18" and 36" long - White End 3/16" thick x 1-1/2" wide x 18" and 36" long - White End 3/16" thick x 2" wide x 18" and 36" long - White End
Precision ground	3/32" thick x 1-1/2" wide x 18" and 36" long - White End 1/8" thick x 1-1/2" wide x 18" and 36" long - White End
Sheet	3/32" thick x 6" wide x 12" long - Orange End 3/32" thick x 6" wide x 24" long - Orange End 3/32" thick x 6" wide x 36" long - Orange End

CPM S30V - is a martensitic stainless steel designed to offer the best combination of toughness, wear resistance and corrosion resistance.
It's chemistry has been specially balanced to promote the formation of vanadium carbides which are harder and more effective than chromium carbides in providing wear resistance.
S30V offers substantial improvement in toughness over other high hardness steels such as 440C and D2,
and its corrosion resistance is equal to or better than 440C in various environments.
The CPM process produces very homogeneous, high quality steel characterized by superior dimensional stability, grindability, and toughness compared to steels produced by conventional processes.

Current Data Sheets are available in HTML and PDF formats at company's web site:
http://www.crucibleservice.com/datasheets/dynamicPull.cfm?gradeName=CPM%20S30V

Heat treatment of CPM S30V
Forging: 2100°F (1150°C) Do not forge below 1750°F (950°C).
Annealing: Heat to 1650°F (900°C), hold 2 hours, slow cool no faster than 25°F (15°C) per hour to 1100°F (595°C), then furnace cool or cool in still air to room temperature.
Annealed Hardness: About BHN 255
Stress Relieving
Annealed Parts: Heat to 1100-1300°F (595-705°C), hold 2 hours, then furnace cool or cool in still air. Hardened Parts: Heat to 25-50°F (15-30°C) below original tempering temperature, hold 2 hours, then furnace cool or cool in still air.
Straightening: Best done warm 400-800°F (200-430°C)
Hardening Preheat: Heat to 1550-1600°F (845-870°C) Equalize.
Austenitize: 1900-2000°F (1035-1095°C), hold time at temperature 15-30 minutes.
Quench: Air or positive pressure quench (2 bar minimum) to below 125°F (50°C), or salt or interrupted oil quench to about 1000°F (540°C), then air cool to below 125°F (50°C).
Temper: Double temper at 400-750°F (200-400°C). Hold for 2 hours minimum each time.
A freezing treatment - may be used between the first and second tempers. Freezing treatments help to attain maximum hardenability and must always be followed by at least one temper.

NOTE: For optimum stress relieving, CPM S30V may be tempered at 1000-1025°F (540-550°C). Tempering in this range may result in a slight decrease in corrosion resistance. Size Change: +0.05 to +0.10% when fully martensitic. The presence of retained austenite may reduce the net growth.
When tempering at 400-750°F (200-400°C), freezing treatments may be necessary to minimize retained austenite.
Note: Properties shown throughout this data sheet are typical values. Normal variations in chemistry, size and heat treat conditions may cause deviations from these values. For additional data or metallurgical assistance, please consult your local Crucible Service Center.
Recommended Heat Treatment:
Austenitize 1950°F (1065°C). Quench to below 125°F (50°C). Double temper at 600°F (315°C) 2 hrs. minimum each temper. Cool to hand warm between tempers. A freezing treatment may be added between tempers.
Aim hardness: 58-61 HRC.

Listed in the catalog of:

Texas Knifemaker's Supply

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CRUCIBLE 154 CM STAINLESS STEEL

Crucible 154 CM is hardenable Chromium steel, to which Molybdenum has been added to improve the hot-hardness characteristics. (It is also called 440 C Modified). It was developed by Crucible Metals as a high temperature alloy for use in fan-jet engines.
ATS-34 is a Japanese version of 154 CM and, comparing the alloy content, these two steels are interchangeable.

Nominal Analysis

	Carbon	Manganese	Phosphorus	Sulfur	Silicon	Chromium	Molybdenum.
ATS-34	1.03%	0.25%	0.029%	0.002%	0.41%	13.75%	3.56%
440-C	1.20%	1.00%	0.040%	0.030%	1.00%	18.00%	0.75%
154-CM	1.05%	0.60%	0.030%	0.030%	0.25%	14.00%	4.00%

Forging
Crucible 154 CM should be forged at 1950 - 2050 degrees F, and not lower than 1750 degrees F.
Annealing It should be annealed for maximum softness by thorough soaking at 1850 degrees F for 6 hours, followed by a furnace cool. This grade can be cycle annealed by heating to 1100 degrees F, holding 2 hours, cooling to 1300 degrees F and holding for 4 hours. The steel may then be cooled in AIR if desired. A typical annealed hardness would be Brinell 235.
Brinell 235 = Rockwell "C" 22
Hardening and Tempering
Crucible 154 CM can be hardened by oil quenching from 1900 - 2000 degrees F. Refrigeration at minus 100 degrees F should be used when higher harnesses are desired.
Tempering should be at the proper austenizing temperature to give the desired approximate Rockwell "C" hardness, as indicated by the following charts:

	As hardened	700 F	900 F	1000 F	1050 F	1100 F	1200 F
1850 F	59 Rc	56	58	56	52	46	40
1900 F	60 Rc	56	57	58	52	48	44
1950 F	61 Rc	57	60	56	56	48	46
2000 F	61Rc	57	61	62	58	51	47
2050 F	59 Rc	54	57	55	61	53	48
2100 F	52 Rc	50	52	55	62	55	60

Hot Hardness
Rockwell hardness at elevated temperature after indicated exposure
Initial Rc hardness as quenched ............63 *
98%F .....................1hr..........................57
98%F...................1000hrs......................57
800F......................1hr...........................54
800F...................1000hrs.......................54
*2050F (20 Min.), 0 Q., 1000F (1+1+2), refrigerated between tempers.

Machineability
This steel is 10 - 20% more difficult to machine than AISI 440C. With high speed carbide tooling, the following is sugested:
Operation ............................High Speed ..................................Carbide
Turning..........................50/60fpm......0.003"/rev...............1 50fpm....0.010"/rev.
Forming.........................50/60fpm......0.001"/rev...............10 0fpm....0.0015"/rev.
Cutoff.............................50/60fpm......0.001"/rev.............. .100fpm....0.0015"/rev.
Drilling..............................40fpm.........0.002"/rev........... .......---............---

Welding and brazing
Crucible 154 CM should be welded or brazed in the annealed condition whenever possible. In the heat-treated condition, weld ability is poor and requires careful pre-heating and post-heating.
Welding or brazing by any conventional method is satisfactory. Welding rods of austenitic stainless steel are suitable for weld that do not need to be unusually hard or abrasion resistant, but a rod of comparable analysis should be used when weld is to be in critical area.
Any of the cooper-base alloys is suitable for brazing.
Silver soldering is normalcy done after the heat treatment, so temperatures that exceed the original tempering temperature should be avoided.
Available hot rolled or precision ground in large amounts or oddball sizes, it is extremely hard to find in sizes used by most knife makers.

Listed in the catalog of:

Texas Knifemaker's Supply

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CRUMVEAR

No data

Color code- RED/BLUE

1/8" x 1-1/2" - priced per foot

Listed in the catalog of:

Texas Knifemaker's Supply

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L-6

This is a band saw steel that is very tough and holds an edge well, but rusts easily. It is, like O-1, easy to work with. Rusts readily without proper maintenance. Some say that this may be one of the very best steels available for cutlery, especially where toughness is desired, but my personal choice for that purpose is stainless.

Typical Analysis:

	Carbon	Chromium	Manganese	Molybdenum	Nickel	Silicon	Tungsten	Vanadium
L-6	0.65-0.75%	0.60-1.20%	0.25-0.80%	0.50%	1.25-2.00%	0.50%	-	0.20-0.30%

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Origins of Damascus steel

It is still shrouded in mystery, but we know that the majority of ancient Damascus swords were either produced or traded in Damascus, Syria, and that they were superior to European swords mainly in edge sharpness and cutting ability.
It is said that Damascus sword could cut a silk handkerchief thrown in the air in half, impossible feat with European blade.
It is generally agreed that genuine or Oriental Damascus blades were originally forged from small ingots of steel called Wootz, produced in India as early as 500 B.C. This small ingot - about 1 lb. each, was made by solidification from the melt in crucibles with tight fitting lids.

Definition of Damascus steel
It is a steel with a pattern on the surface. It is also any steel that has either crystalline or mechanical structure brought out and highlighted by acid etching. Patterned steel or layered steel.

Damascus Steel Types:

CRYSTALLINE

Old Wootz
- Indian (crystalline = grain going every which way)
- Persian (laminar = grain arranged in rows or plates and stacked up vs being a regular grain structure)
Modern Wootz
- Crystals arranged in long sheets, laminar grain
- Crystals arranged in a more random pattern
Etched to bring out dendrites (tree like formation of crystals in the steel) and crystal patterns
- From bar stock
- From cast blade shape

MECHANICAL (forge or furnace welded)
Pattern Welded
- Layered where individual layers are of the same composition and have same properties throughout
- Layered where the individual layers are different in ingredients (composite bar)
- Turkish - twisted rods
- High density
Wire
- All-steel wire cables
- Steel of varying carbon contents and iron wire cables
- Made-up combinations of cables
- Streets sweeper steel brush wires
- Piano wires
- Other wire combinations
Chains
- Motorcycle
- Bicycle
- Timing
- Chain Saw

Analysis of Wootz

Carbon	Manganese	Chromium	Phosphorus	Sulfur	Co per	Nickel	Silicon
1.4-1.7%	0.06%	trace	0.1%	0.02%	0.04%	0.03%	0.04%

Many great volumes have been written about Damascus and many knife makers are producing pattern welded steel with great success and beauty.

Unfinished blanks of various sizes and patterns are available from many Knifemaker's supplies.

440-C and D2 Damascus

This Damascus steel is formed into billets and is available by the inch in the sizes listed in the table below. It is fully guaranteed against defects. Instructions for tempering and etching are available.

Raindrop
Ladder
Random

1/8" x 1-1/8" Billets (4" through 16")

1/8" x 1-1/8" Billets TWISTED (4" thrum 16")

1/8" x 1-1/2" Billets (4" thrum 16")

3/16" x 1-1/2" Billets (4" thrum 16")

3/16" x 1-1/2" Billets TWISTED (4" thrum 16")

1/48" x 2" Billets (4" thrum 16")

1/4" x 2" Billets TWISTED (4" thrum 16")

Tim Zowada's O1 and L6 steel billets

Random pattern

1/8" x 1-1/8" x 7-1/5" or 15" - Hot forged

3/16" x 1-1/2" x 7-1/5" or 15" - Hot forged

1/4" x 1-1/2" x 7-1/5" or 15" - Hot forged

1/4" x 2" x 7-1/5" or 15" - Hot forged

5160 and 1018 Damascus steel billets (512 layers)

Random pattern
8" and 16"

3/32", 1/8", 5/32" and 3/16" x 1"

3/32", 1/8", 5/32" and 3/16" x 1-1/2"

3/32", 1/8", 5/32" and 3/16" x 2"

1/8", 5/32" and 3/16" x 4"

Mike Norris's 'Stainless Steel Plus' - D2 / 302 SS / AEBL.

Random pattern	1/8" x 1" and 1-1/2" x 8", 5/32" x 1-1/2" x 8", 1/8", 3/16" and 1-1/2" x 8" and 12", 1/4" x 1-1/2" x 12"
Banded Ladder	1/8" x 1" and 1-1/2" x 8", 5/32" x 1-1/2" x 8", 1/8", 3/16" and 1-1/2" x 8" and 12", 1/4" x 1-1/2" x 12"
Banded Twist	1/8" x 1" and 1-1/2" x 8", 5/32" x 1-1/2" x 8", 1/8", 3/16" and 1-1/2" x 8" and 12", 1/4" x 1-1/2" x 12"

1095 and 203E (160 layers)

Random pattern

1/8" x 1" x 4", 1/8" x 1-1/2" x 5" and 8", 3/16" x 1-1/2" x 5" and 8", 1/4" x 1-1/2" x 10"

Double Stainless by Devin Thomas

Ladder & Raindrop

1/8" x 1", 1/8", 5/32", 3/16", 1/4" x 1-1/4"

1/8", 5/32", 3/16", 1/4" x 1-1/2", 1/4" x 2"

1095 and Nickel (High contrast Carbon)

Serpentine Ladder
Raindrop & Twist

1/8", 5/32", 3/16", 1/4" x 1-1/4"

1/8", 5/32", 3/16", 1/4" x 1-1/2", 1/4" x 2"

1084 and 15 N 20 (High Carbon)

Turkish Twist
Firestorm

1/8" x 1" or 1-1/4" or 1-1/2"

5/32" x 1" or 1-1/4" or 1-1/2"

3/16" x 1" or 1-1/4" or 1-1/2"

1095 & 01 - Thunderforged® Damascus

Twist Pattern #1 & #2 contains 88 layers
Birdseye Pattern contains 240 layers

Click on pictures to go to the web site to get the sizes and prices

All Thunderforged® Damascus is 1095 & 01. The 01 nickel is 8%. It is reasonably soft to grind on, not hard on the equipment. This Nickel Damascus CAN be oil quenched, and you get a good high Rockwell after the blade has been heat treated..
Damascus steel, in general, has always been known as the ultimate steel to be used for knives.
Each piece of Thunderforged® Damascus is different in its own way, it carries its own distinction, quality undisputed.
Thunderforged® Damascus looks gorgeous once it has been etched in acid and ground into. The distinction of it boldly appears.
All of our Thunderforged® Damascus is blanchard ground. Each of our patterns in Thunderforged® Damascus are consistently held. Custom sizes of Thunderforged® Damascus are available upon request, and wholesale inquires are welcome. Please allow for delivery time, inquire with info@uai.org

Heat Treating Instructions for Thunderforged® Damascus

Step by Step

Heat blade to between 1,400 & 1,500 degrees F (760 & 815 degrees C).
Quench in light oil or brine.
Draw temper to desired hardness

Heating the Blade
The blade should be evenly heated to a bright red/dull orange color. This should be achieved between 1,400 & 1,500 degrees F (760 & 815 degrees C). Be careful not to overheat. Quenching an overheated blade will increase the change of cracking or warping.
Another good method it to heat the blade until the magnetic properties are lost. To test that a blade is ready to quench a magnet may be used. Once there is little or no attraction between the blade and magnet the blade will have reached the proper temperature and is ready to quench.
Quenching the Blade
Quenching is performed in either light oil (we recommend olive old with clove - quenches well we find), or a standard quenching oil. Or use a brine solution (salt & water). Dissolving salt in boiling water until it no longer dissolves makes a brine solution. The brine quench will make the blade much harder as it will cool the steel much faster than the oil. The oil quench is well suited to a large blade where toughness is more needed whereas the brine quench is more suited to the small skinner and folder blades where holding an edge is important. The blade should be quenched either point first or spine first in order to minimize the chance of cracking or warping. Care must be taken when quenching in brine. The quicker the blade is cooled the more likely it is to crack. A good precaution is to preheat the brine to around 100 degrees F (38 C) prior to quenching. The oil quench is well suited to a large blade where toughness is more needed whereas the brine quench is more suited to the small skinner and folder blades where holding an edge is important.
Drawing the Temper of the Blade
Drawing, or tempering the blade is done by heating the steel in an oven. The blade is placed in a heat treat oven and brought to a specific temperature. It is then allowed to soak at that temperature to assure a full even heat. The specific temperature determines the relative hardness of the blade.
It should be noted that some parts of all nickel damascus may test somewhat softer due to the nickel content.
Following table is approximate, because the 1095 and O1 have slighly different hardness at the same tempering temperatures.
Note
When heat treating multiple blades keep ample space between each blade for proper air circulation.

Sizes & Prices

Hardness table for Thunderforged® Damascus

Degrees F/C	As quenched	350/176	400/204	450/232	500/ 260	550/287	600/315
Hardness(Rc)	64-65	63-65	61-64	60-63	58-61	56-59	57-59

Damascus from India, country of origins of Wootz.

Color of bullets indicates it is Listed in the catalog of:

Thunderforged® Damascus

M/s. Blacksmith Craft Works

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Gingami-1 / GIN-1 / G-2

Gingami-1 aka GIN-1 aka G-2. A steel with slightly less Carbon, slightly more Chromium, and much less Mmolybdenum than ATS-34. No Nickel, Tungsten or Vanadium. A very good stainless steel.
It is used often by Spyderco

Typical Analysis:

	Carbon	Chromium	Manganese	Molybdenum	Phosphorus	Silicon	Sulfer
GIN-1	0.90%	15.50%	0.60%	0.30%	0.02%	0.37%	0.03%

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Stellite 6K

Stellite 6K is a Non-Steel Cobalt alloy - Flexible material with very good wear resistance, it is practically corrosion resistant. Stellite 6K, used in industry for cutting knives, and saw teeth is sometimes used by knifemakers. Very expensive.
Used by David Boye for his diving knives.

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440-A, 440-B, UNILOY 440C, 440F, 440F-Se, and 440-XH Hardenable Stainless Steels

The 440-A and 440-B Stainless Steels are low on Carbon and therefore unsuitable for better quality knives.
I suspect every knife stamped as just 440, or 400 Series Stainless was made out of these cheaper steels. Lots come from abroad.
The SOG Seal 2000 is 440A, and Randall uses 440B for their stainless knives.

Typical Analysis

	Carbon	Manganese	Phosphorus	Sulfur	Molybdenum	Chromium	Selenium	Silicone	Vanadium	Nickel
440-A	0.45-0.75	1.00 max	0.04 max	0.03 max	0.75 max	16-18.00	0.75 max	1.00	-	-
440-B	0.75-0.95	1.00 max	0.04 max	0.03 max	0.75 max	16-18.00	0.75 max	1.00	-	-
440-C	0.95-1.20	1.00 max	0.040 max	0.030 max	1.00 max	18.00	0.75 max	0.00	-	-
440-F	0.95-1.20	1.00 max	0.040 max	0.05 min	1.00 max	18.00	-	0.40	-	-
440-F-SE	0.95-1.20	1.00 max	0.040 max	0.030 max	1.00 max	18.00	0.75 max	0.10 min	-	-
440-XH	1.60	0.50	-	-	0.80	16.00	0.75 max	0.40	0.45	0.35

Forging
Uniloy 440C should be hot worked starting at 1900 - 2100 degrees F and finishing above about 1700 degrees F. Pieces should be preheated at 1400 - 1500 degrees F, than heated to the working temperature. After working, either anneal by furnace cooling from 1100 degrees F. or slow cool in an insulating material.
Cold forming
This steel can be moderately cold formed when in the fully annealed state.
Annealing
To fully anneal, heat uniformly to 1550 -1850 degrees F, soak thoroughly and than slowly furnace cool.
Brinell hardness is about 230.
If full softness is not required, process anneal by heating uniformly to 1350 - 1450 degrees F, soak and than furnace cool.
Brinell hardness is about 260.
Hardening
Preheating to 100 - 1450 degrees F, is recommended. Heat to 1850 - 1950 degrees F, soak, and than quench in warm oil or air cool.
Hardness is about Rockwell "C" 60-61.
This material can reach slightly higher hardness values if sub zero treatment is used after quenching from the hardening temperature.
Tempering
As soon as possible after quenching, this grade should be tempered at 300 - 700 degrees F. This treatment slightly 5reduces hardness, but improves toughness without greatly affecting corrosion resistance. Temperatures above 700 degrees F are not normally used because they result in lower impact strength and reduced corrosion resistance.
Welding
Due to its air hardening character, Uniloy 440C requires special precautions in welding. It should be preheated to about 300 degrees F and after welding should be immediately annealed for 6 - 8 hours at 1300 - 1400 degrees F and air cooled.
*Type 440C electrodes are used when similar properties in weld are required....* (I was personably unable to discover any source of this particular electrode to fix a broken Bowie knife.)
If you must weld, type 309 may be used.
Machining
Uniloy 440C is machined in the annealed state at speeds about 40% of those used for free machining AISI B1112 steel. For automatic screw machines using high speed tooling, speeds in the range 55 - 75 surface feet per minute are suggested as a guide.

Typical Hardening and Tempering Data:
Rockwell C hardness after tempering 1 hour at:

Degrees F	Quenched	300	400	500	98%	700	800	900	1000	1100
Hardness(Rc)	60.0	59.0	57.5	56.0	55.0	55.0	56.0	57.0	52.5	43.0

Oil quenched from 1900 degrees F.
Available hot rolled or precision ground.

Listed in the catalog of:

Admiral STEEL

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W-1 Spring Steel

Most files are made from W-1, which is the same as W-2 except for less Vanadium and more Tungsten

Flat bar

1/16" x 1/8" x 12" - priced per foot

Listed in the catalog of:

W-2 Tool Steel

Color CodeBLACK

1/4" x 1-1/4" - priced per foot

Listed in the catalog of:

Texas Knifemaker's Supply

Typical Analysis:

	Carbon	Chromium	Manganese	Molybdenum	Nickel	Silicon	Tungsten	Vanadium
W1	0.70-1.50%	0.15%	0.10-0.40%	0.10%	0.20%	0.10-0.40%	0.50%	0.10%
W-2	0.85-1.50%	0.15%	0.10-0.40%	0.10%	0.20%	0.10-0.40%	0.15%	0.15-0.35%

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440-C Cast Dentritic Stainless Steel

No data

Sizes

1/8", 3/16" and 1/4" x 1-1/4" x 10"

Listed in the catalog of:

Sheffield's Knifemakers Supply

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1095 Hi Carbon Steel

Make springs, blades, small parts. you will find many uses around the shop for this excellent quality high carbon steel. Bright finish, annealed.
The 10-series -- 1095 (and 1084, 1070, 1060, 1050, etc.) Many of the 10-series steels for cutlery, though 1095 is the most popular for knives. When you go in order from 1095-1050, you generally go from more carbon to less, from better edge holding to less edge holding, and tough to tougher to toughest.
As such, you'll see 1060 and 1050, used often for swords. For knives, 1095 is sort of the "standard" carbon steel, not too expensive and performs well.
It is reasonably tough and holds an edge very well. It rusts easily. This is a simple steel, which contains only two alloying elements: 0.95% Carbon and 0.4% Manganese.
The various Kabars are usually 1095 with a black coating.

Hardening
Bring to 1425- 1450 degrees Fahrenheit, than quench immediately, holding at a non-crucial point such as the back of the blade or handle area.
Tempering
Temper between 400 - 600 degrees Fahrenheit, depending upon the desired hardness.

Flat bar

1/8" x 1-1/2" x 9" and 12" and 18"

3/16" x 1-1/2" and 2" x 9" and 12" and 18"

1/4" x 2" x 18" - 1075

Listed in the catalog of: