Differences in blade steels

[seed]

Well, I'll break the cherry on this forum and ask if anyone could tell exactly the advantages and disadvantages of the different popular steels used for knives, i.e. ATS-34, 154CM, D2, INFI, 440, 420, AUS-8, etc. I know some of them, but am hoping some experts reside here who can really break it down...maybe even the formulations. Even if you only know about one of the steels, that would be cool.

[eatingmuchface]

I'm no "expert," but most here can give you some genreal info about these steels, although heat treat is everything.


most of the steels you named (154cm,ats-24,440,d2) hold good edges for light cutting, but aren't very "tough"/can be brittle (except INFI) and are seen in folders alot.
(or small fixed blades)

thats the general trend I see in those steels named...
also, i wouldn't call INIF a "popular" steel... since only Busse uses it.
:D

here is a good place for some good info.
(on steels that is)
http://www.cutleryscience.com/articles/index.html

(clik, genreal refernce)

[seed]

Thanks. Articles like the one you presented are what I am looking for. Keep stuff like that coming.

I will have specific questions next time, but I have to go right now.

[Noss]

Seed: Welcome to the new forum. Here is an article that tells you about some steel basics

http://www.knifeart.com/steelfaqbyjo.html


Like EMF said heat treat makes all the difference between a good steel and a bad steel
One maker may do D2 great and another may make D2 perform poor.

EMF: Welcome to the new forum.

[eatingmuchface]

the more specific the better seed!
Noss I love the forum!
:D

[seed]

Thanks Noss for the link and thanks again to EMF for the previous link. They were very helpful. Do you guys have specific links which fully explains the letter and number designations of the various steels by SAE and ASM? The links briefly explained this, but stopped short of fully breaking it down.

Also, if anyone has links to the specifics of the whole process of making the various steels...I mean step by step. That would be really cool. And does anyone have any insider info on such things as the secret formulation of INFI? One of EMF's articles alluded to the use of nitrogen in the mix...That was interesting.

And finally, does anyone have a complete list of the different steels used by the various manufacturers?

[Noss]

I'll see what else I can dig up for you.

[Noss]

Here is a chart of the chemical make-ups

http://www.agrussell.com/knife_information/steel_guide/

[seed]

Thanks Noss. I haven't checked here in a little while. Busy weekend of working. I'll check it out soon.

[seed]

I checked out that chart. Good stuff. I'll probably look up SAE and the other one for how they designate the letters and numbers of the different steels...if there even is a system.