Thread: In the spirit of a W&B FBU

This seems the perfect place for G10! Awesome work.

Hi PierreR, you obviously know your steel, so was wondering, has anyone done, or is it possible to make functional razor from marine grade 316 stainless?

Andrew

Originally Posted by AndrewJM

Hi PierreR, you obviously know your steel, so was wondering, has anyone done, or is it possible to make functional razor from marine grade 316 stainless?

Andrew

I don't mean to hijack here, but here is a link to the 316 stats.

http://www.aksteel.com/pdf/markets_p...Data_Sheet.pdf

This specifies 316/316l as 'non-hardenable by heat treatment.

I think this would rule out a potential for this to be a razor steel.

-Brian

Originally Posted by AndrewJM

Hi PierreR, you obviously know your steel, so was wondering, has anyone done, or is it possible to make functional razor from marine grade 316 stainless?

Andrew

Hi Andrew.
316, as MR Coffey mentioned isn't hardenable by HT'ing. You could make a lovely razor from it, maybe get it sharp enough to cut with, but as a steel for a razor as intended for shaving? No. I use it for bolsters, and other fittings.

Steels from companies such as Niagara Specialty Metals (formerly Crucible) with CPM 154, 154 CM, S35VN, S30V. Carpenters XHP. Hitachi ATS-34, Damasteel's RWL-34, to name a few, are all martensitic stainless steels and can be hardened into fantastic razor/knife blades. These steels are available from a number of sources worldwide. There are many others as well.

Originally Posted by PierreR

Hi Andrew.
316, as MR Coffey mentioned isn't hardenable by HT'ing. You could make a lovely razor from it, maybe get it sharp enough to cut with, but as a steel for a razor as intended for shaving? No. I use it for bolsters, and other fittings.

Could one use 440c for a razor?

I believe it would be a fine razor steel, maybe not great. Here is where I start to consider grain size, edge holding, potential Rockwell hardness, edge stability (chipping) etc. The steels I listed perform above 440c on paper, but that doesn't mean i would rule it out as a razor steel, I personally choose a different steels. 440 steels make really good knives, and HT'ed with intent to be a razor, would work fine, just not a well as others.

Pierre,

Your photo looks fantastic but as the owner of this piece I must say it is even more beautiful in the metal. That's right guys, Pierre sold me this piece and shipped it out last month. I thought the last thing I need is another razor but this thing looks so cool, I thought what the heck. It definitely took some cues from W&B. This piece is a real looker, so much so that I had some serious doubt as to how it would perform when actually put to work. I was really thinking all show, no go. Maybe it was more a display piece than a working razor. The blade is a formidable looking beast that looks as though it might be more at home in a butcher shop chopping steaks out of sides of beef than up against your wiskers in the morning.

Well this morning I got up the nerve to take it to my face and I have to say it was a fantastic cutter. This blade is certainly not a light weight but the scales and the tail work so well together that it balances perfectly and feels fantastic in the hand. I was totally in control which is a good thing because the edge is damn sharp. I definitely ended up with a BBS shave and have to say I am completely in awe. You have done a phenomenal job on this blade and I don't know what others members know about your work but count me as a happy customer. I give it my full endorsement. Thanks.


Best,
Rob

Just one look and I was in love... That's why Pierre has my money and making me one too

Originally Posted by Heespharm

Just one look and I was in love... That's why Pierre has my money and making me one too

Same here, this razor is why I contacted him!

Originally Posted by Heespharm

Just one look and I was in love... That's why Pierre has my money and making me one too

Originally Posted by RMarsh

Same here, this razor is why I contacted him!

Congratulations guys...I'm sure you will be very happy when you receive your razor...it is a real looker and great shaver. Enjoy.