Thread: Wootz razor in progress

Sounds amazing Bruno, what about the steel used for Rockstead Japanese knives I've seen that steel doing amazing things that no other steel could possibly match, how would Wootz steel fare against that in comparison if you don't mind me asking?

I learned something new today, I had never heard of wootz until now!

Originally Posted by celticcrusader

Sounds amazing Bruno, what about the steel used for Rockstead Japanese knives I've seen that steel doing amazing things that no other steel could possibly match, how would Wootz steel fare against that in comparison if you don't mind me asking?

Wootz is ultra high in carbon. When used like that, it would fare in a similar fashion as Japanese white paper steel or similar steels.
The reason is that the video you linked shows the absolute worst way to cut, using such steel. He essentially press cuts straight down. The cuts are clean, but that is not how you'd use a knife in any typical scenario. And it would also completely negate the properties of wootz.

The special feature of wootz is that you have the micro carbides protruding from the steel surface, kinda like a serrated knife edge, but microscopic. However, those serrations only come into play when pulling the knife to make a slicing action. Cutting tests using standardized mechanical cuts through standardized abrasive cardboard have shown that when you combine the pressure on the sharp steel edge with the slicing action of the carbides, wootz simply outcuts every modern alloy by a wide margin.

And because the carbides are much harder than the steel, there will always be carbides sticking out of the surface even when the steel edge wears away. That is why it not only cuts better, but keeps on cutting for much longer than other steel, including 52100 and others.

As I mentioned earlier in this thread, wootz can only be made in little hockey puck sized (give or take) ingots at a time. The reason is that when the crucible is taken out of the fire, the carbides have to solidify first, and then the steel. If the mass is too big, it will stay hot for too long and the carbides will grow too large to be of much use. Cooling too fast is also bad because the carbides will be too small.

I am sure that given enough financial incentive, some clever person might figure out a way to produce in larger quantity using a conveyor system and moving crucibles or whatever. But there is not much point since it is a specialty steel. There is no mass market for carbon steel knives, it is not much good as a tool steel or impact blade, and it is not especially abrasion resistant.

So like tamahagane, wootz is a specialty steel that is extremely good in its specific niche, but which has no mass market appeal. And because it is difficult, time consuming and costly to make, something for people who can appreciate and afford it.

Bruno there is a way to finish this debate and get all the answers we are looking for. Finish the razor and pack it up , post it to my address and I will give it a go. I promise to post here with my findings for all to see. Heck, I will even pay for the postage...

Originally Posted by coachmike

Bruno there is a way to finish this debate and get all the answers we are looking for. Finish the razor and pack it up , post it to my address and I will give it a go. I promise to post here with my findings for all to see. Heck, I will even pay for the postage...

What a nice thing to offer

What rockwell hardness will the steel itself be finished at and how difficult will the edge be to hone.

Around 60, and it should be comparable to similar high carbon steel. Ill let you know after I finish it.

That's awesome... I have only heard bits and pieces about wootz so it's great to know more bout it now... Thanks for the share!

Yesterday I ground and polished the razor. It is the best grinding I ever did, if I say so myself. I took it slower than normal, with more time spent at each grit. With tool steel, the buffer will hide imperfections. And with normal Damascus etching, the etchant will eat the imperfections. Wootz etching will do neither, so I decided to play it safe and aim for perfect finish.

I'll post before and after pics when I do the etching later today.