Thread: Wade & Butcher Comeback

Originally Posted by Magpie

Not all Damasteel is Damascus. I for one would not even consider the use of the Damasteel Damascus for a razor, but the Damasteel RWL34 is NOT damascus, and should be a fine choice for a blade if properly heat treated.

Hi Guys,

RWL34 is indeed the primary steel we're using for all our razors - the patterned martensitic stainless damascus from Damasteel (called DS93X) is considerably more expensive and so will be used only as a far more premium option in our blades.

I really do not understand the strong aversion to a patterned steel for razors from two members here, perhaps it's just regarding your tastes in appearance? In which case, fair enough.. But as to performance as a razor steel, DS93X is actually a combination of two hardenable PM steels (RWL34 & PMC27) with 1.05 and 0.6 % Carbon respectively. These are then fused in over a hundred layers.

The resulting DS93X is an excellent blade steel, especially engineered for: High hardness; High polishability; High purity and cleanliness. Folks, it is a beautifully capable razor steel, make no mistake.

As for our base steel of RWL34: our heat treatment involves a steel plate quench and a cryogenic quench in liquid nitrogen (soaked overnight). Then a double 2-hour temper for a hardness of between 61-63 HRC.

Gentlemen, RWL34 is without question a superb razor steel

Cheers,
- Mike

I don't understand the need to make steel very very hard that will take ages to hone, we only shaving our faces, we not using them to hunt, killing zebras with them. Ffs


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Mastro livi has also used rwl34 and he doesn't get too many complaints...

Originally Posted by markbignosekelly

Mastro livi has also used rwl34 and he doesn't get too many complaints...

excellent point my friend, and he has been making some of the finest razors available Tc

I have my reasons for disliking Damascus blades

I wouldn't want to effect a vendors sales or share my negativity and reservations with everyone.
Hopefully they are worthy of the name..

I'm still excited to see them..
W&B rule

Originally Posted by GabrielMartin

I don't understand the need to make steel very very hard that will take ages to hone, we only shaving our faces, we not using them to hunt, killing zebras with them. Ffs


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No Gabriel, 60-63(max) HRC is I believe widely regarded as an acceptable hardness range for razor steel, especially modern sophisticated steels. Remember the final hardness is only one part of the story with regards to edge holding and potential difficulty in honing. Abrasion resistance of the steel and carbide size and distribution also play a lot in how a razor feels on the stones, and how it holds it's edge.

So no, we are not randomly making the steel 'very very hard' as you say, rather we're making it sufficiently hard for the type of steel used and for the blade's given purpose.

- Mike

Originally Posted by MichaelC

No Gabriel, 60-63(max) HRC is I believe widely regarded as an acceptable hardness range for razor steel, especially modern sophisticated steels. Remember the final hardness is only one part of the story with regards to edge holding and potential difficulty in honing. Abrasion resistance of the steel and carbide size and distribution also play a lot in how a razor feels on the stones, and how it holds it's edge.

So no, we are not randomly making the steel 'very very hard' as you say, rather we're making it sufficiently hard for the type of steel used and for the blade's given purpose.

- Mike

Mike, my apologies, i stand corrected


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Originally Posted by GabrielMartin

Mike, my apologies, i stand corrected


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Hey no worries man, just sharing my thoughts for the benefit of others reading and wondering..

Cheers,
- Mike

@Denvernoob I fixed that for you



@MichaelC

I'm really looking forwards to seeing these

From the little I have been reading, RWL34 would possibly give you a more uniform grain structure because of the manufacturing process and so be a little more resistant to chipping?

Bob