Quote Originally Posted by MichaelC View Post
Hi Folks,

There is some serious misinformation being given here on PM steels, and it would just be a very sad scenario if this incorrect info influenced peoples opinions even before our razors have been officially announced

I have no idea what the poster above (karlej) is talking about, and he certainly does not speak for us and our processes in making Wade & Butcher Razors...

PM steel (Powder Metallurgy steel) is simply steel produced by patented modern means resulting in a far more sophisticated and finely grained blade/knife steel. The steel boasts high cleanliness with no inclusions. It is received in sheet/strip form like any other knife steel and is worked from there using the stock removal method employed by many custom knife/razor makers. The heat treatment involves a triple temper with plate and cryogenic (sub-zero) quench, resulting in a HRC hardness of between 59-63. And, in the case of RWL34, the ability to produce a deep mirror-polish is second to none (many refer to the final look as 'liquid metal').

CPM154 is a PM steel.
CPM-S30V is a PM steel.
Bohler M390 is a PM steel.
Vanadis is a PM steel.

Many custom knifemakers use PM steels in their custom knives, including Todd Begg, Brian Tighe, Jens Anzo (Anzo knives), Allen Elishewitz, and many many others - the list is actually too long to include.

Damasteel (their patterned Damascus as well as their RWL34 steel) is the very same steel currently being used by Mastro Livi in many of his custom razors.

I'm actually quite surprised that other members who are knowledgeable about this rather straight-forward and reasonable choice of "Powder Metallurgy" steel have not chimed in to correct the blatant misinformation being conveyed in this thread..

Bottom line guys, PM steels like that produced by the highly acclaimed Damasteel in Sweden are not a strange choice for high-end handcrafted straight razors. In fact, the choice reflects a desire to produce goods using the very best and finest materials available for the desired outcome (fine grain structure, high polish-ability, exceptional fine-edge sharpness, high hardness etc.).

Cheers,
- Mike

Some Reading:
Powder Metal Steel | Bohler Uddeholm
An Introduction to Damasteel | BestPocketKnifeToday.com
Modern Steel Making Technologies
Thanks for the updated information,
I think that answers many questions about what lies ahead.