Thread: Stainless Steel

Nin hao ma Robert.

Agreed about purity. Realistically, from a purely historical standpoint, folding and welding occurred simple to remove the dross from the bloomed or puddled material.

And also about the speciality of the material. Compared to the high-test mill steels and the wonder alloys available, tamahagane doesn't stack up that much. As a rare material, sure there is some value not found in the more common off the rack stuff, same for wootz. But there are technically better materials to be found easier.

Arguing about semantics can refine understanding, because semantic misunderstanding is the basis for a lot of myths.

In re: cryo treatments. Any steel that is likely to have retained austenite (stainless steels, aka high alloy steels, are notorious for this phenomena and those that are subject to incomplete heat treatment practices) may benefit from subzero cooling to convert the retained austenite to martensite.

I have some issues with the apparent conflict of interest in that element of the business because most of the research about this subject is being hyped by the very folks who are in the business of selling the equipment. If it works, great, no argument from me. Personally, I don't think its worth the extra money and would prefer to heat treat the material correctly in the first place. Some steels, not all, benefit though.

It's good to see you here Terry.

Mike, incredibly informative as per usual. Many thanks .
M.

Originally Posted by Mike Blue

Nin hao ma Robert.

Agreed about purity. Realistically, from a purely historical standpoint, folding and welding occurred simple to remove the dross from the bloomed or puddled material.

And also about the speciality of the material. Compared to the high-test mill steels and the wonder alloys available, tamahagane doesn't stack up that much. As a rare material, sure there is some value not found in the more common off the rack stuff, same for wootz. But there are technically better materials to be found easier.

Arguing about semantics can refine understanding, because semantic misunderstanding is the basis for a lot of myths.

In re: cryo treatments. Any steel that is likely to have retained austenite (stainless steels, aka high alloy steels, are notorious for this phenomena and those that are subject to incomplete heat treatment practices) may benefit from subzero cooling to convert the retained austenite to martensite.

I have some issues with the apparent conflict of interest in that element of the business because most of the research about this subject is being hyped by the very folks who are in the business of selling the equipment. If it works, great, no argument from me. Personally, I don't think its worth the extra money and would prefer to heat treat the material correctly in the first place. Some steels, not all, benefit though.

It's good to see you here Terry.

Please sell me all your Dubl Duck Wonderedges since the cryo hardening didn't do them any good.