Materials that I use regularly and have found to be suitable for my knife making.
Richlite
Richlite is an incredibly durable, sustainable and versatile material made from paper. High-grade custom FSC-certified paper infused with a thermosetting resin is laid up by hand and pressed into a solid panel. Layers of high-quality engineered paper are infused with thermosetting resin before they are cut to length and laid up by hand. Richlite's signature surface texture comes from the natural variation in how the fibers lay within the paper. Each sheet is carefully stacked, alternating the direction of the paper for ultimate balance and stability. The stacks are pressed under heat and pressure, which bonds the layers of paper together and cures the product. The panels are then slowly cooled to produce a solid and stable sheet material. Source: www.richlite.com/whatisrichlite
Richlite is an incredibly durable, sustainable and versatile material made from paper. High-grade custom FSC-certified paper infused with a thermosetting resin is laid up by hand and pressed into a solid panel. Layers of high-quality engineered paper are infused with thermosetting resin before they are cut to length and laid up by hand. Richlite's signature surface texture comes from the natural variation in how the fibers lay within the paper. Each sheet is carefully stacked, alternating the direction of the paper for ultimate balance and stability. The stacks are pressed under heat and pressure, which bonds the layers of paper together and cures the product. The panels are then slowly cooled to produce a solid and stable sheet material. Source: www.richlite.com/whatisrichlite
AEB-L
Originally developed for razor blades. A few companies have copied the chemical composition of AEB-L. This alloy is formulated with enough carbon for the steel to get very hard but not make any chromium carbides. The extreme fine grain makes them easy to sharpen, have good edge holding, excellent edge stability and toughness. AEB-L goes even further back in history than the 1960s. Although this steel was widely used for the production of razor blades back in the 60s, it was patented by Bohler-Uddholm in the 20s — 1928 to be exact. AEB-L steel is almost a hundred years old and has been competing with new stainless steels since then. The initial composition of AEB-L stainless steel was 1% of carbon and 13% of chromium, and it has not been changed much over the years. AEB-L is a low-alloy steel. Source: Alpha knife supply, knifeup.com
Originally developed for razor blades. A few companies have copied the chemical composition of AEB-L. This alloy is formulated with enough carbon for the steel to get very hard but not make any chromium carbides. The extreme fine grain makes them easy to sharpen, have good edge holding, excellent edge stability and toughness. AEB-L goes even further back in history than the 1960s. Although this steel was widely used for the production of razor blades back in the 60s, it was patented by Bohler-Uddholm in the 20s — 1928 to be exact. AEB-L steel is almost a hundred years old and has been competing with new stainless steels since then. The initial composition of AEB-L stainless steel was 1% of carbon and 13% of chromium, and it has not been changed much over the years. AEB-L is a low-alloy steel. Source: Alpha knife supply, knifeup.com
Sandvik 14C28N
If you are looking for a knife blade with excellent toughness, you will never go wrong with a 14C28N knife. 14C28N Knives will withstand challenging applications without chipping or breaking. The high chromium content of 14C28N stainless steel results in exceptional corrosion resistance. Regarding corrosion resistance, 14C28N knives are on par with those manufactured of 440A stainless steel and nitrogen-based BD1N steel. Knives used in damp and humid situations are made from this steel because of its ability to resist corrosion. The 14C28N steel has good wear resistance thanks to the carbon and manganese content. No matter how they are used, knives made of 14C28N will last a long time with less wear. 14C28N steel is simple to sharpen. With this steel, you should be able to achieve a razor-sharp edge without special sharpening equipment. 14C28N steel has great corrosion resistance and strong edge retention and is faster to sharpen when it loses its edge. This steel is a wonderful option for cooking, fishing, and everyday knives. The versatility of 14C28n steel makes it the ideal knife for indoor and outdoor use. Source: koi knives.com
1095
It's the steel of choice for the U.S. military when producing its fighting knives. However, it also has a long history of use in cutlery making because it's durable, easy to sharpen, and can achieve a razor edge thanks to the mix of carbon and manganese. Its an old high carbon steel from the 10XX steel series, it’s generally used for knives and blades, the first two digits of the designation “1095” refer to the main two elements used in the steel, and the second two digits represent the percentage of carbon used. In the case of “1095” the first digit “1” refers to carbon, the second digit “0” means that there is no second main element used in the alloy, for the two last digits “95” refers to 0.95%, which gives us 0.95% of Carbon. Red Label Abrasives
It's the steel of choice for the U.S. military when producing its fighting knives. However, it also has a long history of use in cutlery making because it's durable, easy to sharpen, and can achieve a razor edge thanks to the mix of carbon and manganese. Its an old high carbon steel from the 10XX steel series, it’s generally used for knives and blades, the first two digits of the designation “1095” refer to the main two elements used in the steel, and the second two digits represent the percentage of carbon used. In the case of “1095” the first digit “1” refers to carbon, the second digit “0” means that there is no second main element used in the alloy, for the two last digits “95” refers to 0.95%, which gives us 0.95% of Carbon. Red Label Abrasives
80CrV2
This knife steel provides a cutting tool with extreme toughness and edge retention; provides a high value for performance vs. cost to manufacture. Due to its toughness, hardness, and availability, it is prized in the construction of tactical knives, hunting knives, tomahawks, and everyday carry designs. 80CrV2 steel is a traditionally cast, high-carbon tool steel that contains chromium as well as vanadium in quantities high enough to affect the strength and hardness of the crystalline matrix of the steel. Vanadium is an element that is added to steel alloys that are typically used to produce excellent edge retention. Vanadium is prized in knife-making because it produces very durable carbides at the molecular level of the cutting edge. Tool steel, heavy equipment, and even nuclear reactors use vanadium in their construction. Knifeart.com
This knife steel provides a cutting tool with extreme toughness and edge retention; provides a high value for performance vs. cost to manufacture. Due to its toughness, hardness, and availability, it is prized in the construction of tactical knives, hunting knives, tomahawks, and everyday carry designs. 80CrV2 steel is a traditionally cast, high-carbon tool steel that contains chromium as well as vanadium in quantities high enough to affect the strength and hardness of the crystalline matrix of the steel. Vanadium is an element that is added to steel alloys that are typically used to produce excellent edge retention. Vanadium is prized in knife-making because it produces very durable carbides at the molecular level of the cutting edge. Tool steel, heavy equipment, and even nuclear reactors use vanadium in their construction. Knifeart.com
MICARTA
A brand name for composites of linen, canvas, paper, fiberglass, carbon fiber, or other fabric in a thermosetting plastic. It was originally used in electrical and decorative applications. Micarta was developed by George Westinghouse at least as early as 1910 using phenolic resins invented by Leo Baekeland. These resins were used to impregnate paper and cotton fabric which were cured under pressure and high temperature to produce laminates. In later years this manufacturing method included the use of fiberglass fabric, and other resin types were also used. Today Micarta high-pressure industrial laminates are produced with a wide variety of resins and fibers. The term has been used generically for most resin impregnated fiber compounds. Common uses of modern high-pressure laminates include electrical insulators, printed circuit board substrates, and knife handles. Wikipedia
A brand name for composites of linen, canvas, paper, fiberglass, carbon fiber, or other fabric in a thermosetting plastic. It was originally used in electrical and decorative applications. Micarta was developed by George Westinghouse at least as early as 1910 using phenolic resins invented by Leo Baekeland. These resins were used to impregnate paper and cotton fabric which were cured under pressure and high temperature to produce laminates. In later years this manufacturing method included the use of fiberglass fabric, and other resin types were also used. Today Micarta high-pressure industrial laminates are produced with a wide variety of resins and fibers. The term has been used generically for most resin impregnated fiber compounds. Common uses of modern high-pressure laminates include electrical insulators, printed circuit board substrates, and knife handles. Wikipedia
G-10
G10 or garolite is a high-pressure fiberglass laminate, a type of composite material. It is created by stacking multiple layers of glass cloth, soaked in epoxy resin, then compressing the resulting material under heat until the epoxy cures. It is manufactured in flat sheets, most often a few millimeters thick. Wikipedia
G10 or garolite is a high-pressure fiberglass laminate, a type of composite material. It is created by stacking multiple layers of glass cloth, soaked in epoxy resin, then compressing the resulting material under heat until the epoxy cures. It is manufactured in flat sheets, most often a few millimeters thick. Wikipedia
UltreX SureTouch G-10
The newest UltreX composite is the perfect modified G-10 handle material. This is the ideal solution for grips for handles on various applications including guns and knives. It provides brilliant colors, extreme durability, and an excellent anti-slip rubber property. SureTouch™ is a revolutionary new patent-pending process that combines G-10 layers with rubber. It is now possible to have the toughness and durability of G-10 with the grip and anti-slip properties of rubber all in one material. Available in many of the same color combinations as UltreX™ G-10 you are sure to find the perfect combination for your application. Norplex-Micarta website
West System - G/Flex 650 Epoxy
"A toughened, versatile, liquid epoxy for permanent waterproof bonding of fiberglass, ceramics, metals, plastics, and damp and difficult-to-bond woods. It is a bit more flexible than standard epoxies and polyester but much stiffer than adhesive sealants. This gives it the ability to make structural bonds that can absorb the stress of expansion, contraction, shock, and vibration. It is ideal for bonding dissimilar materials." My opinion: The BEST adhesive out there. Expensive but worth it. West System
"A toughened, versatile, liquid epoxy for permanent waterproof bonding of fiberglass, ceramics, metals, plastics, and damp and difficult-to-bond woods. It is a bit more flexible than standard epoxies and polyester but much stiffer than adhesive sealants. This gives it the ability to make structural bonds that can absorb the stress of expansion, contraction, shock, and vibration. It is ideal for bonding dissimilar materials." My opinion: The BEST adhesive out there. Expensive but worth it. West System
Liquid Nitrogen (-320ºF)
All my stainless steel blades are cryogenically treated with a deep and long liquid nitrogen bath post heat treat. The purpose, on a simplified technical level, is to convert the left over austenite of the initial heat treatment of the steel to martensite. [I know.... right?] Cryogenic treatment is a common process designed to enhance the performance of metal blades. Extreme deep freezing increases the service life of knives by improving their resistance to wear. As a one-time treatment, freezing knife blades makes them more durable and less prone to chipping and fracturing under stress. York Saw and Knife
All my stainless steel blades are cryogenically treated with a deep and long liquid nitrogen bath post heat treat. The purpose, on a simplified technical level, is to convert the left over austenite of the initial heat treatment of the steel to martensite. [I know.... right?] Cryogenic treatment is a common process designed to enhance the performance of metal blades. Extreme deep freezing increases the service life of knives by improving their resistance to wear. As a one-time treatment, freezing knife blades makes them more durable and less prone to chipping and fracturing under stress. York Saw and Knife