rbscebu
Girls call me Makaluod
This is what I look for in SR blade steel (in no particular order):
Hardness: Generally, the harder the steel, the better it holds its edge, however it is also harder to hone.
Grain Size: I prefer a smaller grain size down to about the 3u size. This allows for a keener edge, provided that intergranular bonding is high. Most blades of high carbon steels are in the 4u to 5u range so some added alloying elements are need with correct heat treatment to get the smaller grain size with good bonding.
Corrosion Resistance: Not a high priority but nice to have. This is often achieved with the addition of chromium to the steel mix, however the more that is added can tend to weaken the intergranular bonding.
Hardness: Generally, the harder the steel, the better it holds its edge, however it is also harder to hone.
Grain Size: I prefer a smaller grain size down to about the 3u size. This allows for a keener edge, provided that intergranular bonding is high. Most blades of high carbon steels are in the 4u to 5u range so some added alloying elements are need with correct heat treatment to get the smaller grain size with good bonding.
Corrosion Resistance: Not a high priority but nice to have. This is often achieved with the addition of chromium to the steel mix, however the more that is added can tend to weaken the intergranular bonding.
