CarTech Micro-Melt CD#1 Alloy

[MTBob]

I'm curious if anyone has worked with CarTech Micro-Melt CD#1 Alloy that's sold by Alpha Knife Supply? I just purchased a couple pieces of this steel along with an order of AEB-L. AKS does not show this steel in their inventory of carbon and stainless steels, but lists it in the section called "WW" for Weird and Wonderful, along with blemished items. https://www.alphaknifesupply.com/shop/ww#BladeMaterials
Here are some features of this alloy: https://www.alphaknifesupply.com/Pictures/Info/Steel/CD1-DS.pdf

Description​

CarTech Micro-Melt CD#1 alloy is a shock resistant cold work die steel possessing an excellent combination of toughness and wear​

resistance. The alloy has a fine, uniform carbide distribution resulting from the Carpenter CarTech Micro-Melt powder metal alloy process. This​

fine carbide distribution, combined with a low sulfur content, results in excellent polishability of dies or tools manufactured from the​

alloy.​

Applications​

CarTech Micro-Melt CD#1 alloy may be considered for many types of cold work tooling applications where a combination of good​

toughness and wear resistance is required. In addition, it may be considered for coining applications because of the excellent​

polishability provided by the alloy. Potential applications for this alloy may include:​

• Coining Dies
• Slitter Knives
• Blanking Dies
• Rotary Shears
• Chipper Knives

From the balance of CarTech's description it sounds like this steel would be an excellent choice for cutlery with its improved toughness and wear resistance. With slightly over 8% Cr, it should also maintain a reasonable surface finish during kitchen use.

 

[Doug Lester]

Thanks for posting the spec sheet on this. One thing that always pops into my mind when I read improved wear resistance is how much of pain is it going to be to restore the edge.

 

[KenH]

Thanks for those links - while the CD#1 is most likely a good steel, it's a tad more pricey than I'm comfortable with. I had never looked at that "WW" tab - Just what is that "Cross Grain"? Sure would be nice if there was a tad more info on what makes the "blemish" - BUT - from what I've seen of Chuck the blemish will still be a good deal. Some of those are half price.

 

[MTBob]

Just what is that "Cross Grain"? Sure would be nice if there was a tad more info on what makes the "blemish"

I agree, it seems to be a bit of a crap shoot. And, these WW items are not refundable.