Description
15N20 High Carbon Nickel Steel Bar
15N20 is a high carbon nickel steel bar that is popular among knifemakers due to its excellent performance and versatility. It is known for its clean forging, easy heat treatment, and its ability to be filed, sanded, and finished using regular tools. Despite its straightforward nature, both experienced Mastersmiths and beginner knifemakers use 15N20 in their work. Additionally, 15N20 can be heat treated using a small blow torch, heated to around 820c, and quenched in oil.
Due to its wide range of applications, 15N20 is a popular choice for different knife styles, including large chopping knives and delicate chefs' knives. It is also commonly used in pattern-welded steel, also known as damascus steel. If you're a beginner knifemaker and are unsure which steel to use, 15N20 is an excellent choice.
Alloy Content
Carbon – 0.75-0.95%
Nickel– 2.50%
Manganese – 0.40%
Silicon – 0.10%
Phosphorus – 0.03%
Sulphur – 0.04%
Recommended Working Sequence
Forging: 815-1175°C – do not forge below 815°C
Normalizing: Heat to 870°C, cool to black in still air, follow up with refinement cycles at a lower temperatures
Annealing: Heat to 815°C, furnace cool to 650°C at a rate not exceeding 28°C per hour, or bury in an insulating material like vermiculite or wood ash
Grinding, Drilling, Machining
Recommended Heat Treatment
- Austenitise at 815°C until evenly heated – an extended soak time is not required, nor is heating the entire blade and tang i.e. just the edge can be heated
- Quench in oil pre-heated to 50-60°C – vegetable oil or Medium Quench Oil or Fast Quench Oil will all be effective in hardening 15N20
- As quenched hardness 60-65HRC.
- Temper at 200°C for 2 hours, twice
- Tempered hardness at 200°C which should yeild ~59-60HRC
