The first question you need to ask yourself when selecting a metal for forging is: What type of blade do I need
For example, if you are looking for a knife with a long-lasting edge, then you should choose an alloy that has high vanadium content. This will make the blade harder and more resistant to wear. The higher the vanadium content, the more likely your knife will stay sharp longer
If you are working on a project that requires a high-quality steel blade, then consider choosing one made with high carbon content. This will give your knife strength and durability while also retaining its sharpness for longer periods of time
If you want to customize your own knives or are working on a project that requires a high-quality forged blade, an accurate understanding of the properties of different metals is key. Here, I will detail how to pick the best metal for forging in several categories
Vanadium Versus Chromium Content – Which Is More Important
Vanadium and chromium are two metals that greatly affect how well your blade holds an edge (and therefore how well it performs).
what metal is best for forging