Bd1n = better version of 14c28n?

[Baron Mind]

I was reflecting on how much I enjoy sharpening my knives in 14c28n, and the new para 3 in bd1n came to mind. I was wondering how similar they were, so I did a quick comparison on my knife steel app.

The main differences are that bd1n has
.3% more carbon
2% more chromium,
and an addition of .5% molybdenum.

That should result in a higher volume of chromium carbides/nitrides(?), a higher obtainable hardness, and I'm not sure if the moly contributes any carbides, or if it's for further grain refinement, or what other effects it may have. Anyone who is more knowledgeable than myself please in.

Anyhow, my suspicion is bd1n will retain the ease of sharpening, and ease of high levels of sharpness, while gaining some wear resistance, even greater edge stability, and possibly take an even crisper edge. If you're not solely in the market for super high wear resistance, I think bd1n should be a really solid performer. Not a budget steel, but more in the family of CruWear and 52100, not in corrosion resistance, but in everything else.

Depending on the heat treat, this could be a really exciting steel. I'm looking forward to seeing some Rockwell testing done on these new models.

[Deadboxhero]

I was reflecting on how much I enjoy sharpening my knives in 14c28n, and the new para 3 in bd1n came to mind. I was wondering how similar they were, so I did a quick comparison on my knife steel app.

The main differences are that bd1n has
.3% more carbon
2% more chromium,
and an addition of .5% molybdenum.

That should result in a higher volume of chromium carbides/nitrides(?), a higher obtainable hardness, and I'm not sure if the moly contributes any carbides, or if it's for further grain refinement, or what other effects it may have. Anyone who is more knowledgeable than myself please in.

Anyhow, my suspicion is bd1n will retain the ease of sharpening, and ease of high levels of sharpness, while gaining some wear resistance, even greater edge stability, and possibly take an even crisper edge. If you're not solely in the market for super high wear resistance, I think bd1n should be a really solid performer. Not a budget steel, but more in the family of CruWear and 52100, not in corrosion resistance, but in everything else.

Depending on the heat treat, this could be a really exciting steel. I'm looking forward to seeing some Rockwell testing done on these new models.

viewtopic.php?f=2&t=77098&hilit=Sal+can+we+get+BD1N

Good info here

[dj moonbat]

It feels good to like an inexpensive steel, for once.

[Larrin]

BD1N is like a 440 steel, 14C28N is like 13C26 or AEB-L. In other words, BD1N has reduced toughness but higher wear resistance when compared with 14C28N. If that is the same as better, then you will like BD1N better. If you like 440C better than AEB-L then you will like BD1N better than 14C28N.

[CoolBreeze135]

Good thoughts. I'm interested for sure. I'm value-oriented, so I really like the bang/buck that Spyderco seems to hit with the lightweight models. I'm also really into trying new steels (I don't do any type of scientific testing or anything). I like 14C28N, so this may be another good steel for me.

[emanuel]

I'm not sure if the moly contributes any carbides, or if it's for further grain refinement, or what other effects it may have. Anyone who is more knowledgeable than myself please in.

It boosts the corrosion resistance of the steel, and it goes hand in hand with the nitrogen. It particularly boosts pitting resistance, even small amounts of moly have a very significant effect. As another example, besides slightly higher chromium content, the addition of moly into S110V explains its net superior corrosion resistance compared to S90V.

I'm looking forward into getting the Para 3 lw and put it though some good usage, hopefully next month once I get my knife budget back in check :D

[Actinolite]

I have several knives made from 14C28N and a few with BD1N.
They feel similar when sharpening, smooth, easy, and both can easily be made razor sharp.
I don't notice any difference in rust resistance.
I can't tell a significant difference in edge retention, but if I had to choose one, probably BD1N might be slightly better.

But I've never broken or chipped any 14C28N, while I have chipped a couple BD1N edges. I have rolled a couple 14C edges in hard use. My impression is that 14C is significantly tougher than BD1N, but I don't have documentation to prove that. OTH, Larrin Thomas does.

In practical usage, they both work. The BD1N, in my experience, needs more attention when an edge gets chipped, as repairing small rolled edges takes me less time than repairing chips.

In short, light and medium use in folders, I have no problem with BD1N. But for heavier use, especially in fixed blades, I'd take 14C28N.

[PaloArt]

Interesting topic and just love that someone is interested in more "basic" steels. Now the question is, can we have some established model in sprint run with 14C28N and CTS BD1N, like let's say Urban? Urban has been used already for Elmax, S90V, K390, M398, AEBL, N690co... therefore it might be quite nice affordable platform for Spyderco to give us 14C28N if capacity would allow it in future.

I love my Urbans, great knife for testing different steels, quite affordable and legal in many countries.

[VandymanG]

Well I look forward to trying it out. I have a Charisma pre-ordered and I’m hoping it works as a carving knife. I have a thick branch that I’m going to carve into a cane when the knife is finally available.

[Doc Dan]

14C28N is significantly more tough than BD1N.