All About AEB-L

[Larrin]

I gathered all of the information I have on AEB-L, including how and why the steel was developed, how it came to be used in knives, how the design of AEB-L gives it the properties it does, how to heat treat it, toughness testing, edge retention, and more.

https://knifesteelnerds.com/2019/03/04/all-about-aeb-l/

 

[HRC_64]

So this is interesting...chart and discussion show viable path to ~63 HRC

 

[Larrin]

Yes 63 Rc should be possible for anyone. My recent heat treatments for max hardness have been in the 64.5-65 range.

 

[Matus]

Very interesting article. I just flew over it in a couple minutes, but it quickly became obvious that it needs a proper read.

 

[Keith Sinclair]

Larrin like to know your method for getting high hardness with AEB-L

 

[Larrin]

I don't have any secrets, it's all in the article.

 

[RDalman]

Nice writeup. I'm also running aeb-l at 65 lately, have some 63-64 still, but the latest heat treated bunch is a tough 65, I age it.

 

[milkbaby]

Reminds me of how I love all the people who say "just follow the manufacturer's datasheet for heat treatment, obviously they know best." LOL

 

[Larrin]

The datasheet is a good starting point. But with a hardness tester you can learn what response you are actually getting.

 

[Nikabrik]

Thanks Larrin!

It's quite interesting to see that the freezer actually makes a difference - and especially the bump at 1950°F.

I wonder whether other ice baths would make a greater difference.

 

[Larrin]

Thanks Larrin!

It's quite interesting to see that the freezer actually makes a difference - and especially the bump at 1950°F.

I wonder whether other ice baths would make a greater difference.

Anything that is colder than a freezer would be more effective. It’s all about temperature.

 

[Larrin]

I love AEB-L as a kitchen knife steel, which is probably part of why it has become more and more common for custom knife makers to use it as such.

 

[Dhoff]

Darn you Larrin, you make me regret not choosing a path in metallurgy, it's so fascinating

Thank you for all the interesting articles!

 

[Illyria]

Love seeing your posts. Great to see the history of the different steels.

 

[Ruso]

That was a great read. I love how you dissect the properties of AEB-L and explain what are the ramifications and the best uses of this steel.

 

[Tim Rowland]

Great article. Makes me love AEB-L even more.....and now I am going to have to try for a higher hrc, Iv'e only been doing 62.

 

[Keith Sinclair]

We have to convince Dalman to make a batch of Standard model with Masur Birch & Raindeer handle.

 

[bahamaroot]

Just love the detail in your articles Larrin. I've been a fan of AEB-l for a long time and found this information very interesting and educational!

 

[Cyrilix]

Are there any production Japanese knives made in aeb-l heat treated between 62-64 HRC?

 

[HRC_64]

Are there any production Japanese knives made in aeb-l heat treated between 62-64 HRC?

I'd be curious too if any examples come up beyond 61-62 with a ∆ of +/- 0.5 - 1.0 hrc point

 

[toddnmd]

Are there any production Japanese knives made in aeb-l heat treated between 62-64 HRC?

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