W2 Tool Steel Explanation

I use what my source calls "Old Ass" W2

[@usernameisaname]

That particular formula might not be available anymore, however, New Jersey Steel Baron is getting it from somewhere or manufacturing it themselves now.

[@KarlBAndersen]

I realize that. They get it from a steel mill. I've known Aldo for 20 years.

[@edcko10]

Very cool! I just bought a Wehr Lukas in W2 with a Hamon and it looks awesome

[@kb9oak749]

I have 2 knives that were hand forged from W-2. They both have hamons. Jason at Last Resort knives made them. One is a Tanto. The other a modified Bowie. Both are fairly long 15"? with a 9.5-10" blade and are full tang. Got them back in 2013-2014.They continue to be the centerpieces of my collection. Not sure where the steel was sourced from.

[@lsubslimed]

Very interesting video. I've heard it was from Tremblay, although I was never aware of this particular steel's intended use, very cool. I was lucky enough to snag up the last small batch being sold from another member on BF 5 or so years ago. The size I have is 7/8", which is a much more realistic size for me with no press or power hammer access, but even so, this stuff is still a bear to hand forge down to bar stock so I've been meaning to find somebody with a press to pay a few bucks to squish out a few bars for me lol. Thanks for sharing.

[@joem5903]

Late 80's. This steel would have been one of Tremblay's early batches.

[@h2tym]

Thanks for the explanation on this! I see DH3W2 mentioned in ABS and other forums and always wondered the origin. I imagine there’s little variation in the alloying elements since this was all purchased in large batches? Love your content!

[@KarlBAndersen]

That is precisely the reason it is so valuable. It was all made to specific specs for GM. It is super shallow hardening and gets hamons like few other steels.

[@h2tym]

Karl Andersen I’d like to work with it one day. I don’t have the means to (economically) reduce a round that large right now but I’m keeping my eyes open for anyone selling it. Are you going to the ABS Symposium in Ohio this month?

[@KarlBAndersen]

@@h2tym I find it very unlikely that you would ever see any for sale. Yes I will be in Ohio in 2 weeks

[@h2tym]

Karl Andersen I will see you there! I’m in the apprentice forging competition

[@KarlBAndersen]

@@h2tym I will be videoing a portion of that. Each apprentice gets their own videographer - I think.

[@cultivationplus6719]

I make most my knives from w2

[@Quiles33]

Could I buy a small chunk of that about the size your holding off of you sir? Would love to give it a go! Thanks

[@KarlBAndersen]

I don't enough that I would sell any. I can't replace it. Sorry.

[@Quiles33]

@@KarlBAndersen ok thanks for the reply, would love to find a small piece sometime to make a blade out of. Love the history behind it.

[@daw162]

@@Quiles33 NJSB has bar stock. I don't know the W2 general spec and how wide it is, but NJSBs listings now have batch certificates so you can tell what their composition is (basically low hardenability, about 0.95% carbon on average with just a trace of vanadium)