A "Disston knife"?

[dewman]

Not really....but I do have a machete made by the Disston Company of hand saw and circular saw blade fame. I'm not sure what type of steel they make their machete's of, but it's surely one of the best available.
During the summer, I collected 16 lodge pole pine tee-pee poles for next
spring's project for my grandkids. They're about 16' long, and probably average about 3 1/2" thick at the bottom end. Anyway, I spent yesterday de-barking and de-limbing them, using the Disston machete. I sharpened it before beginning, and never once had to resharpen it during this long, arduous task. Some very hard nubs that took several good whacks and that "knife" held an edge that was truly amazing.

So....I was wondering....does anyone have any idea what type/kind of steel they use for their machetes and saw blades? It's good stuff, what ever it is!

[dewman]

Well....after some internet searching and a few phone calls, I answered my own question....sorta'. I contacted the Disston Company in Philidelphia, Pa. Talked to a very nice, helpful gentleman who told me that back in the 50's, the original Disston Company broke up, with different divisions being sold off to different entities but he said that the Disston Company hadn't made machetes for many years, but they were made using a spring steel called 8670, made famous by the Swedish firm of Sandvik. Having been a carpenter/cabinet maker for more years than I care to remember, I'm very familiar with Sandvik handsaws. Absolutely the best I've ever used. Maybe that explains why the "Disston knife" held up so well under such torturous use. Have any of you guys ever heard of this steel or tried making a knife with it?

[El Lobo]

My avatar is a "Whisper" made by knifemaker John Greco.....of 8670 ( a non "stains less" ) Steel.
John often coats the blade to aid in corrosion resistance.
It is a knife made for a particular purpose, and I have not had call to use it.

Bill

[PA Knives]

Dewman, hey they are from PA, so you should have asked me. I could have filled you in quicker. Glad to learn some from you too though. I have a great old bill head from them

Great stuff

[Hukk]

Well....after some internet searching and a few phone calls, I answered my own question....sorta'. I contacted the Disston Company in Philidelphia, Pa. Talked to a very nice, helpful gentleman who told me that back in the 50's, the original Disston Company broke up, with different divisions being sold off to different entities but he said that the Disston Company hadn't made machetes for many years, but they were made using a spring steel called 8670, made famous by the Swedish firm of Sandvik. Having been a carpenter/cabinet maker for more years than I care to remember, I'm very familiar with Sandvik handsaws. Absolutely the best I've ever used. Maybe that explains why the "Disston knife" held up so well under such torturous use. Have any of you guys ever heard of this steel or tried making a knife with it?

I've seen heat treating recipes for Sandvik 19C27, 12C27, 13C26, and 12C27m stainless steels. D'Holder designed an 8 inch drop point hunter that was made for Canal Street Cutlery with the 19C27 stainless I have. Great knife and good steel.

[Ringmaster]

G'morning, Dewman

Was scrounging thru the Admiral catalog this a.m., comparing prices, when I ran across that 8670.

It's listed as an alternative to L-6, which is almost always associated with "sawblade steel". Very, very tough steel. I've never used it myself, but I've owned a coupla knives made with it, and it IS terrific in the edge-holding catagory. (If heat-treated properly). I dunno 'bout the 8670, but L-6 will rust while you watch it.

They both have the same elements in the makeup, and allowing for manufacturing tolerances, the percentages are just about the same. Here's the breakdown for 8670:
Carbon .64-.75, Mn .4-.6, Si .25, Cr .30-.5, Ni .7-1.0, Moly .5-1.0

L-6 is the same, with only slightly different numbers.

To tell the truth, I'd sorta "forgotten" L-6 lately - I'd be real interested to test it again, with a blade that's been cryo-treated. Hmmm....

Later, but not much
JR

[jands40]

Hi Guys,
My father was a carpenter back in the 40's and 50's back when carpenters used handsaws and he wouldn't have anything but a Disston. I occasionally sell old hand planes at our local flea market. and came upon an old Stanley with a cutter( blade) that wasn't Stanley. Removing it from the plane I could make out Henry Disston on it. First plane cutter I've seen by Disston. Had to be good steel for that purpose. Sorry I don't have any technical knowledge of the steel, but I'll bet it would make one fine knife.
Jerry

[dewman]

My avatar is a "Whisper" made by knifemaker John Greco.....of 8670 ( a non "stains less" ) Steel.
John often coats the blade to aid in corrosion resistance.
It is a knife made for a particular purpose, and I have not had call to use it.

Bill

Bill....would it be possible for you to post a picture of your "Whisper"? One big enough so we might be able to see some detail? Thanks.

Dewman

[El Lobo]

OK then,

This is the biggest one I have right now, as I lost some insurance type pictures awhile ago, and I believe this one is from his site. I hope it works alright for showing grind lines and all. It is a fast, well balanced knife. It is differentially heat treated...soft (mid 40s) at the spine, much harder (58-59) at the edge.
It rides in my vehicle like a good old friend.

Bill
P. S.
I could possibly take some more pics tomorrow, if it is important to you.

[dewman]

Thanks Bill. No need for more photos. I was just wanting to see the lines and so forth. Very nice blade, indeed. No need to ask what the intended purpose was/is. I'm very glad you've never had to "put it to use".

Dewman

[Hukk]

G'morning, Dewman

Was scrounging thru the Admiral catalog this a.m., comparing prices, when I ran across that 8670.

It's listed as an alternative to L-6, which is almost always associated with "sawblade steel". Very, very tough steel. I've never used it myself, but I've owned a coupla knives made with it, and it IS terrific in the edge-holding catagory. (If heat-treated properly). I dunno 'bout the 8670, but L-6 will rust while you watch it.

They both have the same elements in the makeup, and allowing for manufacturing tolerances, the percentages are just about the same. Here's the breakdown for 8670:
Carbon .64-.75, Mn .4-.6, Si .25, Cr .30-.5, Ni .7-1.0, Moly .5-1.0

L-6 is the same, with only slightly different numbers.

To tell the truth, I'd sorta "forgotten" L-6 lately - I'd be real interested to test it again, with a blade that's been cryo-treated. Hmmm....

Later, but not much
JR

I saw that also JR. I am going to order some down the road, Maybe. But first they better get their act together and get me my 1095 that I ordered on Oct. 12. UPS lost it, Admiral sent the invoice to my correct address and UPS sent it to an old address. Apparently Admiral put an old shipping address and have not lived up to their agreement as I see no credit and charge on the credit card I used. We are talking a big order, $522.00. I am going to see what's up.

I told them that I don't want the old shipment as it had rained for a solid 2 weeks at the end of Oct. around here. I'll be calling them shortly. Customer service sucks.