The California San Mai Billet #11 is a premium multilayer steel blank designed for crafting high-performance custom knives.
The core is made from forged Vanadis 10 high-carbon steel, known for exceptional wear resistance, edge retention, and toughness. This advanced tool steel contains a high concentration of vanadium carbides, making it ideal for premium cutting tools.
The billet is hand-forged using traditional power hammers, ensuring a dense structure and strong metallurgical bonding between layers.
The outer cladding consists of AISI 420 stainless steel and nickel, creating both corrosion resistance and a beautiful layered pattern. The billet contains 64 layers, producing a striking San Mai appearance once etched.
The hardened core reaches approximately 65 HRC, providing excellent edge performance for high-end knives.
Each billet is fully handmade, making every piece unique and suitable for professional bladesmiths and knife enthusiasts seeking premium materials.
Core Steel Composition (Vanadis 10)
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Carbon (C): 2.9%
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Chromium (Cr): 8%
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Vanadium (V): 9.8%
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Molybdenum (Mo): 1.5%
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Silicon (Si): 0.5%
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Tungsten (W): 0.33%
Construction
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Core: Vanadis 10 high-carbon steel
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Cladding: AISI 420 stainless steel + nickel
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Layers: 64
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Core hardness: ~65 HRC
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Manufacturing: Hand-forged
Perfect for crafting premium kitchen knives, hunting knives, and custom collector blades.
