Tyrant Bowie Prototype Run- Z Tuff

Currawong said:
That's surprisingly good. I was expecting great toughness but not that kind of edge retention as well.
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Z tuff's real life edge retention is much better than the CATRA data or its vanadium content would suggest.

I think there is REALLY something to these steels that can maintain toughness at high hardness.

While CATRA data has perfectly consistent pressure and media, real life cuts are much more messy and unpredictable. Hard media, weird angles, high pressure etc.. all cause damage to edges that may get through CATRA testing just fine.

Steels that have higher alloy content but lower toughness may experience micro chipping while slicing through different media and can sustain real damage when hitting hard objects (staples, bones etcs..)

It seems like high hardness + chart topping toughness really maintains the integrity of the edge in real life use.

Im very excited to test CPM 1V and see how it performs (If I can get any with Crucible no longer in business)

In my book, Z tuff and 3V are the current kings for any big knife that sees hard use.

Edit: Also wanted to share some other observations about Z tuff
1. It grinds differently than other steels. When I grind Z Tuff, it forms these really crazy curly cues like how wood curls when you are carving a feather stick. All other steels just make dust. I think its the nickel content. I end up with a bunch of what is basically steel wool instead of powdery dust.
2. Its really difficult to stonewash and doesnt take much damage in the tumbler. I put a sharpened blade in once and to much surprise and shock it was not very dull when it came out and hour later. All other sharpened blades Ive put in the tumbler take way more damage and lose quite a bit of their edge.
3. According to my machinist, Z tuff is 3-4X harder on endmills than 52100 or AEBL, which according to CATRA data, have very similar edge retention.
4. Its really, really, really tough to strop. Those burrs dont want to detach. Again, probably the nickel.
5. Nearly impossible to drill. Need carbide bits
 
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SwarthyGnome said:
What is the status of the turn around at this time?
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We are behind schedule. We had a small tooling error on the Z Tuff batch and had to remake it which really sucked.

Right now its looking like the 3V blades will be completed first. They will be done at the mill by the end of next week and going to HT.

Scales will be ready next week as well.

I'd say the 3V batch will be back from HT and ready to ship in 2-3 weeks.

Z tuff will be lagging a week behind.

I apologize to everyone for the delay. Its very important to me that things are done on time but in manufacturing, even when you have everything dialed in, mistakes happen and there's no edit undo button.
 
What happens to the rejected blades? Do they get made into another smaller blade?
 
SharpBits said:
Great news! Well, not great for you, but at least you can recoup some of the expenses.
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They will still make great knives:thumbsup:

Also a reminder that making knives like this is ain't easy. There's only been a handful of production knife models ever made with similar specs to the Tyrant Bowie and for good reason. Big knives+ super steel= a serious challenge even for experienced people.

I'm so thankful for my machinist. He's an absolute legend. I don't think there's anyone else out there who would have been willing to do this extreme of a project and he friggin nailed it.

The Tyrant Bowie really is next level. The size, the blade shape, the swedge, the fit and finish, you guys are going to be blown away.
 
Just arrived in the mail this morning. This thing is truly awesome, Hunter. Had to try it out immediately.

i-QF22mbt-X3.jpg


Size comparison to CPK Shiv

i-FshJHK6-X3.jpg


Making fire starter shingles. Love the fact that the swedge still has enough area for the baton.

i-Tm7rWQQ-X3.jpg


i-RxqMNhK-X3.jpg


Very happy about the prototype’s scales. I feel smart for picking the thicker ones :)

i-z3FMH2P-X3.jpg


i-V2nW5Sb-X3.jpg


Finish is great, too. Wipes clean with a little oil … like new again :)

i-85KVkDJ-X3.jpg


Thanks a lot for this one, Hunter !

Roland.
 
ferider said:
Just arrived in the mail this morning. This thing is truly awesome, Hunter. Had to try it out immediately.

i-QF22mbt-X3.jpg


Size comparison to CPK Shiv

i-FshJHK6-X3.jpg


Making fire starter shingles. Love the fact that the swedge still has enough area for the baton.

i-Tm7rWQQ-X3.jpg


i-RxqMNhK-X3.jpg


Very happy about the prototype’s scales. I feel smart for picking the thicker ones :)

i-z3FMH2P-X3.jpg


i-V2nW5Sb-X3.jpg


Finish is great, too. Wipes clean with a little oil … like new again :)

i-85KVkDJ-X3.jpg


Thanks a lot for this one, Hunter !

Roland.
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Man, I got a little emotional seeing this post. I've been working on this design for so long. Its really amazing to open up the forum and see one in the wild.
 
This person did a test comparison with some steels and it looks like Z Tuff did slightly better than CPM 3V. Have you done a test comparison between Z Tuff and CPM 3V before?
 
kevo711 said:
This person did a test comparison with some steels and it looks like Z Tuff did slightly better than CPM 3V. Have you done a test comparison between Z Tuff and CPM 3V before?
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I have not done a head to head but I will once the 3V bowies come in. I'm curious myself how they stack up in real world use. All I know is that the CATRA data for Z Tuff does not reflect real life edge retention.

With my HT, I'm confident 3V will still comfortably come out on top because of the extra 1.75% vanadium.

Looks like in the video the 3V was run way soft at 58.5. Also, we don't know what HT protocol was used on either. I'm guessing from the data, the 1000F temper was probably used on both the 3V and Z Tuff. Finally, 1000 grit is not the ideal edge for either steel. Lots of variables at play.

I'll do a cut test as soon as the 3V blanks are back and see how Z Tuff and 3V stack up in the same knife with optimal HT and the same hardness.
 
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