1095 Carbon/420 Stainless
1095 Carbon/420 Stainless
(OP)
I've got a question which is along the lines of trivia, but maybe someone can provide some input:
The military's M9 bayonet is made from 420 Stainless, while the older M7 bayonet is 1095 Carbon steel. What are the relative merits of each in this particular application, and would one be superior to the other as far as toughness, edge-holding, etc.?
The military's M9 bayonet is made from 420 Stainless, while the older M7 bayonet is 1095 Carbon steel. What are the relative merits of each in this particular application, and would one be superior to the other as far as toughness, edge-holding, etc.?





RE: 1095 Carbon/420 Stainless
The 1095 CS is a plain high carbon steel that will hold a nice edge and will rust readily.
The 420 SS is a martensitic stainless steel high carbon and also high chrome. It is considered a SS steel though it will rust if not taken care of properly, but would be an order of magnitude better than 1095 CS in respect to rusting or corrosion from cutting different materials.
Both steels in their hardest state are somewhat britte and have to be heat treated in way to increase ductility I would think a requirement for a bayonet
There were also several surface treatments given to both materials to improve their corrosion resistance.
Here is link that I got from my brother as he has several bayonets in his collection.
http://www.usbayonet.com
RE: 1095 Carbon/420 Stainless
RE: 1095 Carbon/420 Stainless
Good knife blades are 440C. More Cr and C. Harder, tougher and more corrosion resistant. They still can't be honed as sharp as a 1095 razor. But they sure hold up in service a lot better.
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Corrosion never sleeps, but it can be slowed down.
RE: 1095 Carbon/420 Stainless