Why does everyone keep using 4140 for everything?

I keep seeing folks online and at the shop reaching for 4140 for simple tools like punches and chisels. Over at the Tri-State Forge meetup last month, three guys told me it was the best all-around steel, but I think 1095 does a better job for hand tools that need a hard edge. 4140 is tough, sure, but I have had more consistent results with 1095 after heat treating at 1475 degrees F. Has anyone else found 1095 holds an edge longer for everyday striking tools?

2 comments

2 Comments

karen2755d ago

That part about "only pulls them out for rough work where he might chip a tool" really got me thinking. You ever notice how people treat 4140 like it's some kind of safety net for when they're beating on something nasty? I get it, toughness matters, but if you're constantly sharpening, what's the point of even having that extra toughness? How much actual abuse are you seeing where 1095 chips out on you compared to 4140?

olivia5735d ago

My buddy down at the shop tried 4140 for a set of cold chisels and was sharpening them every few strikes. He switched to 1095 after I told him what you said about that heat treat temp, and now he says they hold an edge twice as long before needing a touch up. He's still got the 4140 ones sitting in a drawer, and he only pulls them out for rough work where he might chip a tool.