Steel Question

[Sir Patrick]

I've got an old Del Tin 2163 two-hand Scottish claymore that I purchased from MRL back in the early '90s.  My blade is Krupp CK-55 carbon steel, but I've noticed the newer version has a blade made of Chrome-Vanadium steel (not to mention a twisted, leather-wrapped handle, as oppossed to my smooth, hardwood one).  Does anyone know what the differences in the steel are, and if one is better than the other?

The newer version can be found here:  http://www.kultofathena.com/product.asp?item=DT2163&name=Del+Tin+Scottish+Two+Hand+Claymore

[Sir Wolf]

sorry, can't help ya with this one.

[Sir Edward]

Yeah, I really haven't kept up with Del Tin, I'm afraid. I really don't know if they've changed the type of steel they use over the years.

[Sir William]

This page from Sword Forum Magazine should give you something to start with:

http://swordforum.com/metallurgy/gradesofsteel.html

Not super in depth but it does make mention of all of the known steel combinations as well as their relative efficacies.  According to them, CK55 (Krupp) is the Euro equivalent of AISI 1055...basically means its good steel for a sword.

[Sir Patrick]

Thanks for the link Paladin!  Looks like Chromium-vandium is 50CRV4 steel, and has stainless properties, but not brittle like true stainless.  This info came straight from Fulvio Del Tin, to boot!  Looks like my blade is a notch better on their steel grading chart than the newer version.

[Sir William]

I'd say so...hard to find Krupp55 pieces anymore...I want to say they were exclusive to Del Tin but that's only because I've only ever seen his swords advertised as such; and older Windlass swords (which were actually Del Tins rebadged if I'm not mistaken).