Re: Pocket pick V3 - History of the pocket pick.
mastersmith wrote:This is way out of my field, but, a little check looks to me something like this; Precision doesn't even offer specs on 316 as a tempered product. It is listed as corrosion resistant. 301 is offered in several variants, 1/4 hard, 1/2 hard, etc. up to full hard. Each of these are spec'd out. I wonder if the company you used just gave you some really bad advice? You may want to go back to them and get some rational for them telling you this was the hardest they have. If it is, maybe they are not the right company to be making your blanks. It looks to me like they were in no position to recommend a steel to you. Okay, that's my thoughts as it is. Good luck on getting this worked out.
I agree. I'm basically giving them a chance to save face. If they can get the metal I require and somewhat of a discount then I'll use them again. Since the work itself was excellent. If not I'll try someone else. I'm still figuring it all out myself.
Just thought I would document it here for everyone else's benefit. I know about 316 not being hardened or even harden able. But a few posts of people claiming they prefer it to make picks out of made me think it would be acceptable. I should have asked for a sample before dropping them money down on it. But, live and learn.
Most people would just sell these anyways. I have seen worse picks sold on ebay. And to be honest isn't only a tiny bit softer than sparrows. (IMHO sparrows is too soft).
But I care too much about my product to let something g like this out to the public.