Alloy selection is one of the really fun things that metallurgist get to do. We have the opportunity to choose from everything ever cataloged. Let somebody else try to find it and work it. My favorite is Unobtanium. Seriously, anyone can buy good alloy steel, shape it and have it professionally heat treated to get a fine tool. It is left to the smith to take a worn out, rust-pitted part that fell off of a 1962 International, forge it with style and grace, heat treat it BY HEATING IT TO NON-MAGNETIC (:-)), quenching it in dirty green water, brushing it up and waxing to a high shine, and putting it to work for about 20 years!
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