knife steel question?
 

I spotted a benchmade knife I like the looks of for the bug out bag and also hunting/Camping. Its made of 440c steel.

Is 440c steel good?

I like knives stupid sharp and holding the edge.

I will not end up lifting cars or prying trains apart with my knife so it doesn't have to be a Battle Mistress or swamp rat.

So what do you know about this type of steel?

E-A

Re: knife steel question?
 

I am no expert, nor am directly knowledgeable on this, but...

Of the 440's, "c" type (of A, B, C varieties) is considered the best. IIRC the carbon content changes as you mark the alphabet. "A" is better at resisting rust, and would be appropriate for camp knives and pig stickers. Aus 4, 6, and 8 are kinda in the same vein.... "C" and "8" are supposed to hold an edge better, but suffer from abuse.
Then you get into the heat treatment aspect of things where a 440A can touch a 440C...
Knife snobs will clobber you for not buying carbon tool steel super whammodyne 8 zillion dollar knives.
I looked into all of this heavily once and came away more pissed off than anything, especially concerning all the "experts'" assertions that one is better than another.
I've come to buying what I like, and kick ass at sharpening my blades (and getting better at it, too)
Cheap or expensive, a dull knife is like an empty gun.
Good luck, and enjoy.
Benchmades have a really good reputation, BTW. You should come out well.:applause_

Re: knife steel question?
 

Benchmade is a very respectable manufacturer of knives.
My personal favorite is a Cold Steel Recon Scout.
I've never been able to get an edge to compare to this 12 1/2", 15oz. beauty.
http://www.trueswords.com/images/pro...TCS37C_540.jpg
http://www.coldsteel.com/39lrs.html

Re: knife steel question?
 

This looks like a great knife but large.

I want something with about a 4" blade with some belly and sharp.

I appreciate both responses it kind of verifies my positions so far.

Thanks

E-A

Re: knife steel question?
 

Looking at the Benchmade 10502----its the drop point on the right.

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Thanks

E-A
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Re: knife steel question?
 

Oh, you just want to carve pumpkins :D
This perfectly weighted bone slasher is for a different purpose. :tongue_ma:

Re: knife steel question?
 

Pumpkins----HAHAHAHAH

No just looking for something smaller than a foot long.

E-A

Re: knife steel question?
 

I liked the Cold Steel SRK in Carbon V but they changed it to AUS8 which seems like it wouldn't sharpen up like the Recon or other CarbonV blades.

E-A

Re: knife steel question?
 

One of the best knives i have .
i got in thailand during the war..
it was made from a leaf spring (truck,car.?)
carbon steel for sure,,and if you use it ,,clean it,and
oil it..
but for holding a edge s**t,,you cannot do better
.in the past ,,,,,,,,,,,,one time for a grin,,i did shave with it
and it worked well.....
stainless (had a bunch) can not ,at
least in my thoughts ,,,,,,hold to carbon steel..
live long and prosper..
Dusty:D:D

Re: knife steel question?
 

Check out the nightshade series, the new FGX Battle Ring in particular.
These are undectable fiberglass reinforced plastic.
I might have to grab one to throw in my saddle bag. Only $9.99!
http://csstoreonline.stores.yahoo.net/nise.html

Check these holding positions
http://lib.store.yahoo.net/lib/cssto...sitionsbig.jpg

Re: knife steel question?
 

440c steel is high quality.

Re: knife steel question?
 

Benchmade Griptillian's made with D2 steel in foldable & fixed models at Cabella's. I like mine.

Re: knife steel question?
 

I wouldn't have a stainless steel knife if it was given to me, you won't find one in my kit or my kitchen. I want spring steel I could sharpen in a couple minutes on a handy rock in a pinch. Carry a 3 1/4" Ranger folder with the side panels stripped off.

Re: knife steel question?
 

if you get caught with one of those things try explaining it to the TSA goons or such like. or worse yet if you have to shank somebody and get caught and have to go on trial imagine the field day the persecutor would have with it.

I like my knives sharp and bland and as much like a mere tool as possible. and I like to be able to ditch em in a flash without a second thought. box cutters fit the bill more often then not, or a cheapie from walmart. use em, lose em, abuse em, high utility and low cost.

Re: knife steel question?
 

440 is an industry standard, and is good.

Re: knife steel question?
 

last post ,this thread.unless..
stainless..low maint..rusting.
no..
carbon steel..
holding a edge..
best..
maint rusting high
ease of renewing edge.
carbon..cool.
other ,not cool.
think abe it ,,,,,any good tool ,,worth a dam..
will take some attn..
there is no use and forget..
unless you ues it and throw it ..
carbon...rules..
D.:D:D:D:D:D

Re: knife steel question?
 

I've been surprised at the differences in 440c, some good some bad. I think they're mediocre, but it's economical and so easy to keep around without maintainence.

Spring steels, etc, are by far the best, what are they 1095 carbon? Different types of steel also have quirks from the slipperyness and grain structure. Carbon does well since it gets to a fine edge and grabs due to the sub-micro saw-like grain of it. Stainless seems to get rounded over and smooth, slippery like bone, so don't grab the same. AUS is again different, one I have doesn't cut unless it's dragged over the surface--then cuts brilliantly. The same was said for katana, etc, where it's crucial to have a stroking cut.

For myself? Any will do. I agree that knives tend to get abused, broken, lost, sharpened away and it doesn't pay to be too precious about them. Any reenactment steel patch knife is fine, any Victronox, but I like the RAT-5, RATK series, or the CRKT M16, etc. Benchmades are excellent, but if it's a 3" blade, why not just get a Victronox? It gets you other tools for no appreciable weight, also 440c (I think).

Knives also depend on your real purpose. Everyday, everything, or skinning birds, moose, diving, killing men, cooking, carving, etc. You absolutely have to know what it's for first.

TS