[GENTLEMAN OF THE CHARCOAL]

Several weeks ago I posted on here about a knife I bought and that the only mark on it was the word 'MAGNUM'. That was it. I got an e-mail back today in response to the one I told HSO I was sending. It wasn't just an e-mail. This thing was as long as a chapter in the Holy Bible. They told me that I could rest in complete assurance that the Magnum I was in receipt of is 'C' on the temper scale..I have a question for anyone who know's..Is 'C' good or is it brittle?. I have a steel guide here but hell, I don't really know how to interpret it that well..I tried to post a photograph of the knife and this long assed e-mail (from BOKER) but the photographs just whited out. I might try again tomorrow..Thanks in advance for any help....PS-HSO, if you read this sir, please bear in mind that I told you that the 'folder' that came with it also stated that it was 440 C.. Do I have a knife here or just a piece of shiny tin fit only to slice bologna for a sandwich? It sure is pretty and is balanced good and very very sharp..Please help me if you can. Mail said it has excellent edge retention....

[Black Toe Knives]

440C is a very respectable steel. It Rockwell at about 57-59 RC, which is above average but not to hard to be brittle or hard to sharpen. 440c was the first of the Super Steels. You have a very nice knife, use and enjoy it.

[hso]

For everyone's edification - http://thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=542868
http://www.swordsswords.com/images/products/display/Boker_Magnum_Giant_Bowie_Knife.jpg

If they tell you that the blade if 440C then you're in good shape.

As Jim says, 440C is a perfectly respectable blade steel. Properly heat treated it is a great blade steel regardless of all the current affection for "super steels".

Not sure what "C" on a "temper scale" means. Without providing a Rockwell Hardness number I don't know how to interpret that.

[GENTLEMAN OF THE CHARCOAL]

First, thank you HSO and Black Toe for responding to my request for help..HSO, it did NOT use the words 'C on the temper scale'.. 'Temper scale' was my words. They just assured me that it was 440C...I am having trouble getting the pictures. I have a good camera and I have tried it under 'flash on', 'auto flash when needed', and 'flash off'..I know it's the lighting in here that's doing it, but I will get it sooner or later. I also want to post a photo of the 'Certificate of Authenticity' that's come's with the USMC Case XX....Again, thank both of you for your help..NOTICE!! I have checked out similiar Boker blades on the internet and several of the knives that are a lot like mine sell for much more than the man who sold me mine had this one priced for. I drove to his place and asked him about it and he told me that he get's a lot of knives at a time and has for years and get's a good discount and can therefore sell them cheaper and still make money. Also, that while they're in the store they buy cigarettes, or gasoline or a couple of sandwiches or whatnot so he make's a little money on those items to..I realize this is a long post but I wanted to thank both of you and explain how the situation is..Both of you stay safe and warm and have a good day..Stan....

[hso]

The easy way to get reasonable pictures is to set the camera on something stable so that it can "see" what it is going to take a picture of. Set the flash "OFF" and the rest to auto. Set the timer to ~10 seconds as if you were going to rush around from behind the camera to get into the picture so that any vibration has a chance to dampen and then just push the button. Try to have enough natural lighting on the scene/object so that the camera doesn't just sit there gathering all the photons it needs. When the little critter is done you should have a picture that you can post.

[T.R.]

I carry a sow belly stockman knife by MAGNUM. It'd easily within the same quality as Case or Queen but cost is much less.

The friendly folks at BOKER explained how they sell these quality knives (MAGNUM) at such low prices:

- stainless steel is made in Germany, Spain, and Taiwan

- handle materials are made in Spain, Argentina and China

- final assembly in China

At one time, BOKER had a factory in New York. But apparently it closed; I don't know the details.

TR