High-carbon steels

[Combat-wombat]

What do you think about the 1050, 1090, etc. series of high-carbon steels? Do they hold an edge well? Will they resist corrosion? I have seen that many utility knives are made with this, but I have no experience with it.
Also, the Becker knife I am looking at is made of "0170-6C". Is that good?

 

[mete]

Carbon steels do not resist corrosion. The last two numbers of the plain carbon steels ( 10xx) is the carbon content, such as 1095 has .95% carbon. For edge retention you want about .80-1.00% C. The 0170-6C is (also the Cold Steel carbon V ) another name for 50100 modified. This contains 1% C and some chromium. For a utility knife you can't beat the Becker series . I recently bought a BK-7 after hearing many, many good comments about the knife. It has a great reputation as a tough durable knife that holds an edge well. The blade is coated leaving only the cutting edge to have any rust problem.

 

[SteelyDan]

You may want to check out this link:

http://www.bladeforums.com/features/faqsteel.shtml

It's a great starting point.

 

[CWL]

Every knife I've ever purchased was based on the design, function and knifemaker, not on the steel used in the blade. Couldn't tell you what's in them beyond stainless or not stainless. I leave it up to the skills of the knifemaker or company to choose the proper steel in a blade. Types of steels come and go in popularity, just like anything else. What's in vogue today will be replaced by something else tomorrow, but good knives, properly made and heat-treated will last several lifetimes. Choose a good brand/knifemaker, they will always stand behind thier products.

 

[Red Dragon]

as mentioned before, carbon steel does not resist corrosion, it is recommended that any blades made of carbon steel are occasionally oiled to prevent said corrosion from happening. I agree that the best edge holders are 1080 or better, though what you may see more commonly in swords and knives is 1040-1060. at least that has been my experience.

 

[Guyon]

Also see: http://www.agrussell.com/rec.knives/steel.html

I've been pretty impressed with Cold Steel's "Carbon V," which this site also says is the same as 0170-6. Takes a great edge. Stayed sharp after dressing a deer last year.

 

[45R]

CW-
Just get a Benchmade And your worries will all be over

45R