Sniper X
Member
So if you were to explain the costs and benefits of both 440 stainless, and carbon steel in a hunting / camping knife how would you go about it?
Quick steel question
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rcmodel
Member in memoriam
Assuming equal blade & edge designs.
440C = harder to sharpen - rustproof - won't hold an edge as well.
Carbon = tarnishes / rusts if not maintained.
rc
440C = harder to sharpen - rustproof - won't hold an edge as well.
Carbon = tarnishes / rusts if not maintained.
rc
Probably talking 440A, which is usually soft enough to be just as easy to sharpen as a carbon steel knife, but the edge holding is definitely worse.
Carbon steel is also potentially cheaper, especially if you get something like a Douk-douk or Opinel. 99% of the stainless blades in the same price range are going to be 420J2 junk.
Carbon steel is also potentially cheaper, especially if you get something like a Douk-douk or Opinel. 99% of the stainless blades in the same price range are going to be 420J2 junk.
JTW Jr.
Member
1/8" thick x 1 1/2" wide by 3 foot long:
440C = $22
1095 = $9.00
(*compared to 154CM at $40 , S30v at $63 )
440C actually will hold an edge really well if HT'd properly.Maybe not the idea camping knife for chopping , but done right , it will give you plenty of service , as will 1095 , 1080 or 52100.
440C = $22
1095 = $9.00
(*compared to 154CM at $40 , S30v at $63 )
440C actually will hold an edge really well if HT'd properly.Maybe not the idea camping knife for chopping , but done right , it will give you plenty of service , as will 1095 , 1080 or 52100.
bikerdoc
Moderator In Memoriam
Steel is only as good as the heat treatment. then you add the geometry of the blade, and your sharpening skills then you can make a judgement.
Stay away from 440A, 440B, and most offshore stuff.
IMO, YMMV
Stay away from 440A, 440B, and most offshore stuff.
IMO, YMMV
Sniper X
Member
What would be a good carbon hunter in a 5 1/2 in blade for under about $125.00 or so? Say clip or drop point?
James T Thomas
Member
Stainless Goodness
JTW Jr:
I have a Puma Hunter II; made in Solingen, Germany.
From 440C -I believe. It has a heat treat, and the Brinnel indentation to prove it.
It is a good blade.
JTW Jr:
I have a Puma Hunter II; made in Solingen, Germany.
From 440C -I believe. It has a heat treat, and the Brinnel indentation to prove it.
It is a good blade.
I have three Benchmade knives, one in 440, one in 154CM, and one in S30V (Griptilian, Ares, and Switchback, respectively). I think edge geometry played a bigger factor than steel, except perhaps the one in S30V... never used that one much as it was a little too delicate for my tastes, but i'll tell you what, that steel is a PAIN to sharpen. takes forever...(so, i suppose it also takes a while to dull...)
the knife in 154CM cuts better than the 440, but i have it sharpened to a 38 degree edge as opposed to a 44 degree on the 440 steel...
FWIW... haven't used either the Griptilian or Switchback in years, though. i LOVE the Ares. too bad it's discontinued.
For a simple camp chore knife, i'd go with the carbon steel knife. if you're gonna be, say, on a saltwater fishing boat, go with the 440.
TMM
the knife in 154CM cuts better than the 440, but i have it sharpened to a 38 degree edge as opposed to a 44 degree on the 440 steel...
FWIW... haven't used either the Griptilian or Switchback in years, though. i LOVE the Ares. too bad it's discontinued.
For a simple camp chore knife, i'd go with the carbon steel knife. if you're gonna be, say, on a saltwater fishing boat, go with the 440.
TMM
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