Let's Talk Knives

Just got it. So far I really like it.

 

That’s one of the few brands I haven’t gotten my hands on yet. They look like they’re beasts.

 

It's action is very smooth. The auto works very well and has great fit and finish. The blade is fairly thick but the knife is surprisingly fairly light weight overall.

 

Maybe I asked this before but for you guys that have been around the block and don’t mind sharing your experience and knowledge

when it comes to purchasing a knife, specifically one for EDC and one for the truck or woods
What type a blade material should you look for?

what is considered subpar material all the way to top tier ?

It’s the blade that makes the knife right?

 

This is a great question and a difficult one to answer. Yep, ‘the blade makes the knife’
I’ll start out with some simple stuff. The “blade” is primarily 3 critical things: the steel, the heat treatment and the edge profile.
Knife steels are evaluated by a pretty long list of criteria
Ease of sharpening
Ease of heat treatment
Ability to hold an edge
Resistance to chipping
Strength
Resistance to corrosion
Toughness
Etc.
Selection of the best knife is largely dependent on the intended use.

 

https://www.bladehq.com/blog/knife-steel-guide/

Here’s a pretty lengthy article about knife steel. Lots of interesting information but maybe more than you want…

the knives I make are all multi layered Damascus, so I mix my carbon steel with different steels with different alloys. I use:
1080
1084
1095
Super White 1
5160 (most leaf and coil springs)
W2
52100 (most bearings;ball,needle,roller,)
Super Blue 1
M2 (most HS drill bits)
15n20
And some powdered steels

 

Thanks @Voss !!!!
Beaver craft

 

I have well over a hundred knives, and to be honest I can’t tell a ton of difference between the blade steel. I do have a few low end ones that clearly have substandard blades and are really hard to sharpen. For the most part though, once you get into the quality brands there’s minimal difference.
Except for Hinderer. Their blades are shit.

 

Thank you!!! @FrenchToasty

 

You are speaking truth there. I have argued many times that ideal heat treatment and an edge profile that is properly suited to the job will trump most variables in modern alloy carbon steel, every day.
Another thing is that most carbon alloy steel is superior to most stainless steel in every respect except corrosion resistance.

 

How long have you had this? Any chance yet to put it to work and form an opinion? The replaceable blade concept is very cool

 

Will you marry me?

 

Not sure how much the replacements are, but that’s definitely a huge turn on!

 

I’ve carried a Havalon for years in my kill kit. That one looks nice and light, but god help you find it if you set it down in the leaves and fur while field-caping an animal!

 

And that, my dear friend, is exactly why I put this outrageous colored paracord lanyard on this mushroom knife!

 

Noted. Don’t put it down

 

Just got it recently. Only tested on stuff around the house, it’s razor sharp. Super cool

 

Here’s a couple new releases that are interesting tweaks to the old box cutters.
Both are made in china, I believe.
Gerber Prybrid and Coastal DX126 The utility knife blades are not well suited for a lot of things but they are very cheap!

 

I like the look of the Gerber one though I don't think it's worth the $30 they're asking for it. My Milwaukee Fastback Compact will provide a better grip and do pretty much the same thing for half the price. Just can't pry with it, and honestly who really is with these tiny tools?

 

You nailed it. Not gonna be my first choice for a pry bar! I’ve had limited success with most aftermarket box cutters.

 

Couple of higher end “box cutters” if you will

hawk shortcut



chaves Facebook group just released this one as well

 

now that is some coin.. i looked it up out of curiosity..
i have been following this thread and i have recently made a purchase. once it gets in i will see if i like it and make a post

 

Have we talked knife storage yet? How do you guys with larger and/or more expensive collections store and display your knives?

I know pelican type cases are popular, but that's a bit overkill for my stuff especially since I'm not strapping the box of knives to my overland rig. I've thought of something like a toolbox kind of like this, which I'm leaning towards since I can integrate my edc stuff too.

 

I’m curious about this also. There’s some clear acrylic cases available, that can be wall mounted. Maybe something like this

 

https://www.holmeandhadfield.com/products/the-armada

These guys make excellent storage/display cases

 

I got a box that’s designed to be a wall mounted baseball card display and added some knife holders. It holds most of the collection.

 

Today’s carry.

 

Yes, those are very nice. I wish they’d done something other than the acrylic lid though. Seems out of place with the quality of the rest of it.