0170-6C Or ATS-34

[Mitchell Knives]

Which is the better steel? I want somethng that will take a good edge and hold it a long time without being a pain to sharpen. I know that Camillus is the only company using 0170-6C right now. I was thinking about getting the smaller CQB sometime next month, but didn't know what steel I should order it in. Suggestions please. Thanks.

 

[Keith Montgomery]

I don't know much about this steel other than what I have read. Becker knives have a good reputation for being high value, tough knives.

You aren't likely to see other manufacturers using this steel as it is exclusive to Camillus.

 

[Bart student]

You're comparing a stainless steel to a carbon steel... they're not really in the same league.

ATS-34 is a good tough stainless steel which has a good edge retention.

0170-6C is a much tougher alloy which will hold an edge much better at the cost of corrosion resistance.

The only main decision factor is maintenance. Are you willing to care for a blade more then you would care for a ATS-34 blade ?

Greetz and take care, bart.

 

[Danbo]

Bart nailed it on the head. If you dont mind keeping your knife wiped down and oiled, the O170-C will take a sharper edge and hold it longer. Really, in this case, the only advantage ATS34 has is the anti corrosion factor. Otherwise, the O170-C beats it in all other catagories.

 

[frank k]

I think the edge holding of the two steels is roughly similar, at least at similar hardness levels.
ATS 34 has the advantage of being stainless.
0170-C is tougher and should be a little easier to sharpen.