1084 for a small edc?

Bigfattyt

Bigfattyt

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What do you guys think of differentially heat treated (clay coated with hammon) 1084 in a small EDC type blade.
3 1/4 inch. How is the edge retention of that steel (assuming a good heat treat and temper). How does it do for strength (not that it will see any real abuse or prying etc).

And how is the rust factor (for example if carried in a leather sheath in the pocket of a sweaty, possibly ugly man?)
 
Works for me!

Rust factor is high, just like 1095 or any other carbon steel. It WILL rust if you get it wet and don't keep it dry. Period.

Strength and edge retention-wise, it seems to perform pretty much identical to 1095 from what I can tell, so makes for a good EDC...takes a good edge and sharpens easilly.

Here are a few I did in 1084:

1.jpg

1.jpg
 
Bigfattyt said:
What do you guys think of differentially heat treated (clay coated with hammon) 1084 in a small EDC type blade.
3 1/4 inch. How is the edge retention of that steel (assuming a good heat treat and temper). How does it do for strength (not that it will see any real abuse or prying etc).

And how is the rust factor (for example if carried in a leather sheath in the pocket of a sweaty, possibly ugly man?)
Click to expand...


A hamon will add nothing, and even lose some, for strength (the ability to resist bending), after all how good is a pry bar that bends? The hamon will add ductility which will increase toughness so it could handle sudden loading like heavy impact well, but that is not of much consequence in a knife of that size. So this leaves visual appeal, and I think it would look really nice if it were in proportion with the dimensions of the blade.

As for the steels themselves, the 1084 will show a slight advantage in toughness but no edge holding over 1095. There should be no nocticeable difference in corrosion resistance- they are both going to rust.
 
I use it on my halibut knives. It works well. I clay coat because I like the looks of the hamon, not for any other reason on a knife that small. I will see if I can find a pic.

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=553912
couldnt find the pic in my files, but here is a thread with the halibut. If you scroll down, there is a picture of the knife in hand that really shows the hamon.
 
I use a lot of 1084 and really like working with it. I think you'll have a nice EDC out of it, as long as it's taken care of.

Hamon could look cool - on a knife like this, I don't think it would add, nor detract, because it really shouldn't be going through a lot of hardcore "trials". I've carried a cheap stainless pocket knife for 8 or 9 years with a 1/16" blade that would surely snap if I pushed hard enough with my thumb. I just don't push that hard on the knife and have never needed to.

I think you should go for it - if you don't like it you can send it to me.
 
Thanks for the replies.

Bailey and Schott, I love both of your designs. Those EDC's are exactly what I was thinking about.
 
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