1095 and folders?

D

darkdomino

Joined
Oct 23, 2011
Messages
199
This is probably a dumb question, but I'm curious...

Why doesn't KABAR make any folders out of their 1095-crovan blade steel?
 
Probably because 1095cv is a tough steel and folders have inherent weaknesses that would negate the benefits of 1095. So they choose something that might be less expensive or have better edge retention. I'm not really aware of many folders that use carbon steel except maybe opinel.

Come to think of it, stainless is likely common in folders because they ride in pockets close to the body where corrosion can be an issue.
 
a folder with carbon steel would be horrible for the simple fact that there are too many parts you can't get to, like the small section of the blade that the frame covers where it attaches. I don't know about you but when my folder gets dirty and I wash it off I don't take extra care not to get water between the blade and the frame, or down in the frame, or anywhere, I just let it all get soaked and then dry what I can, the rest dries itself, if it were carbon steel and I washed it the same way I would have to take it apart and dry/oil the entire blade to avoid rust, what a pain.
 
]Im not sure about KA-BAR but I have many folding knives with carbon steel, mostly traditional ones. Come to think of it I have an old KA-BAR fisherman's knife in carbon steel. Actually great combination. People where making pocket knives long before stainless steels where prevalent. Just takes a little more attention in cleaning but not a pain at all. In fact I have a GEC Charlow in my pocket right now that is 1095 carbon steel and it is quickly becoming one of my favorite knives!
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Carbon steel folders have been around for a loooong time and will continue to be around when the steel of the month club dwindles.... are traditional folders for everyone.... no, especially not the common everyday user that does not care to do a little oiling on the joints or give it a decent wipe after using it. I personally love taking care of my carbon folders. Some of the old ka bar slipjoints in 1095 were great knives.
 
1095 Steel is great for folders; I have many including some GEC's that are arguably the best production folders made. Many folders are D2; folder design does not limit a tough steel's performance. If you check the traditional chat room you will find that many of us prefer carbon steel to stainless. Maintenance is minimal and once they develop or are given a patina they are not only easier to maintain but take on a character to match their toughness, edge holding and ease of sharpening.

Tom
 
I'm too negligent for that, I take care of my knives in the sense of keeping em sharp and keeping the screws tight and all that stuff but if I had to do more to a folder than clean it with water/soap and wipe it off I would find myself ruining knives.
 
One big reason is that KA-BAR, Olean NY isn't making any of these folders. They're imports from their factory in Taiwan which uses different steel on everything.

They do have a have a lineup of traditional folders in the Dogs Head line made here in the USA that I believe are 1095CV.
 
Ismellgood02 said:
so are their Taiwan folders worth owning?
Click to expand...

Anything from Ka-Bar is worth owning. Just because it's made in another country doesn't automatically make something junk. It all depends on how tight the QC is. All of the stuff made overseas by Ka-Bar still has pretty much the same quality control as the US stuff.
 
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