440 Stainless

Q

QuietBearr

Joined
Mar 12, 2009
Messages
51
OK, so I have noticed that on some cheaper knives, they don't say what type of 440 they use.

They say 440 stainless steel.

So, what I want to know is, what type of 440 are they using. I would assume it is the cheapest form of 440.

So, when a knife says 440 stainless, are they saying its 440 a, b, c, or f?

Or is there a 440 stainless then also 440 a, b, c, and f making there 5 types of 440? Or are they just to cheap to buy the 'c' stamp when they are making the stamp?

I assume that they likely mean 440c when they say 440 stainless, but I then read:

"NOTE: Some rip-off companies only put "440 STAINLESS STEEL" on their products, but neglect to say whether it's 440A, B, or C. Since 440C is the most qualitative of the lot, they just say "440" and lean on the popularity of 440C, which is dishonest."
Click to expand...

Which leads me to believe maybe it is not?

Anyone know anything on this?
 
If the type of 440 is not stated, you're pretty much always correct in assuming that it's 440A.
 
440A is the lowest quality of A, B or C. If they say just 440, you can be pretty sure it is 440A.
 
As already stated, if it is 440C is will almost always be marked as such. Otherwise it is probably 440A or B. Only the manufacturer can tell you which if they are honest about it.

440B is not a bad steel, there are just better steels. Randall has used 440B for years and have earned a good reputation for thier knives as have other manufactureres.

Even 440A has it's place where rust resistance is the primary consideration such as in a dive knife.

The main drawback of 440 A and B is the lack of wear resistance but they are very tough in terms of resisting breaking or chipping. IMHO too much emphasis is put on Rockwell hardness for knives. Harder does not always = better.

To directly answer your question, ask the manufacturer. The less they want to tell, the more they are trying to hide cheap steel. And, of course, how it is heat treated makes a huge difference.
 
Yea, thanks for the replies, I will assume from here on out if they dont want to say it is most likely 440a.

The specific knife I was refering to is the Elk Ridge Hunter with Wooden Scales (the ER017 not the ER012).

Anyway, thanks all!

As for edge retention, I dont mind sharpening my knives frequently, and in fact I enjoy sharpening, in addition, this knife I am buying is more for collection purposes and looks than actual utility, so edge retention is not as important.
 
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