440a

Nice, but on folders you can get something better edge taking and more edge holding at this price range. On fixed i would always look for something tougher means non stainless.

Which knife do you look at?
 
easy to sharpen (much like aus-6), edge retention, not as good as aus-8, or nearly as good as 440c, but it is fairly good when you talk about "stainless" properties.
 
440a is a good kitchen knife steel, but metallurgy has improved quite a bit in the last decade for more high performance knives. :cool:
 
Depends on who heat treated it and how good it was. That and the blade profile are more important than the type of steel.

Buck uses 425 but the heat treat is beyond reproach. I had a Gerber LST made of 440a and in day to day use it did just fine. I don't use the knife anymore but thats because I just prefer a good carbon steel for an edc. But I'm also well served by my Victorinox soldier. Victorinox uses a steel many of the steel snobs like to knock, but you don't stay in business over a hundred years and have world wide popularity without doing something right.

Don't get too hung up on the type of steel, if you like the knife and it will work for you then go with it.
 
Since you can get a knife in VG10 for under $40, I just don't think I'd ever go for a 440a blade. But just my opinion.
 
safong said:
Since you can get a knife in VG10 for under $40, I just don't think I'd ever go for a 440a blade. But just my opinion.
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Ditto. However, I must add, 440A, like AUS6 and 420HC, is VERY stainless. I personally still prefer forged carbon tool steel. Jason.
 
440a is a good steel for a budget knife. As others have stated, the edge retention is not as good as other steels, but it does take a pretty good edge pretty quickly. Frequent touch ups will keep it sharp. Perhaps the most important thing as far as I'm concerned is to get a knife with this steel from a quality company. Since this steel us used so frequently in budget knives it is common to see a cheap knife in 440a with a horrible factory edge. Unless you plan on putting a new edge on your knife, get one from a company that has a good reputation and puts on a good edge from the factory. I'm personally partial to Kershaw for relatively inexpensive knives, but there are a lot of good choices out there.
Recently I upped my knife budget and started buying in the $100-$150 range, which really opens up your options to great knives with great steels.
 
A good use for 440A would be in a big fixed blade that is going to be used a lot around salt water or other corrosive elements.
 
440A?

Ppppbpbbbpbbppttth!

(stick out your tongue and blow)

No knife over $25-30 should be using 440A, and for that much, you can get knives with better steel anyway.

I'll say one thing for it though, it's easy to get silly sharp. I can fine tune S30V all day, and my Rainbow Leek will still outshave it. After one cut on cardboard though, it's time for a touch-up.
 
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