440C as a EDC steel?

T

TFin04

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Aug 21, 2005
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So I've been spoiled recently, with my VG-10 Spyderco I've been carrying around recently.

I've found some killer deals on a few Benchmade models I've been wanting to pick up (Mini Griptilian and Mini Pika), but they both come in 440C. I used an AUS8 Kershaw Leek for a while and it was decent, although the VG-10 is most definately leeps and bounds ahead of that.

Have I become a steel snob? Or will 440C still do fairly well for me as an EDC steel? I really want these knives, but that 440C stamp is bothering me...
 
Other than having to sharpen it a little more often, I think it works great as an EDC steel. This assumes you're not doing serious cutting each day where something like D2 would be more appropriate, but I carry my mini-Grip without problems as an EDC.

You're probably just a steel snob. ;)
 
That's what I'm afraid of. My EDC tasks consist no more then opening packages, cutting tape, and slicing some food every now and then. Since I've gotton my Spyderco Sharpmaker I sharpen my knives way more often then I probably should anyway. :)

Ok, twist my arm. You convinced me. I'm picking up the Mini Pika. I HATE lockbacks, yet the other features of this knife (mainly the deep pocket clip) really interest me. I need to start selling some of these things I'm not using anymore, damn you Bladeforums!!
 
You know the Mini grip can be had in S30V and D2, right?

Also, the new Grips are being produce in 154CM.
 
Yeah I know, but thats more then I would like to spend on one. My interest has kind of been lost since I just ordered that Pika. While I like the axis lock much more, my Alemite Walker from Spyderco is about as perfect as an EDC will get for me, esp with the VG-10 steel. I picked up the Pika for $21.75, you cant beat that. The longer blade will be nice when I'm cutting food. (Which I do a lot during the day)
 
Yeah, I love my Almite Walker.

It's too bad if you don't already have the 806D2. It's basically the same knife as the Pika, but with lined G10 handles, an Axis lock, and a D2 blade.
 
J85909266 said:
Yeah, I love my Almite Walker.

It's too bad if you don't already have the 806D2. It's basically the same knife as the Pika, but with lined G10 handles, an Axis lock, and a D2 blade.
Click to expand...

Those look nice, but for the price of $20 I'm thinking the Mini Pika I got would be a better choice. I wasn't looking to buy one, I just stumbled across one at that price and went for it. I'm such an impulse buyer...

I do like my Walker a ton, but the handles seems kind of slippery to me sometimes. I think I may beadblast the handles and the blade, both for grip and for a less shiny look on the blade/clip. I try to be discreet with my knives, that mirror like steel clip isn't helping my situation. :)
 
Due to sharing the first three numbers with two other inferior steels, 440C has been subject to a bad reputation. It is however a very good choice for EDC. Not an expensive steel, very stain resistant, easy to sharpen, gets a good razor edge, and good retention.
 
Well I've got the Mini Pika on order, I'm trying to hold myself off from ordering that Griptilian I haven't been able to get yet... I try to be a bit more practical then you guys here. If I know I have a knife that already fits that use, I generally wont buy it.

I'll probably carry the Pika while I have STR put a low rider clip on my Walker.
 
first post.

i got my mini-pika in the mail today, you will be amazed at how it rides in your pocket. good stuff for < 30$ shipped, regardless of the steel.
 
440C is a fine steel. I don't like to go "below" 440C or AUS8 (especially AUS8...), but really, I think the high end steels are a little over hyped....I'd rather see a compromise of fewer S30V knives and fewer 420/440A knives with more 440C inbetween.

Also be aware that you can get the minigrip in a big variety of high end steels...I use the D2, personally.
 
440C steel is a very close relative to 154CM/ATS34 steel. A bit more chromium and a bit less molybdenum (spelling) in the alloy. I have a 40 year old Browning three blade stockman with 440c and have never had a lick of rust or corrosion and have good edge retention. You should not have any problems with the "PIKA", especially the way Benchmade hardens it to Rc60 Rockwell hardness.

Here is a techy link about knife steels with interesting comparisons. It is geared towards the knife maker but thought it of value.

Note that the Benchmade 440C blade is hardened to a Rockwell hardness of Rc60 (the higher the Rockwell number the better the edge retention). Compare this Rockwell value to some other brands and you will see that Benchmade knows how to build and heat treat blades. I think their Pika model is a steal at $30. For someone wanting to get a better knife than grandpa's Schrade I recommend it or one of the Spyderco Byrd models.

http://www.ajh-knives.com/metals.html

Unfortunately 440-C steel is tarred and feathered because of it's "440" name. 440-C is head and shoulders above the 440A and 440B steels. Page about half way down the link and you will see the sections on 420,440 steels.
 
440C doesn't seem as popular as it once was. I have knives that I've carried for 20+ years that are 440C and I've been quite happy with the steel.
 
Check back with us in a year and tell us if you were happy with 440C. I will be surprised if you are.

You are used to sharpening your knives a lot so I assume that you have high standards for sharpness. You have been using two steels that respond particularly well to sharpening and which take superior edges. I wonder if you will find 440C frustrating by comparison. I would expect it to hold an edge as well as VG-10 and better than AUS-8, but I think you'll find it hard to get as sharp as those steels.

Like I said, let us know if you like 440C. It sure gets shiny.
 
Sure VG-10 is better.
But to be unhappy with it takes a steel snob.
If you like a knife, is 440C a reason not to get it? I don't think so.
I do think there's a hype about the newest steels.
S30V isn't above criticism.
 
440C is the jack of all trades, it handles every well, but excels in no particular area. The newer supersteels excel at either edge retention, toughness, ease of sharpening, how sharp it gets, or corrosion resistance, but usually are weaker in the other areas because of it.

440C is a good all around steel. It does suffer some disdain from it's association with the 440A and 440B. I wonder if 440V was changed to S60V to avoid the same association?
 
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