440C for general purpose?

Z

Zeasor

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May 29, 2007
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I would appreciate comments on 440C SS for a general purpose camp knife. I want the blade reasonably tough, reasonably wear resistant, able to reach a reasonably sharp edge, reasonably stain/rust resistant and reasonably easy to sharpen. It will have to hold a fine edge on one side and a saw-tooth edge on the spine. I don't need/want the latest/greatest steel with the accompanying price. Just a blade steel for ordinary camp chores. No bear skinning, hole digging, fish filleting, coconut splitting or fine whittling. I know "reasonable" is a subjective term :confused: but please give me your "reasoned" comments :) about 440C for my needs as best you can. This is your chance to help the steel-challanged (ignorant :D) Thanks.
 
There is nothing wrong with a knife made of 440 C. It is a very well known steel that takes a licking and keeps on ticking. In the 70's it was standard on customs of all kinds.
 
I'm a rookie when it comes to subjects like this...but I think 440C is given a bad rap for a couple of reasons:

A LOT of cheaper knives are labeled 440. They have neither 440C or good heat treats so it hurts 440C's reputation.

It's been around for a long time. (Discmans aren't cool anymore...you gotta have an Ipod!!!!)

It doesn't make you work real hard for a scary-sharp edge.



Those first two reasons are testaments to how good 440C really is as a general-purpose do all steel.
 
440C is still one of my favorite steels. I have a Buck Special, a Pathfinder, and a 110, all of them in 440C. They have performed well. I've never had any chipping or edge damage. Moreover, properly heat treated 440C has excellent edge retension. I did some edge retension comparisons cutting manila rope. My 110 in 440C performed easily as well as my Native in VG10. I greatly prefer 440C over AUS8.

I don't see problems with using it for a skinning blade. But I would not use 440C as a chopper blade.

A cautionary note: Some of the less expensive knives are made in mainland China, and, though they say they are 440C, they may not be. There are apparently several alloys that the Chinese list as being 440C, but which are not. Make sure you get the real deal.
 
440C is a very good steel if properly heat treated.

But for an all around camp knife that requires toughness, I think A-2 is quite a bit better.

And BTW, stain resistance is very overrated. Keep your knife clean and dry, and you won't have any rust problems.

Ben
 
As Ben says, very dependent upon the heat treatment.

If it is a custom knife from a maker experienced with 440-C, it should be great. If it is a production knife, then it is probably not heat treated in a way that is consistent with how you would use it, and you would be disappointed (this isn't an issue with the steel at all - just how production knives with 440-C are being heat treated currently).
 
440C is really underated in my opinion. It was cnsidered a "super steel" back in the 80s when it first came out
 
From knifemaker's point of view, I would like to see 440c regain its former popularity. It is not difficult to work, is easy to heat treat and "get it right" and you can be quite comfortable in the fact that the customer will more than likely not be bringing it back because it won't cut and cut for a long time. Before I started using D2 almost exclusively, 440c was my main steel. I made several hundred hunting knives from it. I have had many customers tell me they are amazed at how many deer they can dress before having to resharpen. Proper grind for the intended task is also of great importance. It really does not matter how many times you can cut a swinging rope or how many 2 x 4's you can chop in half with a knife. I don't know a lot of hunters who do much of this anyway..........

.......I feel much better now. :)
 
I think you picked a steel that will meet all of your needs. I have a BM mini-grip in 440C, no complaints.
 
Randall Knives started using 440C in their stainless blades some years ago. Entrek knives has always used it. I have, and like, both.
 
:thumbup: Entrek does a phenomenal job on their 440C. Most production knives of 440C have an unsatisfactory HT, for me at least.
 
With a good heat treat 440C is a fine steel , with a poor heat treat its not too hot . Same could be said of lts of other steels . Should do the job for you just fine .

Chris
 
cdf said:
With a good heat treat 440C is a fine steel , with a poor heat treat its not too hot . Same could be said of lts of other steels . Should do the job for you just fine .

Chris
Click to expand...

Chris, you are absolutely right. But, did you ever notice something about 440C's HT? It's either great, or it sucks. There is usually no "gray area". With other steels, the difference is usually not so noticeable.
- Mitch
 
I have also heard that Entrek does a fantastic job with 440C. They also have one of the greatest warranties. I have a $25 benchmade mini pika in 440C that I got about 4 or 5 years ago. This knife has held up great. Holds a decent edge and is very easy to resharpen. It may be the best bang/buck knife that I have.

To answer your question. You would be just fine with 440C, assuming proper heat treat on the blade.
 
A hearty thanks to all for your help. You certainly gave me confidence that I am not considering junk. Now the question is: Do you suppose Schrade properly "heat treated" the 440C steel with their name on it?
 
440C has been around a long time and even with all the new steels 440C is still favored by many. That it has stood up to the test of time says good things about this fine steel.
 
As others have said, 440C with a good heat treat is a good cutlery steel. The problem is, 440C has kind of fallen out of favor, and so often times you see it being used in budget priced knives and the heat treat isn't anywhere near optimal.

I don't see any reason to be adamant about having a 440C blade for what you want, however. Except for the sawtooth spine (which IMO isn't a desirable feature anyway) I can think of a number of reasonably priced blades in VG-10, D2, 12C27 and other steels that are actually better overall than 440C.
 
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