440C ok blade steel?

FSCJedi

FSCJedi

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So I'm looking at picking up this Linder folding knife. The blade material is 440C. Is that an ok blade steel for a pocket knife? It probably won't see a whole lot of use, frankly, but I'd still like to know. Thanks!
 
440C has been around for along time and yes it's a good steel, just don't expect it to hold an edge like the premium steels.
 
Like any steel it depends on the blade profile and the heat treat. If both are done properly it is just fine.
 
its okay i can get a edge on it but it will not stay,how is it ground super thin helps.................
 
I sharpen most of my knives ,personally. And a few of my Sharpest edged blades, are 440C Steel. But, You will have to sharpen it more frequently ,than other upgraded Steels like, 154 CM, and S30V
 
CBurgerjr said:
I sharpen most of my knives ,personally. And a few of my Sharpest edged blades, are 440C Steel. But, You will have to sharpen it more frequently ,than other upgraded Steels like, 154 CM, and S30V
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Then again, 440C is a lot easier to sharpen than "upgraded steels" and edge geometry is not so critical.
 
I would say that 440C is the benchmark "middle of the road" steel now days. If done properly it is still in the same league as S30V. It's at the very bottom of that league, but it's a firm step up from AUS-8 and similar steel types (in edge retention).

Unfortunately, the knife in the link is probably not 440C. The listed blade material is the generalized, nondescript "440". It could be 440 A, B, or C. If someone is going to use 440C, they generally go out of their way do say so since it is harder to work with.
When companies list "440" as the blade steel, they do so hoping to catch people off guard. They could just put a positive spin on the softer steel (better toughness), but instead they would rather be misleading. I avoid those companies.
 
Well, maybe they're not always trying to be "misleading".
I see Lion Steel has several nondescript steel types on their knives. It is disheartening to see, but I guess some people just don't care that much. Anyway, always assume "440A" when "440" is listed.
 
440C can be a great steel. It isn't trendy or sexy, though, which means you can get a great blade for a decent price.
 
I've had Benchmades with it and a Paul Beebe fixed blade and have found it to be a great steel.
Takes a great edge and holds it reasonably well, while offering great corrosion resistance.
 
I have this knife. I think I was told it was 440B when I emailed Linder about way back when I first got it. I could be mistaken. They may have said 440A. Not 440C however. Still an excellent little knife. If you know how to sharpen well, or have someone close at hand who does, then I would say go for it. The construction quality is great.
 
I would take a properly heat treated 440C blade anytime. Would it be my first choice? No, but it's more than just good.
 
My old Buck knives in 440C get very sharp and hold there edge well enough for me.

Vin
 
If you're spending $75 on that knife, I do hope that it's 440C. Like others have said, when blades are made from 440C, it's usually specifically mentioned.
 
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