440C vs ATS-34

C

caz

Joined
Sep 12, 2001
Messages
26
How does 440c compare to ats-34 steel . Does 440c Rust as easy as ats-34 steel
 
440C is more rust resistant than ATS-34. It generally won't hold an edge as well, and I find it harder to get a really good edge on 440C than on most other steels. I personally prefer less-stainless though still with some chromium steels like D2. If you click at the top of the page, in the blue bar where it says Tutorials/FAQs, you will find a Steel FAQ by Joe Talmadge with some very good information on the different types of steels.
 
440C has alot more chromium in it, but I`ve never seen an ATS34 knife rust though. Are you around saltwater?
 
IMHO, heat treatment is probably at least as important as the steel type. Poor heat treatment will render the best steel just so-so.
 
I've definitely seen ATS-34 rust, particularly when beadblasted. Saltwater I'm sure would do it, as will sweat, as will long-term dampness. With a reasonably fine satin finish though, ATS-34 will go quite a while without rusting, in my experience.
 
It doesn't have the snob appeal, but I definitely prefer 440C to ATS-34. Yes, ATS-34 definitely will rust. It's barely stainless, really. 440C is great about resisting corrosion, takes a wicked edge, and is generally a good thing.
 
I am looking at this catalog of special ops crap and I see an ad for a knife with a 'COBALT BLADE'. What the hell is a blade made of cobalt?..Thanks.....wolf
 
I made a knife for my sister's boyfriend a year ago. The main reason I used 440-C was that was what I had on hand, ad it was cheaper than ATS-34. The second reason I used it was he is on the Vancouver Search and Rescue team, and I knew that 440-C that was mirror polished would hold up in that environment better than ATS-34. The knife is still going strong, and is rust free.

I also sharpened another knife I made today that is made of 440-C. The edge was bent. 8-10 strokes on each side with a Razor's Edge fine stone put an aggressive, hair shaving edge on the knife. 440-C is good stuff. The standard by which other stainless steels are measured.
 
imho the 440 is a LITTLE harder to sharpen, and other than that, no difference, same thing - no rust probs w/either........




sifu
 
Although I have several knives in ATS-34 that IMO are excellent (AFCK, Wegner, etc.), I find I like 440C as a steel better. A lot of people equate rust resistance with being inferior. I have not found this to be the case with 440C. It takes an excellent edge, resists rust, resharpens easier (although it could depend on the edge grind, heat treat, etc.). It might be a bit tougher than ATS-34, but that could have to do with ATS-34 generally being heat-treated a couple points higher on the Rc scale.

IMO, a knife doesn't have to edge-hold to the point it never needs a resharpening; in fact that doesn't exist. 440C seems to hold an edge well for most uses I have, and at least it won't be a bear to resharpen like some steels.
Jim
 
ATS 34 holds an edge much longer than 440C, and I find I prefer the edge I get with ATS34 to that I can get with 440C. I even make my kitchen knives out of ATS34 now. The only rust I have encountered with knives I've made is on those which took rides in dishwashers, and the rust was only on the surface and easily polished out. I use the low temperature tempering range to enhance rust resistance in ATS. See the ATS 34 heatreating info on my webpage for details.
 
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