5160 toughness

rodriguez7

rodriguez7

Gila wilderness knife works
Joined
Feb 1, 2009
Messages
1,428
Just figured I would ask this question here, I just recently purchased a winkler combat axe in 5160 steel. Just curious how tough this steel really is, is it comparable to my rmj's in 4140? I have done a lot of research, just cant find much comparisons. Also, I cant find warranty info. on winklers. Is it similar to rmj? Thanks.
 
Thats what I figured, just figured I would ask, see what responses I get. Thanks Ankerson
 
I've hacked cast iron and thick aluminum apart with a 5160 kukri that I made without any significant damage, and I'm not even a skilled maker. Just imagine what a quality piece would do :D
 
sean123 said:
how do you like the axe. I was thinking about getting one of his camping axes.
Click to expand...

So far I really like it, really high quality. About on par with rmj. You can't go wrong buying one, I would prefer this one in s7 steel, but I'll stick with what I have. We'll see how it holds up over time.
 
You have a hell of an axe--better than most will ever hold. Just use it and enjoy it. :thumbup:
 
From what I have been told, like A2, the steel is known for being very tough and is a very good choice for larger cutting tools. A friend of mine who makes knives has told me on a few occasions that it is a very popular steel for kukris from a specific area, and they are renowned for being very tough and able to withstand some serious impact. He's described it as a fantastic steel when choosing one in which impact toughness is an important trait. So for an axe, it sounds like a perfect fit.

Awesome axe by the way! I love their designs.
 
I have a small fixed blade a friend and knifemaker here gave me years back. It's a smaller knife, sort of a necker. It's fully convexed, and it is one of the toughest knives I own and use. I have cut cardboard, rope, zip ties, clam packs, scored drywall, plywood, and a number of other things and it has performed exceptionally well. I did get to baton some seasoned mesquite and palo verde with it and it survived.
 
How sure are you that your axe is 5160 steel? I know Daniel made the switch to 80CRV2 for most of his blades recently. My Belt Knife and Combat Axe were dated for April and June I believe so I am assuming they are both made from 80CRV2.

Even if yours is from 5160, you have nothing to worry about. From my own use I think 5160 held a better edge than 4140 did and seemed to be just as tough. There are many custom makers here that use it for hard use blades.
 
Last edited:
Im not 100% sure it is 5160, but thats what it says on the site I bought it from. From the tests I have done on it, it seems plenty tough for me. I thickened up the edge just a little though. It will get tested on aged oak and various other things. I already did a little chopping test yesterday, compared to my rmj jenny wren, and my crkt kangee, I chopped into a nail to see if there was any major damage. I got some small chips, and dents in all three hawks. Easy enough to sharpen out, im impressed so far. These were full speed swings. I just want to know that it will hold up in the field. I dont doubt it.
 
Consider that 5160 is and has been used for car and truck springs forever. That should make it pretty tough.

Some old time blacksmiths thought that Mercedes leaf springs made the best knives.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top