52100 Camp Knife

G L Drew

G L Drew

Knifemaker / Craftsman / Service Provider
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Joined
Feb 3, 2005
Messages
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I have resisted using 52100 because of the extra time needed to heat treat using Ed Fowler's method. Three quenches with 24 hours between, a soak in the freezer for 8-10 hours and three tempering cycles is tough on someone like me who wants immediate results. However, I have heard so much good about the steel I had to give it a try. This is my second 52100 knife.

Forged from 1 inch 52100 round stock
Flat grind
Hand sanded to 600 grit on the grind with some hammer marks on the flats
Distal tapered blade and tang
Professionally stabilized (WSSI) ash burl handle
Overall length: 11 1/2 inches
Blade: 7 inches
Riveted leather scabbard

$220 ----SOLD---- delivered to the US or Canada. (sorry for the high price but it just takes a lot of time to pound out and heat treat) My PayPal account is gldrewknives@yahoo.com I will also take USPS money orders or checks with time to clear.

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I really enjoy all your designs - they are both very utilitarian as well as having really pleasing overall lines - simplicity/function perfected.
 
Good looking knife. Would you give some input on the qualities/performance of 52100?
 
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JohnQTaxpayer said:
Good looking knife. Would you give some input on the qualities/performance of 52100 52100?
Click to expand...

John:
I have been hearing some very positive, strong opinions about this steel from some of the the ABS folks. This is a high carbon (1%) and chromium (1.4%) steel that Ed Fowler has done a lot of testing with and has written several articles about in Blade magazine. His heat treating method produces a very fine grain in a tough steel. I just had to try it out but my testing has been limited to some wood chopping and arm hair shaving. Not very scientific but very impressive results.
Gerry
 
It's used for ball bearings among other things. Very tough stuff. Marbles made a series with it a few years ago. Very desirable knife steel if you want real durability.
 
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