Any knives with Carpenter 440-XH steel?

Prices aren't really that bad. The CTS Manix 2 retailed for 189.95, ten dollars less than the S30V-blue G10 version.
 
nozh2002 said:
How did you get this knife. Is it available?

I really like BR knives, design and craftsmanship, now when they have premium steel I really like to have one.

Also this is very good sing, because usually BR pick affordable steels and this mean it is as I suspected not very expensive.

Thanks, Vassili.
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Mike Stewart owns Bark River.
 
I agree on the superior qualities of CTS-XHP steel.

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I hope we will see more makers use it.
 
So far so good with my personal experiences too. I haven't used it hard (I have a couple CTS-XHP Manix 2's) but have EDC'ed it at least 30 aggregate days at about 2-3 days a week. I have to say that without measurable tests side-by-side other steels, what I'm seeing is right up there in the super steel category so far. I just don't know where to place it amongst the CPM-D2, D2 standard, S30V, etc., and up group. I'm willing to say I haven't found a flaw in it with my use so far and only a lot of promise considering they appear to be a new, second big player in blade steel on our side of the ponds.

If I were to comment on what I "see" visually, XHP appears to finish much like Spyderco's VG-10. Like you almost see stretch marks in the steel if you look at the blade closely. And it has more of a finish sheen like Spyderco VG-10 has as opposed to their S30V and other steels. I'm not sure if this is just purposeful finish work by Spyderco but the finish on my two Manix 2's is shinier than Spyderco S30V IMO. Almost like you are wiping finger smudges and finger prints off the blade more.

I'm very happy with it so far . . .
 
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Judging by the pictures it doesn't seem to be quite stainless?? Which seems off from what the Carpenter website says. (I realize MOST stainless steels aren't stainless at all, just saying)

How does it seem to compare in that area compared to the more common super steels?
 
According to Carpenter's charts and documentation, CTS-XHP has working hardness up to 64HRC. I wonder if someone will actually take it there....
 
goodeyesniper said:
Judging by the pictures it doesn't seem to be quite stainless?? Which seems off from what the Carpenter website says. (I realize MOST stainless steels aren't stainless at all, just saying)

How does it seem to compare in that area compared to the more common super steels?
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Pooh. "Stainless" is an apt name. Such alloys stain less.

The Germans are the ones who blew it. They call the stuff "Rostfrei" (rust-proof). It ain't.

add: Carpenter calls it similar to 440C. 440C is not the most rust resistant of stainless steels. 440A is more rust resistant.
 
Yeah, just from the few pictures in this thread it appears to have much more staining than any typical folder steel labeled as "stainless" that I've seen. But I'll admit, I'm not familiar at all with most of those variants, all the 440 steels, etc...

Not even an issue for me, I love a good carbon steel knife, just curious about the properties on this one.
 
My Manix 2 kicks butt. I have not put it through hell to find out, but it's no slouch. Easily worth the $195 CAD I blew on it.
 
goodeyesniper said:
Judging by the pictures it doesn't seem to be quite stainless?? Which seems off from what the Carpenter website says. (I realize MOST stainless steels aren't stainless at all, just saying)

How does it seem to compare in that area compared to the more common super steels?
Click to expand...



The XHP on my Bark River Prototype does show a bit of patina,





...but it seems very light and transient (i.e., it changes depending on what the blade is used to cut).






This blade has seen lots of use and has not been polished or oiled in any way,

...just washed and dried when needed;

...it shows no sign on any real corrosion.









Big Mike
 
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