Besides cosmetic differences, I have read about knives with steel as opposed to brass spacers and liners as being more "rugged." But in real world practical use of a pocket knife, I just don't see a real difference. I really like the GEC 15s done in steel, as well as the Pony Jack, but they certainly don't make my knives that use brass seem flimsy. Anyone with more knowledge than me (mainly everyone) have comments?
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Benefits of all steel construction?
- Thread starter SubSpace
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As opposed to 'rugged', I'd use the term 'rigid'.
The most obvious difference to me, when comparing brass-lined knives to steel-lined knives, is how much less bend/flex/compression there is in the handles of the steel-lined knives. The less the handle flexes/compresses/bends, the less likely there'll be issues with blade centering or rub, at a minimum (off-center blades may not be bent, but the handle might be). It'll also minimize issues like that developing over time, as knives get sat on (in back pockets) and bent or compressed. Steel liners should also strengthen pivots substantially, especially in bolsterless shadow patterns. Pivot pins are less likely to deform steel liners by bending/twisting the blade laterally as well, so that should translate into less issues with blade play, assuming the build quality is otherwise good.
David
The most obvious difference to me, when comparing brass-lined knives to steel-lined knives, is how much less bend/flex/compression there is in the handles of the steel-lined knives. The less the handle flexes/compresses/bends, the less likely there'll be issues with blade centering or rub, at a minimum (off-center blades may not be bent, but the handle might be). It'll also minimize issues like that developing over time, as knives get sat on (in back pockets) and bent or compressed. Steel liners should also strengthen pivots substantially, especially in bolsterless shadow patterns. Pivot pins are less likely to deform steel liners by bending/twisting the blade laterally as well, so that should translate into less issues with blade play, assuming the build quality is otherwise good.
David
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If you have one, or if you have a chance to look at one, look at a Case Sod Buster with the thin brass liners. Those are sort of a definitive example (to me) of how much movement will take place with weaker/thinner/soft liners. Can usually compress the handles by squeezing them in your hand, and it's also easy to see the handle twist if the blade is held in something rigid and twisted laterally. More so with a large soddie, when the liners are still quite thin relative to their length. That's something that I don't think I've ever seen in a steel-lined folder, even when the liners are quite thin (great look, aesthetically, and easier to maintain necessary strength with steel). I'm sometimes amazed at how thin the steel liners can be on some custom knives, and yet the knife still feels like a tank in-hand.
David
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But it can turn black or red. Don't get me wrong, I like all steel knives like my Charlows and boy's knives and such. And I like many brass liner'd knives as well. Brass bolsters will turn green if stored in a leather sheath for extended periods. I haven't noticed corrosion on the steel parts of the same knives in the same sheath. (As an observation)
Ed J