Best 440C Knife?

We need some more variables here. Folder or Fixed? Large, medium or small? Hunting, skinning, general purpose? Price point or limmit?

As for folders, boker and klotzi(or however it's spelled) make some great ones.

As for fixed blades, the SOG Trident comes to mind. It's little known, bowie shaped, micarta handle, thicker than 1/4 inch 440C blade and over $200.
 
The Trident is very nice. The classic SOG pattern with a plastic washer handle and a nice sheat.

Back to your question though, virtually every type of knife has been made from 440C. Its a very good knife steel (despite the hype over new steels) and knives of all price ranges and shapes are still produced with this material today.
 
I won't lie, those cheesy generic knife ads have turned me off to 440C.

More criteria
Either fixed or folding, single edge blade under 10" and commercially available with no price limit.
 
George Tichbourne makes beautiful knives from 440C. His prices are quite reasonable. I believe they are available through Top of Texas knives.
 
Smoke, don't discount 440C because of all those cheap knives from taiwan comming with it. It is a great knife steel and I can think of a few well known knife makers who prefer it over many of the more modern steels used today. And at 0.8% Carbon 440B isn't so bad either. It's too bad cheap manufacturers have ruined the name of these steels.

Not2Sharp, what's a plastic washer handle? The Trident handle is paper micarta.

Ron, is the Tigershark 440A or B?
 
I don't know of many "cheapo" manufacturers using 440C. Is it really as widely used as suggested? Seems too expensive for lower-end mfrs, not fashionable enough (since ATS-34) for more reputable makers.

That said, David Boye uses dendritic (cast) 440C for his folders and fixeds. I have one of his "Wing" design folders w/acid-etched feather blade and Calif buckeye scales for "fancy" carry. Beautiful, and keeps a sharp edge!

Glen
 
I think the budget makers (the stuff that is sold on cable TV by the pound) advertise their stuff as "400 series" and "surgical steel". I doubt they use 440 C.

Boker is fond of 440C.
 
I'll add to that endorsement for 440-C- lots of the older Gerber blades were 440-C and they were very acceptable... I also have a custom -Ted Miller skinner in 440-C which is a beauty - and really takes/holds an edge.
some of those cheepos which claim 440 series steels indeed have given the real stuff a bad name - but -a Gerber L.S.T. is still made from the 440 series steels and holds up very well even to some of the abuse I've given it - I use one of them fairly regularly and quite hard - I have no faults with it at all.. and for about $17.00 -it's a good buy! don't ignore 440 series from a reputable maker.

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knife Knuts are sharp people

Jonesy!

[This message has been edited by Revvie (edited 04-10-2000).]
 
Cobalt,

I'll meet you half-way on the Trident. The handle is made of black micarta washers, the blade is 6 1/4" of 440C. Great knife.

 
Come to think of it - wasn't that Spyderco "Q" with the laser cut outs in the blade a 440-C but I hear that's not with us anymore either!

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Don't wrestle with the hogs - they enjoy it and you get dirty !
Jonesy
 
While my real personal preference is for damascus, my first choice in stainless blade steels for pocket knives is 440C (or AUS-8 if you prefer another brand.)

These steels are reasonably priced, provide excellent if not the ultimate in edge retention, are easy to sharpen and are plenty stain and rust resistant. Blade steels are always a compromise and I think 440C or AUS8 have represented one of the best compromises for years.

The exotic steels all do something better than these steels but none of them do everything better.

I'll get off my soapbox now. Just wanted to defend one of the most versatile of blade steels.

I'll put in a positive vote for SOG as well since they've been a topic of discussion above. Flawless quality and fine value. I have a Trident and a Crosslock in my personal collection. Can't go wrong with them. Take care.

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Fred
Knife Outlet
http://www.knifeoutlet.com
 
The Spyderco Herbst is a wonderful 440C knife. I believe that Boker made these for Spyderco. I know that it was manufactured in Germany. I probably shouldn't answer some one else's question but 440C is probably equal to AUS-10 or ATS 55. 440B is equvalent to AUS-8. I believe the current issue of Tactical knives has a good article on the properties of 440C.
 
I have always like the Beretta knives. I believe they use 440C. Also, the Browning knives use 440C, and they are pretty good knives too. As for the SOG knives, they are right up there in my book of factory knives. I regret trading off my Tigershark bowie a few years ago. I do still have my original Tomcat folder, and a Recon Government. Those two are going nowhere.

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Danbo, soul brother of Rambo
 
I`ve got an old MONTROC Ronin. 3/16in. stock,4in. blade with a canvas micarta handle.440c,heat treated by Paul Bos.It is one bulldog tough little knife!

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~Gordon~
 
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