Best carbon steel production knives

Fixed or folders? What size?

Fixed:
I like Kabars for larger blades and the Shrade/Old Timer Sharpfinger in a smaller blade. I believe the steel is 1095 in both instances.

Folders:
M2 AFCK (M2 steel)
 
I'm not sure there is any "best" production maker of carbon steel blades. In my (limited)experience, Cold Steel's trademarked Carbon V and Marble's 52100 blades are among the best, not to mention Roselli of Finland, with the excellent little knives by Frosts and Ericksson of Mora, Sweden not far behind. Heat treatment also plays a big part in how good a steel is for knives. Joe Talmage's FAQ on steels is an excellent guide to steels, both carbon and stainless, and a bunch in between.
 
Cold Steel makes the best carbon steel fixed blades.IMHO
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have a"knife"day
 
Best carbon steel production folders? Well, I've used some from Case (chrome vanadium) and the German big two that were pretty good. But, I'd have to go with Oldtimer. Yeah, the scales are genuine Delrin, and they don't open and close smooth as butter, but as a cutting tool they would be hard to beat. They take and hold a sharp edge. Their blades aren't paper thin. They resharpen without much fuss. And they are about as delicate as an anvil. IMHO I'd say Puma, Boker, or Case for show, Oldtimer to go.

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Dave
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If at first you don't succeed, go buy a knife.
 
I must second the previous posters opinions regarding the Oldtimers in 1095 as a good folder in carbon steel. I used Opinels for years and although they sharpen easily, they do lose their edge more quickly than I like. My best carbon folder is an ugly old Gerber bought in the early 70's which is "high speel tool steel" much like their early, ugly but funtional fixed blades. I have heard that they are M2 steel or Vascowear. All I know is they hold an edge like crazy. I second Alberta Ed's opinion regarding Carbon V from cold steel being terrific for holding an edge. The only 52100 knife I own was made by a custom forger from Ontario named Doug (I don't know his last name) and it does hold an edge extremely well too. I have always preferred carbon steel over stainless for it generally better edge retention and ease of sharpening.
 
For fixed blades I would cast my vote for TOPS knives. There is a link to TOPS on my site. Take a look.

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Louis Buccellato
http://www.themartialway.com
Knives, Weapons and equipment. Best prices anywhere.
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"only the paranoid will survive":)


 
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