Blade Steel and Balis

[DaJonesMan]

Is there any particular reason why Benchmade is offering their 42's in Sandvik steel instead of ATS-34. Is ATS-34 really that brittle as to chip and crack in a bali? I personally would like to see Benchmade offer a choice of steels in their balisong line, much like their plan to offer different blade designs. Are these types of steels really too high-carbon to be used effectively in a balisong, or is it possible that I could see these knives being produced in the future?

P.S. I recently purchased an 800 AFCK w/M2 steel. I'm somewhat new to non-stainless knives, so how exactly should I take care of the blade? Is keeping it relatively dry and wiping it down with WD-40 enough? If so, how often should I do it?

 

[ChuckG]

The steel in the new Bali's (Sandvik 12C27)is good steel as it was used in the 100 and 200 steies ans well as the "Internationl Series" made by Pacific Cutlery.

It is for the most part equal to 440C stainless and is the European designation while 440C is American designation

The main reason is cost, ATS-34 is much more costly not only to make, but is much harder on the stamping machines that produce the blade blanks.

It is also more time demanding to grind the ATS-34 as the steel is considerable tougher.

As yourself why did Benchmade stop making the high quailty 'Custom Bali-Songs" when there is such an obvious market for them???? The asnwer is simple COST

I have had a Custom Benchmade on order from them for the last five years and I doubt if I will ever see it. Not may people are willing to spend $300.00 to $500.00 for a butterfly knife when they can get one that is almost as good for $160.00

To answer the last part of your question get a "Tuff Cloth" to wipe the kmnife down with.
WD-40 will evaporate and leaves very little protective coating on the surface.

 

[DaJonesMan]

I've heard of the Tuf-Cloth before, and it has been highly recommended to me. I always avoided ordering one because I thought it would dry out in just a few uses, but perhaps I am wrong. Approximately how long does one Tuf-Cloth last before it needs replacement?

 

[ChuckG]

I have had them last as long as a year. but then I keep mine in a zip lock bag when I don't need it. It leaves a very good protective film on the steel that will last a fairly long time, several weeks, when exposed to the elements without retreatment.

Just remember that with any protective film, that it should be removed prior to cutting food items and them\n reapplied after you are finished