Blade Steel Poll

[wintermute]

Wait everyone, before we delve into the blade steel, let's talk about the fixin's on the knife. those who just jump straight to the poll will miss out on this. Can we all agree on this stuff:

- Bareheaded (we're not changing this, the majority seemed to like the idea)
- Federal shield (again, not changing) - not sure if Canal Street can/will comply, but we haven't talked to anyone yet.
- Nickel silver bolster - smooth? grooved/rattail? pinched? let us know in your post to this thread
- Blades - due to configuration, normal nicks on the same side. I assume everyone wants swedges
- Liners - I assume everyone wants stainless?
- Size - seems that most want it under 4". Since Queen and Canal Street all have an existing 3-1/2" trapper pattern, and GEC has one at 3-7/8" we'll keep it to currently existing sizes - no way they'll be willing to make one slightly larger or slightly smaller.

I think that's most of the important thing blade steels. We're going to be talking to GEC, Queen and Canal Street. GEC's standard steel is 1095, and Queen uses the stuff too - good carbon steel stuff. Next up the ladder is D2 tool steel used by Queen and Canal. Then we get into stainless. Queen and Canal have been known to use 420HC (I know there's a lot of groans about this one, but they do a good job of it. Then there's the premium stainless stuff: GEC uses 440C, Queen ATS-34, Canal 440C and 14-4 CrMo. Obviously the better the steel the more expensive (1095 is probably the cheapest, ATS-34 the most expensive). Please vote what steel you'd like to have. Be cognizant of the fact that depending on what steel you vote for, you may rule out using one or more of the manufacturers.

 

[billym]

1095 what else.

 

[Peruna1998]

Actually, GECs is 3 7/8 (the #48 frame) inches. The serpentine frame for GEC (the #66) is 3 1/2 inches. Between the two, the #48 is the more traditional trapper style (I would think, but I could be wrong). Personally, I would prefer:

Bareheaded, smooth nickel silver bolster, stainless liners, and 440C blades.

 

[wintermute]

Actually, GECs is 3 7/8 (the #48 frame) inches. The serpentine frame for GEC (the #66) is 3 1/2 inches. Between the two, the #48 is the more traditional trapper style (I would think, but I could be wrong).

Good eyes Wayne, thanks for the pickup. OP has been revised.

 

[Shaggy]

1095 carbon steel. D2 was 2nd choice. Prefer smooth bolsters.

 

[Daniel Dorn]

I voted D2, but really, 1095 would be okay. I just was hoping for something a little more stain resistant, and I've been quite happy with Canal Street's D2 on the 2007 knife.

Grooved bolsters (1 groove) is my preference. I'm fine with Stainless liners, but would be okay with Brass, or Nickel as well.

Bigger is better, in my opinion, as I'm still looking for a larger traditional. Most of mine are small, and I need something with a bit of length.

 

[2Dead]

I put in a vote for some GEC 440C but I'm happy with 1095/D2 as well. I'd prefer a GEC #48 3 7/8" frame. Smooth bolsters, groove/rattail ok if that's the decision, prefer non pinched. If stainless wins, then stainless liners. If not, no preference on liners. No preference on swedges.

Quick note: The Canal Street Half Moon Trapper is actually 3 3/4"

 

[confucius37]

I'd like to see GEC 440C with Smooth bolsters ans Swedges.

 

[bill2000]

1095, grooved bolster.

 

[Modoc ED]

Voted for 1095.

Don't care about the rest except that both blades be equal length.

 

[PG5768]

I voted for premium stainless, but would be happy with any of the choices. Single groove on the bolster. Stainless liners.

 

[gmarthur]

I'm a carbon steel guy and voted 1095.

I'd like the look of a single grooved rat tail bolster.

 

[pwcb2005]

Single groove, as deep and wide as possible. 1095 blades, stainless liners, swedges, and it would be awesome if the bolsters could be brushed instead of mirror polished. (Prob. won't happen) but Ill still get one.

 

[black mamba]

The GEC #73 Scout frame is a trapper frame, but a little bit deeper and 3-3/4" also, which I prefer.

My first choice is for rat-tailed bolster, with double lined my second choice.

1095 steel 1st, D2 second choice.

 

[Planterz]

D2 or premium stainless for me. As long as the bolster isn't pinched, I'm OK with smooth or grooved. Stainless liners preferred, but NS or brass wouldn't be a deal breaker. I like the Canal Street half moon trapper configuration.

 

[floyd]

GEC #48 frame, 1095 blades with swedges, stainless liners and fluted or grooved bolsters.

 

[richstag]

GEC is using O1 on the Bullnose knives. Why couldn't that be an option?

 

[Brutus013]

I may be in the minority, but I'd really, really like brass liners. Also D2

 

[oldschool45]

Voted D2 love that steel but GEC's 1095 is nothing to sneeze at. Swedges, smooth or rat-tail bolsters, I'm fine with nickle or brass liners.

 

[black mamba]

Good call on the O1 Kevin-- that would be even better than 1095 IMO, though probably more $$.