Boye Dendritic Steel???

[KiljoyKutlery]

I traded for a knife that I can't find a whole lot about a couple of weeks ago, its a large spear point survival type, 7.75" blade, black linen Mycarta handle slabs, stainless? Hilt and Butt, Full tang, the blade reads " Rocky Mountain Cutlery- Made in USA" and on the other side "BDS" I didn't get a sheath with it, I found one on E-bay, and the add says that the company went belly up not long after it got started. That they used "Boye Dendritic Steel" for the blade. What does this mean, I understand that it's a type of steel, but is it a good steel? Has anyone heard of this knife either? Thanks ahead of time!
Gene

 

[Phil Wilson]

Gene, BDS was supplied by David Boye a long time knife maker. It is "cast" 440C. The company that made your knife ground it from a cast billet that was pretty close to the finished shape of the blade. BDS is a good steel, very agressisve cutting due to the cast make up. It has large carbide strings that when sharpened tend to act like a serrated edge. I made many kitchen knives from this steel in the past and had good luck with it. Depending on the heat treat it can be somewhat brittle and should be used like a slicing knife, not a chopper. "Francine" still uses this steel for her etched blades and does some beautiful work. You can see it on her web site. I can give you the link if you need it.. PHIL

 

[Phil Wilson]

Here is Francine's web site www.francineetchings.com There is some more info on Dendritic steel here and you can see her great work.. Phil

 

[KiljoyKutlery]

Thanks, is this a well known knife, I have never seen one before I traded into it on a bulk trade deal. It is to big to do really tight work and it feels wrong to be a heavy worker, the handle is HUGE and the blade is just on the light side. I guess what I'm asking is, would someone want this thing if I threw it in the trade forum??? It's just not my style , I'm a heavy chopper guy or strict fighter, this is in between. The thing seems to be made pretty well. It's .25" stock and 7.75" long in the blade. Mycarta, stainless, it has to have been a little pricey right? Or am I just not getting it. Thank you for your insight, before hand. Gene

 

[flatgrinder]

BDS is cast 440C. Don't pry anything with it as it is brittle. However, it is an excellent slicer. Does well with a course edge. I have several knives made from BDS.