camp knife steel

fishface5 · Feb 1, 2009

Sorry to cross-post, but it was suggested I post here as well as in general, since not everyone checks the general forum - I want to make a mini-machete/camp knife like the Lainhart model from United Cutlery, since I am concerned about the toughness of an ATS-34 blade for chopping. But I also want edge retention since it will be a camp knife as well as a chopper. I'd like to hear the ideas of makers on the best steel for that purpose, in a 3/16" knife with a 9-10" blade? Thanks for your thoughts!

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=617633

JasonSCarter · Feb 1, 2009

Can't beat properly HT'd 5160 for a great chopper. L6 would be my next choice. These are carbon steels and will rust, but imho would out chop any stainless that tried to come up against it.

Jason

James_Terrio · Feb 1, 2009

3/16" is on the thin side for a big camp knife. I wouldn't go thinner than that.

1080 series carbon steels have a lot of fans for that style knife. I have a Barker/Crowell Competition Cutter in 1085 and I like it a lot. Edge retention is very, very good when chopping camp wood and whatnot. :thumbup:

Keith_H · Feb 1, 2009

I think that A2 would fit the bill nicely as well.

scout_77 · Feb 1, 2009

Not sure what else could be added, I have made them in 5160 and 1084. The one in my avitar is made of 1084 and I did a lot of cutting with it before it was sold.

IB2V4U had a nice one out of what I though was D2 at the BBQ after Bladeshow West. It cut water bottles well.

fishface5 · Feb 1, 2009

Thanks for the input. No 3V fans, huh? I thought that might be a winner for toughness + edge retention.

bjalongi · Feb 1, 2009

To summarize what everyone has posted: You can choose from any of the easier to work with high carbon steels.

I'm a big fan of 5160 and 10xx series, namely 1080, for camp knives. There is a reason why so many bowies, swords, and choppers are made from 5160.

Will Leavitt · Feb 1, 2009

I'm no expert on the "wonder steels" but I can't recall seeing any chopping knives made from them. Any competently heat treated carbon steel mentioned above should make a fine chopper/camp knife.