carbon or stainless back springs?

[knifeaholic1488]

I really love carbon steel back springs and I'm curious how many other people feel the same way.

 

[singin50]

I'm with ya! Just the classic way to build a classic pocket knife, IMO.
Perry

 

[paulhilborn]

I vote Carbon as well...just really like a patina'd spring

 

[Easyrider]

I like the that that provides better service and lasts longer. :cat:

 

[kamagong]

Depends on the knife. If a knife has a carbon steel blade, I want carbon steel backsprings. Same goes with stainless. I don't see the point of a carbon steel blade with a stainless spring.

 

[dannyp]

I agree that the springs should match the blade as far as carbon/stainless goes.

I can see how it would be easier and cheaper to use just one. With a company that makes the same patterns in both stainless and carbon, it has to be easier and faster to set up your process in one steel just for heat treatment alone. It makes more sense to use stainless because it's in a hard to clean area that collectors don't want rusting. They also don't have to worry about them getting mixed up and accidentally putting a carbon steel spring on a stainless knife. I know I've seen some multi-blade knives posted here that have a mix of carbon and stainless blades that were not meant to be that way.

 

[knarfeng]

If I had a preference, which I kind of don't, it would be for stainless springs, even on a knife with non-stainless blades.

 

[lambertiana]

I have always felt that the backspring should match the blades.

 

[Peregrin]

I have always felt that the backspring should match the blades.

Pretty much my thoughts on the subject.

 

[Chris Montgomery]

Looks as though most here agree the blade and spring materials should match. I feel that way myself.

Chris

 

[Obsessed with Edges]

If I had a preference, which I kind of don't, it would be for stainless springs, even on a knife with non-stainless blades.

My view parallels this.^ I favor functionality and ease of maintence over appearance, insofar as the springs are concerned.

The outer surface of patinated springs can look nice; but every time I take a look into the blade well, at the inside surfaces, the ever-persistant rust-spotting & pitting makes me reconsider their value.

I've also noticed carbon springs are more prone to wear between the blade cam-to-spring contact surfaces; the black swarf generated seems always to be there, in the pivot. The added abrasion resistance of stainless seems to make them hold up better, in that regard.


David

 

[Woodrow F Call]

I like the look of patina on the back springs. Those pantina'd blades and springs on the old Schrades just look cool.

 

[thawk]

I like the look of patina on the back springs. Those pantina'd blades and springs on the old Schrades just look cool.

You're speaking my language Woodrow!

 

[jc57]

My vote would be for stainless.

 

[glsj1011]

I prefer the backsprings to match the blade, but it's not a deal breaker if they don't.

 

[DeathbySnooSnoo]

I have always felt that the backspring should match the blades.

Exactly. I wish more would follow this idea. I think that it just is more pleasing when the spring takes on a patina just like the blade does.