Conundrum: 1095 vs. SS for work EDC

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calamander

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Aug 24, 2014
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I was in the process of looking for a stockman for a work EDC (I work outside and the summer here is extremely humid). I was trying to narrow my search down to GEC #66, #81 or #82. A few days ago I took out my #22 magnum from my watchpocket where it used to ride everyday, and when closing the blades the sun hit it just right and I saw rust/pitting on the inside of the backspring. I was really bummed out because I was oiling blades every few days beforehand, and these spots will not budge (I used oil, wd40, pipecleaners, steel wool, etc). Never thought to check the inside of the backspring. I have since bought a few Rough Riders, and China made Bucks to use that are stainless, but I am looking for something that is quality- not unlike a GEC. The Case Sowbelly has caught my eye, but thought I would see what the experts have to say about this. I hate to spend half of what a Dixie Stockman would cost on a Sowbelly if I am just going to be disappointed in the long run- like the RR's.

So people that work outside in humid condtions, what is your protocol for keeping rust at bay on 1095? Wash and oil daily? Everyday I am soaked with perspiration from my shoulders to my knees- ringing wet. I tried a belt sheath but that also ends up soaked in sweat. I obviously would love to get a GEC in 440C, but the pickings are slim. I am also a little leery of Queens F&F or a Railsplitter or Cattle King would be on its way. Any help/recommendations would be greatly appreciated!
 
What type of work do you do? What sort of work will your knife do?


Also, will your employer pay for the knife if you're buying it for work?
 
Schatt and Morgan make a few in stainless and the ones I have are well made. Although IIRC, Queen has made some for S & M, as well under their own branding.

I really like the S & M Gunstock model in ATS34. Great knife and while priced a bit higher due to the steel, it's well within reach I think.

And of course, one of my favorites, really bullet proof, doesn't rust. Needs minimal care. The blade will need a touch up a bit more often, but a few strokes gets it back to razor sharp. The Vic 93mm Alox Electrician.
 

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It is my humble opinion that the sowbelly is the best regular production knife Case currently makes. I have one in stainless and CV. Very little difference between the two. If you're working in a hot and humid environment the SS will do great.
 
Buck 301 stockman. NO ONE does a better heat treat of the 420HC than Buck.
(or, you could just use your Rough Riders and China Bucks, they are quality at a reasonable price)
 
I prefer stainless myself for the same reasons, and just tonight I pulled out a couple to put fresh edges on. Any of these would be great for an EDC.

Case Tru-Sharp Sowbelly
TB6339SS_zpsjztnypti.jpg~original


Queen 154CM Railsplitter
RS154open_zpsiwifs4hj.jpg~original


S&M Series IX ATS-34 #9 Stockman
SeriesIXopen_zpsfcdgvvhh.jpg~original


GEC 440C #48 Traditional Trapper
GEC48open_zps0f00d20c.jpg~original
 
If you are looking to keep the blade shiny and new, go for SS!
If not, go for the carbon and enjoy the benefits and maintenance of a simple steel.

All that being said, the Buck 301 is a very hard working knife
 
If you are getting it wet like that every day, stainless might be your best bet. I am surprised to hear your back spring rusted, because I was under the impression that all of the GEC springs are made of stainless steel. (Not the first time I would be wrong lol)
As for a new knife, the current production queen knives are very nice! I particularly like the buffalo line, but the finish across the board has gotten much better. You can get a queen in D2, which is pretty much stainless and holds an edge forever. Also, if you want a larger slip joint in stainless you should check out the forum knife. It might just fit the bill perfectly:

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/1309063-2015-BLADEFORUMS-Club-Knife-Get-em-here!!
 
I primarily go ss for work. Schatt and morgan is nice, on the higher end for a work edc. But I tend to buy a few lower priced knifes for work due to loss. I like case medium stockman in stainless or my favorite and less expensive sak pioneer/electrician.
 
I can't really offer any solid advice except that I would choose stainless steel hands down under the circumstances that you describe. High Chromium stainless steel at that. I wouldn't even consider carbon steel under those conditions but that's just my own personal opinion.

You mentioned a couple of Queen patterns. I'm not sure the relatively low Chromium content of D2 would ward off rust under those conditions. Maybe, but it might be a gamble.

Based on your comments I think A 440C GEC knife would be the perfect option as you mentioned. High Chromium stainless steel from a well respected maker. I think I've seen some 440C #53 or #54 Cubans on a website or two. There was a 440C Tuna Valley with four blades in the Exchange a few days ago that was built on the #53 frame I believe. Just kind of thinking out loud here.

I know they are scarce but I would search for a 440C GEC in a pattern that you can live with.
 
It sounds like you're asking more about the metal used for the backspring, rather than the blade(s).

In any case (no pun intended), you could look into Canal Street as their SS is quite nice. They also make the Ka-Bar coppersmith dog's head series, which is a quality knife that will satisfy one's desire for a patina (on the bolsters and shield) but need minimal maintenance because of quality 14-4 CrMo Stainless Steel, 58-60HRC blades.

I have a Ka-Bar Dog's head Barlow in my pocket right now that I have a hard time not carrying. I'd suggest you look into their 3-blade stockman; it's in stock (again, no pun intended) at at least one well-known internet dealer.
 
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Thanks for all the ideas! I am looking/hoping for a blade with a belly and a straight edge, although I have been eyeing those #48 trappers mainly because it is one of the only GEC 440C I can find available. Hmm...I have been missing the Cubans, I am going to start scouring dealer websites!

supratentorial said:
What type of work do you do? What sort of work will your knife do?


Also, will your employer pay for the knife if you're buying it for work?
Click to expand...
Hi Supratentorial, I work for an arboretum doing trail maintenance, and grounds crew of a small college. The knife will see hard use cutting seed bags, fertilizer bags, cutting netting from pillow block bushings and spindles, occasional cleaning of pruning/wounds on trees, etc. And no, unfortunately I will receive no compensation from my employer!
 
Sod buster Jefe that's the one if were to ask me basis what you do for work and heck even if carbon steel those are made to be rode hard and put away wet in fact the more abused it is better it looks :)
 
I think the Case sowbelly is a good choice. The CSC stockman w/ 440C steel is also a good choice--it's much more expensive though. If the knife doesn't need to be pretty, I have a heavily used CSC stockman that has a lot of life left in it. I could send it to you.
 
When I worked in similar conditions I carried a Case 6347 stockman in stainless and I was happy with it. I don't have one (yet) but I would imagine a Buck 301 would work well too.
 
Another vote for the Case Stockman, this is the Purple Haze model, love it! man does she get SHARP !!! and stainless too ;) just remember it is stain....less it's not stain....never so even with these you should always take care.

Tres_Case.jpg~original


Case_Stockman_purple.jpg~original


I modified my spey blade into a mock pen blade, love it !

Case_Stockman_pen.jpg~original


G2

G2
 
Guys read what he says he needs to do with ? That has Sodbuster written all over it, oh wait am beating a point again :)
 
Yah, a Stockman will give him both a blade with a belly and a blade with a straight edge, the sheepsfoot on mine is just an amazing blade, I'll have to get a photo of that one!
G2
 
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