cutting copper

[knarfeng]

Well lets see:

I agree that a knife isn't the right tool. But, IF I were going to use a knife, I'd set it up with an obtuse edge (like at least 30° per side) and I'd look for something like D2 for the alloy.

That being said, when I worked as an electrician and had to cut a stick of EMT, I used my dikes to smooth the edges. So, even if you don't buy the right tool, you may still have a tool which is more appropriate than a knife.

After all. Just because you say you are buying a knife "so I can smooth the copper tubing" doesn't mean you actually have to use it for that. That actually was the intent. You just found something that actually worked better.

 

[FlaMtnBkr]

What size is the copper? About 1/2"? I will echo most everyone else. When I cut a piece of EMT I put a pair of closed pliers in the pipe and twist back and forth for the inside, and open the pliers and run the jaws and 'teeth' around the outside. It works really well for me.

I carry at least 2 knives and if intent on using a knife I would carry a cheapie for the non knife tasks like the deburring and scraping and then carry a nice knife for all my cutting tasks. The cheap knife will have a softer steel that doesn't hold an edge well but is tough and will not chip out the edge. Something like a S&W Swat knife would ne a decent beater. If you wanted something higher end to beat on, and this might be a first for me, something like a Cold Steel American Lawman might work well. As for carrying 2 knives you cam carry one clipped to your strong side pocket and the other IWB or use the clip as a money clip and drop it inside your pocket. At least that's where I put my multiple knives.

If you really want to do as you suggest then I second the M4 recommendation and the Gayle Bradley as a good knife. The M4 Manix 2 dealer exclusive is also still available but may be more than you want to spend @ $154. If you want a more stainless steel then maybe M390 might be a good option for a tougher steel.

 

[eccvets]

are you crazy???!!! and then tell my wife that i don't need a new knife after all??? this is a slippery slope mister- so now i don't need a new knife, and next time i need a new __________ she reminds me that i didn't need that new knife, and starts questioning my purchasing decisions? no sir- i'm not going down that road!

Whoa, you gotta even ask how you spend your own hard earned money on a tool you'll acutally use during your work? Sorry but you gotta turn in your man card right now!

secondly you really should be using the right tool for the job if you dont wanna have to keep buying new knifes. If you dont mind, I say scrape away. you never can have/buy enought knifes!

 

[ono724]

ok- we've gotten really far off topic here. i KNOW i could use the proper tool for the job- i just want some advice about buying a new knife that's a little better than the one i've got. thanks everyone

Yeah everyone, get on topic here! This has nothing to do with the right tool for the job. It has everything to do with a good excuse to buy another knife. I totally understand and encourage such reasoning!

 

[Steel_Addiction]

As an electrician myself I would highly recommend the following:

Anything with s30v or cts-bd30p
Sharpen to a highly polished edge
Add microbevel with a pretty obtuse angle - I usually do 30 degrees w/ 50+ microbevel

The result is a very strong edge which I use to ream pvc conduit all day and the occasional emt in a pinch.

The microbevel is a must plus it is easily maintained even in the field.