Different Steels used in Fixed vs Folders

J

Jon Augesen

Joined
Jan 16, 2021
Messages
43
Good morning, I had a question that could have been asked before, but couldn't find searching the history. I figured I would ask it anyway and apologies if it is easily found.

I have always been curious to know why there are many steels used in the making of fixed blade knives that are not used in the making of folding knives. The variety of steel used in fixed blade knives seems to contain the same steel or much of the same steel as folding knives, but the opposite doesn't seem to compare.

My ask here is this:

Why does it seem like the majority of folding knives are made with different steels than fixed blade knives. I understand that there is some overlap here and there, but (could just be my perception)the handful of folders that have 80crv2 or 1095, etc seem to be outliers compared to the large majority of what exists out there in the market.

I would really appreciate an education on this topic
 
Folders want to be small and sharp , wear resistant,and corrosion resistant. Fixed blades often want to be big and tough,are more likely to be forged, and don't seem to need to be stainless so much. Also,the price of the steel comes into play!
 
It seems to at least partially be because of differences between stock removal makes (folders) and forging bladesmiths (fixed blades). Of course stock removal makes also make fixed blades and vice versa, but when stock removal makers make a fixed blade it may not be in the low alloy steels you listed.
 
If you think of the extremes and what is needed for each, like a scalpel and a sword. The qualities of the steel will be different.
Most folks won't try to chop firewood with a folder, or pick their fingernails with a bowie.
Ok, maybe I'm guilty of the latter.
 
in my opinion, it's largely because the type of steel is intrinsic to the marketing of folding knives. Folding knives are the type of knife most people are buying and in many cases, paying well over actual value for as it's an overheated market. People who geek out on mechanisms and stuff tend to also be all about the latest most wonderful steel. Some people go so far as to collect many multiples of the exact same folder in order to have every iteration, often the only difference being the alloy used.

So I guess what I'm saying is that consumers of folding knives tend to be more demanding of the type of steel than consumers of fixed blade knives. Which is pretty ironic if you really think about it.
 
Thank you everyone. I appreciate it. I am a knife junkie, knifeaholic, knife addict, etc... as I am sure all of you are as well. I have to admit that I "geek out" and the mechanisms on folders as well, but don't want different variations of the same knife. I just want all the shapes and the fidget factor is a big bonus.

I prefer fixed blades overall. Something about the primitive tool that just fascinates me. I have no desire to jump into making a folder, but have been making fixed blades for about a year and a half or so now. People like all of your and this forum is a wealth of knowledge for someone like me. I am only doing stock removal at this point with old files (starting out), 1095, 8670, and 80crv2 but I really want to start forging soon. I love the big monster blades.
 
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