Dislike stainless. Who makes a carbon tac folder?

L

Leviathan

Joined
Dec 30, 2001
Messages
8
I am a fan of carbon steel knives because I camp and backpack a lot and will not trade a little corrosion resistance for what I perceive to be an easier sharpening and just as good or better performing steel than most stainlesses for almost any task. I have knives in 1095, O1 and D2 and a little care goes a long way.

Hell, people still find centuries old swords in archaeological sites that probably have enough integrity left in them to club somone silly. Rust is an overrated problem and always has been outside of a few specialized environments. George Mallory, the original Anglo Everest expeditioner, disappeared in 1927. His carbon steel pocketknife was recovered a couple of years ago in working order.

That said, I am partial to fixed blades, but sometimes a little more discretion is called for so I am looking for a carbon steel tactical folder that a southpaw could use. The only carbon bladed folding knife I have is a Case. I am looking for something a lot more butch, but something that can still throw a spark in the wilderness if needed.

Any suggestions? The only thing I can think of is some BM Axis Lock in M2. I have never used M2, so what is it like?
 
I'm not sure if Bob Dozier makes left handed models of his folders, but if you like D2 then you should like Dozier.
 
I make left handers with 01 blades and 440c back straps. If you have a certain design or pattern in mind, let me know and I can quote you a price and timeline for delivery.
 
In the realm of production knives, Benchmade kicks butt. Their M2 bladed 710 is awesome. The new AFCK with a D2 blade would also be a fine choice. They are available only in the BT2 coating however. If that really bothers you, you could always pull the blade and give it a nice satin finish. Rekat also makes some folders using D2 I believe. Both of these knives will work well for lefties. Kabar has a knife designed with Bob Dozier using D2. Although it is not for lefties and is more of a dagger blade than utility design, it still might interest you. Look here;

http://www.agrussell.com/ka-bar/ka4060.html

Your best bet however may be a custom maker. They will use almost any steel you can think of. While definitely more expensive, it is up to you to decide whether it would be worth it or not. I currently have carbon steel blades on folders from Ed Caffrey (forged 52100, best cutting knife I own) and Darrel Ralph (forged 52100). These knives have much more blade character than any folders I own due to the beautiful temper lines. Both take a stunning edge, are easy to sharpen and I have had zero rust problems with either of them.

edited to include link :)
 
Michael Obenauf regularly makes folders from D2. HE often has knives for sale at Arizona Custom knives, Shootist has some for sale at his website also.
 
i prefer the boker ceramics myself ceramic stays sharper is shazper and is naturally a flat finish with no shine
 
BM also came out with a carbon fiber handled 730 Ares recently in M2 steel. Real nice. It was a limited production run, so it might be a little hard to find.
 
However, to clarify.

I'd like a knife with all of the features of a tactical folder with little or none of the additive(s) that make(s) a steel "stainless."

Better?
 
Benchmade's M2 and D2 Axis folders are awesome.
There are lots of custom makers out there, I think you should find a design you really like first and have one made in whatever tool steel you like. Custom makers are too cool.
 
To my knowlege there are few choices for carbon steel in one hand openers. However, you might like D2. I got Dozier D2 drop point folding hunter and it does indeed perform well. However, D2 does contain a fair amount of chromium so it is not plain carbon steel in the sense that term is used. Still it sharpens fairly easy and takes and holds a keen edge like carbon steels.
 
My favorite beater is a CS Twistmaster that I paid 12.00 for. I cold blued the Carbon V blade and it always stays razor sharp..;)
 
Benchmade's M2 continues to impress me the more I use it. I've had my 710HS a little over a year, and it has seen some very rough use. Due to the fact that it is M2, and has the Axis lock, I have used it much harder (sometimes intentionally, "just to see") than other knives I have used on the job. I have managed to chip a couple of ATS-34 blades, an ATS-55 blade, and a 420V blade. The M2, under harder use, has never chipped, though the edge has rolled several times-a steel takes care of that for the most part.
No problem with corrosion so far, except for some specks on the blade after being soaked with a busted water line, and not wiping the blade down. Note, the BT2 was also completely worn off.
I had a boron carbide coating applied, and have given the knife a few good beatings to see how the coating held up. The BC is great, but what's really impressed me was how the knife has stood up to intentional abuse without any real damage.
Great ergonomics, G-10 scales that provide a secure grip, the strength of the Axis lock, recurve, and the M2 steel, make the 710HS the number one choice in a hard use folder, IMO.

btw, if you should order a BM Axis lock because it is ambidextrous, be aware that it will come set up for right-handed carry, and you will need a #6 Torx driver for the clip screws.
 
Mission makes their MPF with an A2 blade, again not sure if a left handed version is offered.
 
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