do you folks really want stainless knives?

C

Chris Hatin

Joined
Dec 20, 1999
Messages
123
I've got this question running in the blade discussion forum. i may make stainless knives, (BG42, ATS, 154CM, 420v) if that's what the customers want, but i like the strength of tool steels for my fixed blades. am i losing alot of sales, or do you folks really like the A2 and D2 tool steels?
thanks for the input.
chris

------------------
www.geocities.com/chrishatin/hatintec.html
 
I think you're making a good product out of good steel. I can't speak for others but another ats34 knife has nothing to interest me.
 
Hi Chris,

First, there is no such thing as stainless steel. Stain resistant yes, stainless no.

While you may enjoy tool steels. It has a limited market. Tool steels have their place, however why limit your knives to those steels?

The more materials you can use and the more designs you can make. The bigger your market will become.

For big using knives my favorite steel is D-2, however 3V looms big on the horizon.

For folders, BG-42 and 440V are my favorites right now.

However, 420V, Talonite and in particular Stellite also hold interest for me.

154CM is replacing ATS-34, but still is just more of the same.

Here is another thought for you to consider.
Personally, I feel those makers who posses a diversity of skills always seem to be the ones with the greatest amount of success.

Les

[This message has been edited by Les Robertson (edited 22 December 1999).]
 
Well said Les!!!! there is a market for tool steels, 'stain resistant' & alternatives like Stellite, Talonite & Dendritic Cobalt. Why limit when can expand your market - allows for varying preferences & needs.

Bill
tongue.gif
 
Les said it well. No surprise there.
I love "high carbon" knives, for their performance and for their looks. I have yet to see a temper line on a "stainless" knife.
But, with all due respect to the makers of Tuf Cloth, Ren Wax etc., the corrosion problem has not been beaten and sometimes I absolutely need a more corrosion resistant knife. To me, that's the only real attraction of ATS 34, BG42, 440V, or whatever else comes along. Stellite and Talonite [and maybe "Infi"]may be in a slightly different category because they have [or are supposed to have] unique qualities. Rarity or relative exclusivity itself is a big factor for many collectors/customers.
I would certainly prefer to deal with a maker who could offer as many options and had as many skills as possible. If I loved a design I might choose a few knives, or variations, in different materials for different purposes. The maker might offer the same style or variations to appeal to customers with different tastes or requirements or at least have that marketing potential to appeal to or sound out the largest potential market. It only makes sense, I think.
 
Personally, I like having knives in a variety of the different steels. They each have characteristics which make them unique in one way or the other.

I have neck knives out of 1075, ats-34, talonite, damascus, etc. When I'm working or riding a motorcycle under the Florida sun, the talonite works best because at the end of the day I don't have to worry about corrosion from perspiration or having been in a marine environment.

My 1075 knives, even with Marine Tuf-Cloth applied, may get some surface rust which needs to be removed so it doesn't set.

On the other hand, I love the strength and edge holding of tool steels as well as carbon steels.

Like Les, I've also had good experiences with BG-42, CPM 440V and 420V, and Stellite.

My suggestion would be to keep an open mind if it is economically feasible to do so, but, imho, the product you are currently offering seems quite good in the materials you have selected.



------------------
Live Free or Die


 
Chris,
Giving your customers the Option of different steels will more than likely give you an increase in sales. Not everyone wants the same steel. If you limit your materials you limit your potential customers.

Barry
Jones Knives
cool.gif
 
Greetings To All,

I LOVE Tool Steels...there is just nothing like A2! This steel is very tough, easy to sharpen, holds an edge very well & is very strong...For hard working knives that are for general field/utility use...A2 is, in my opinion, very hard to beat. Stainless is nice for one thing...it's corrosion resistence but even that varies depending on what type of stainless steel that is being used. The only other blade material that I am interested in is what is called "Talonite". If Rob Simonich was not so badly back ordered, I would have (2) "Nordens" & (2) "Scandi's" made with this material. To read more about these designs...check out the post "Simonich Customs vs Production Knives"
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top