EXTREME WEATHER STEEL

[u.p.man52]

What steel would be recommended for Alaska hunting? Looking for a knife that can withstand rain, sea salt in the air, yet retain an edge for moose hunting.

 

[DocJD]

Welcome ! You should post this to the "General Knife Discussion " forum . This one is meant for those who want to post a review .

 

[Alberta Ed]

Lots: 12C27, VG-10, S30VS35Vn, CTS-XHP, 420HC, CM-154/CPM-154, for a start. But if you're using it, I wouldn't worry overmuch about even high carbon steel blades. Just put 'em away dry.

 

[u.p.man52]

Lots: 12C27, VG-10, S30VS35Vn, CTS-XHP, 420HC, CM-154/CPM-154, for a start. But if you're using it, I wouldn't worry overmuch about even high carbon steel blades. Just put 'em away dry.

The problem my boss is having is them starting to rust while still on hunt.

 

[u.p.man52]

He has a Marble arms knife and 2 rapid river knife. All of which rusts. I found out last night RRK uses A2 and D2

 

[navman]

I have made knives for folks that big game hunt in Spain and Africa as well as the Pacific Northwest. The steels that have been used and hold up just fine with minimal rust are AEBL, 20CV (M390), S90V and S110V. AEBL takes a very keen edge but will not hold it as well as the others against abrasive materials (such as grit engrained Moose hide).

With proper care non-stainless works fine in a moderately wet environment as well.

 

[u.p.man52]

I have made knives for folks that big game hunt in Spain and Africa as well as the Pacific Northwest. The steels that have been used and hold up just fine with minimal rust are AEBL, 20CV (M390), S90V and S110V. AEBL takes a very keen edge but will not hold it as well as the others against abrasive materials (such as grit engrained Moose hide).

With proper care non-stainless works fine in a moderately wet environment as well.

I've been leaning towards S30V or M390 to make his from

 

[u.p.man52]

I know (now), every knife situation and user is different. What might be good for him may not work for the next guy.

 

[navman]

Both would work fine. It really comes down to the maker and the heat treat, although the potential of the steel does play a part.

 

[sodak]

If you get a coated blade, then rust becomes a non-issue and you have a larger pool of steels to select from.

 

[u.p.man52]

If you get a coated blade, then rust becomes a non-issue and you have a larger pool of steels to select from.

Open to any and all suggestions as I am new to knife making. I do have a titanium coated blade coming right now.

 

[McFeeli]

If I were to choose a steel to take out into the bush for a 2-3 week hunting trip my absolute first choice would be Elmax. It's stainless and super tough. It can hold an edge comparatively to S30V(if heat treatmeant was solid) while being tough enough to withstand hacking through bones.

Really any steel you choose would do a fine job(even carbon). I've used quite a few carbon steel hunting knives, though I usually stay local so it is easier for me to keep em' clean and dry.

 

[d762nato]

Another thing to think about is the cold weather and different types of steel. Some types they say if they get cold enough the steel will get brittle and snap possibly. While I've never had that problem I have heard/read about this problem over the years. So you may want to think about that also. Here's a link from the past on cold weather and knives.
https://www.bladeforums.com/threads/which-type-of-steel-will-work-best-in-extreme-cold-

 

[u.p.man52]

Another thing to think about is the cold weather and different types of steel. Some types they say if they get cold enough the steel will get brittle and snap possibly. While I've never had that problem I have heard/read about this problem over the years. So you may want to think about that also. Here's a link from the past on cold weather and knives.
https://www.bladeforums.com/threads/which-type-of-steel-will-work-best-in-extreme-cold-

I have heard of this also, but since most of our hunting is done in 30-40 degree weather it shouldn't be an issue. But thanks