Folders with forged blades?

Recluse

Recluse

Joined
Jan 15, 2000
Messages
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Are there any makers currently producing folders (tactical style) with forged blades? I think I would be particularly interested in trying out one with a less frequently-used steel like L6 or W2. Thanks.
 
Michael Vagnino makes a tactical out of many different materials called the P-38 in manual, auto and double action.
 
Steve Dunn and Kirk Rexroat both forge and make tac folders, but save up your pennies, they both get well past $400 usually ($500 to $600 is what I recall from hazy memory), and both typically use 52100 but I'll bet they'd do W2 or L6. I like Kirk's "Large Folder" as a hunting knife, but the price is steep. Harvey Dean might make something that is nearly tactical now too (hazy memory of something).

http://rexroatknives.com/
http://www.stevedunnknives.com/
http://members.tripod.com/~hdean/index.htm#LINKS

Also, Darrel Ralph forges 52100 (and his own damascus of course). I know Darrel is at least a Journeyman Smith (think he made Mastersmith), and he'd probably do an Apogee or EDC for you outta that, and might do W2 or L6, but not sure.

For sure, Rick Dunkerly forges 52100 and makes high end designer-damascus folders, but I suppose you might be able to talk him into making something dressed-down, tactical. Expect to pay more than $400 again.

~~~~~~~~~
With that said, I've got to say that forging for a small blade isn't going to necessarily buy you much in my own personal opinion, not on a small blade (say 4" or less). A well heat treated stock removal carbon steel blade should be fine for a folder. Even if you wanted something differentially heat treated (which seems like overkill to me especially since the blade pivot in a folder is a big limiting factor), a maker could try to pull that off on a folder even from stock removal.

Consider having 3V treated to Rc60 by someone who knows how to deal with the stuff.

3V at Rc60 is be twice as tough as A2 at Rc60, and will hold an edge with D2 at Rc60. A2 is twice as tough as D2, so 3V is plenty tough for a folder.

Bailey Bradshaw is using a lot of 3V for his folders (haven't seen anything particularly tactical from him though).

Also, you might be well served to talk to a couple dealers, as they sure see a whole spectrum of stuff at shows and will know who is doing what you are after. I can recommend these:

Les Robertson
http://www.robertsoncustomcutlery.com/

Larry at KnifeArt
http://www.knifeart.com/customknives.html

Arizona Custom Knives (Karen & Jay Sadow)
http://www.arizonacustomknives.com/custommakerlist.htm

Nordic Knives (Dave Harvey)
http://www.nordicknives.com/front.html
(they have a 3.125" Kirk Rexroat folder w/ stag & 52100 for $650)
 
Wally Hayes has done it and I believe still does, but I think they're not very common. I have a pearl damascus bolster lock. There are many forged damascus available, but i guess you're asking about other forged steels like 52100,O1 etc.
 
Thanks for all the replies! :) I have read up on the suggested makers, and it seems that 52100 is THE steel of choice for those that offer forged folder blades. Is this because it's the best steel for the job, or is it just the "popular" choice (like ATS-34/154CM for stainless folder blades)?

Originally posted by rdangerer
With that said, I've got to say that forging for a small blade isn't going to necessarily buy you much in my own personal opinion, not on a small blade (say 4" or less). A well heat treated stock removal carbon steel blade should be fine for a folder. Even if you wanted something differentially heat treated (which seems like overkill to me especially since the blade pivot in a folder is a big limiting factor), a maker could try to pull that off on a folder even from stock removal
Click to expand...

Good points, Robert. :) I guess I just have this weird notion that carbon steel reaches its final evolution in the forged blade, and since in CA fixed blades are out for EDC, a folder is my only choice. Yeah, I know I'm a freak.......:D

Larry, you have mail. :)
 
Lyttle is great. But given a choice between a Lyttle and a car, or a house... :)
What is the availability of his knives nowadays? They certainly are fantastic.
 
Hi
Yes I just shipped an EDC with a carbon fiber frame and 52100 forged dual temper line blade.

Ya I like it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
 
52100 has a reputation out of proportion to what it deserves, and I think it comes from having one of the most optimized heat treats in the carbon steel range, one that has been shared by many. I think Pendray did lots of the research, and then Fowler and the Montana crowd continued the tradition and got 52100 popularized.

52100 is pretty close cousin to L6 and W1 and W2 and 0170-6 and O1 in terms of metallurgical composition. Yeah, some are water and some oil quench steels, but all are in the relatively simple end of carbon steel spectrum. All should make really excellent CS blades in the right hands capable of an optimized heat treat.

I'd think A2 and M2 and 3V should offer better overall performance given the right heat treatment.

Having said that, and admitting I own few carbon steel knives, the 2 Dunkerly hunters I had in 52100 had a very very good heat treat, witnessed by a very fine grain structure and ability to take the most wickedly hair poppin' shaving edge that I have been able to muster on a knife.

Believe it or not, same goes for Darrel Ralph's 420V heat treat, and his D2E isn't far behind, nor is his Damasteel.

I think the message is grain refinement in heat treat.
 
Ranger,
I came from the carbon world to the stainless world. Yes 52100 heat treated right will perform excellent if the grain is reduced. At one time I only used carbon steel years ago.

One difference of opinion. I do not believe in spec sheets on steels.
After testing 3v for toughness I disagree with the spec sheets.
I used 4 differnt types of heat treating to complete my tests.

I feel it is a good steel but brings nothing to the table to offset the cost differnce after destructive testing it against 52100 d2 and 420v.
If the edge is thick it works well but slicing is not good. The fighters I ground from it did not perform well in the soft nail cutting test. I am a thin edge type person. I feel that thin edges in 3v are not a good combination. Other steels did very well against it with thin edges and have a lower cost.

3v does have good flexability. But so does 52100 diff tempered and several others.

I am waiting for the new 3v to show up for a battery of testing also.
I have high hopes for it.

This is not a flame against 3v. It is just facts that I have found in my heat treating and testing that I keep for my records and customer information.

D2 offers a great combination of two differnt worlds. Its is a carbon that is almost stainless.
 
Darrel,

Do you have a picture of the forged blade EDC?
Do you have any left?

Regards,

Ed
Usual Suspect
 
I think he is on the forums. Ill email and see if he can take a pic or scan of it.
Any other questions (as per forum rules) please email me.
 
Darrel,

The EDC is sure a sweet package when combined with the forged 52100. The double temper lines really make it unique. I will try and get some good pictures up to show this baby off. And yes, 52100 does take a super edge.
 
Are there any rust problems? Do you have to take the knife apart from time to time to clean it or can you reach all nonstainless parts without disassembly?
 
Thanks for all the replies and assistance. I'm pleased to report that Darrel Ralph has graciously consented to make exactly what I'm looking for. :D
 
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