Frost Triflex

[Alberta Ed]

Does anyone have any experience with the new Frost Triflex blades? Their website describes it as "modified carbon steel (which) is best described as a material between laminated steel and plain carbon steel hardened to HRC 59-60 with a softer surface that improves the tensile strength considerably. Though it will not allow bending as laminated steel."
The website notes, "(Laminated steel (L) This steel grade is unique to Frost's knives. The core of the blade is of high carbon steel surrounded by a softer alloyed steel layer. A high hardness (HRC 61) can be achieved through hardening, resulting in a knife blade with superior toughness, cutting edge retention and thereby maximum sharpness and long life. The blade can also be bent into a predetermined shape.") I have two Frost woodcarving knives with laminated steel blades, but haven't bent them (nor do I intend to). They're great cutters.

 

[Jimbo]

Unfortunately I haven't found anywhere in Canada that stocks the Triflex. I'll have to try the special orders dept at Lee Valley.

I was shocked to find my laminated 3 3/4" bent one day and was more shocked to find how easy it was to straighten it out using a crack in a log. I'd batonned some seriously hard wood with the knife without it looking pretzel-like so clearly the knife works in proper usage.
The knife is the top one in the picture:

I can certainly see where such inexpensive wood carving knives that can be bent to form special curves would apply to wood carving - but as I said on the other thread - for outdoor purposes the hoof knife with a bunch of reprofiling makes an awesome crooked knife.

I'm impressed with all the steel used in Moras, so I'm anxious to find just where the Triflex fits into the scheme of things. Initially with using an Erikson 746 sold under the Normark brand by Canadian Tire, I'd thought that the stainless was just too soft - but I guess they made those that way for easy sharpening - I have few complaints with the real thing! It has different strengths and weaknesses than the carbon steel which is great - just choose the steel for the task, if you want to be picky.