GEC 1095 or 440c?

S

SteelSnob

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Sep 7, 2009
Messages
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I'm interested in getting a GEC knife and I can't decide which steel to get. Which performs better? My main concern is performance but I do like a more stainless blade if performance difference is marginal. Thanks!
 
And you call yourself a steel snob...:rolleyes: :p




(Both are excellent steels and provided you sharpen them properly and use the knife as intended, for most cutting tasks you won't notice much of a difference.
The 440C will hold an edge somewhat longer (ordinarily, given a proper heat treat) and will be much better suited to avoiding oxidation. The 1095 may take a "finer" edge and should also be somewhat easier to sharpen under most circumstances. You can't go wrong with either unless you need specific characteristics for a particular usage.)
 
What he said.



GEC does a good job with their steel. Either one should work well for you.
 
Hahah. Thanks Blues.

I know the basics of 440c and 1095 but from what I understand HT plays a huge rule in these two particular steels, even more so than other steels. I guess my question should have been how these two perform side by side with GEC's HT. I've heard things like 1095 can be better than super steels if taking up high on the HRC scales while 440c is similar to 154cm or better if heat treated right.

So I guess the answer is the 440c GEC uses will hold a edge longer but not take as fine a edge as 1095. That's a tough call because I love fine edges.

Does anyone happen to know the HRC os these two steels?

Thanks.
 
You can get 440C pretty damn sharp but in my experience it takes more work than 1095 to reach a similar level of vorpalocity. (Since 1095 is usually given a heat treat in the middle high 50's to near 60 and 440C can be anywhere from high 50's up to 60 or just over.)

I wouldn't agonize over it either way. Best solution, buy one of each and see what you prefer. Only real way to find out and you can justify it in the interest of science. ;)

:cool:
 
Blues said:
The 440C will hold an edge somewhat longer (ordinarily, given a proper heat treat) and will be much better suited to avoiding oxidation.
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And he is absolutely right. But if you are concerned about how 1095 will withstand heavy use and hold up to the elements check out this link.

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=734274

One thing about GEC and 440C is that 440C is only available in their Great Eastern line of knives which limits what type/pattern knives are available. GEC offers 1095 in their Northfield and Tidioute lines (no 440C) and the availability/selection of type/patterns is much greater in those two lines.

I have several GEC knives (all 1095) and am quite pleased with the performance of all of them. I've had no problem with the 1095 blades as evidenced by the link.
 
In my experience with 440C, a "not too acute" secondary bevel is the key to success, at least with my freehand sharpening technique. A primary bevel of 15-20 degrees using diamond hones, followed by a secondary of 20-25 degrees with a steel or ceramic rods, then stropping, does very good with those larger carbides. YMMV.
 
kamagong said:
"Vorpalocity"...I like that.
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gnat.jpg


Thanks. You know it's sharp when you leave the gnat wondering where his 'nads went! (I'm just sayin'...;) )
 
GEC's 1095 is RC 57-59. I got this in response from an email to the company.
I didn't ask about their 440C. I would guess that it is similar, but that is a guess.
 
Wow! Thanks guys. This is a wealth of information. Atleast for me it is because I'm not the fastest reader hahah. I will review it all and get back to you guys.
 
I like the looks of this one. Can anyone tell me what the little blade is used for?

dc701f9b.jpg


I know it's off topic but I don't want to clutter up this forum with question threads.
 
steelsnob the little blade on the gec sleeveboard is used to trim your toenails. really ca'nt add much to the 1095 vs 440c in the blades of gec. blues & knarfeng said it all . personally i like the gec 1095 better but thats a senual tactile experience. i like the feel of 1095 on the hone & the bite of the fine edge on my fingertip. ease of maintenance goes to 440c. however this was never a problem for myself since i was raised with carbon steel for knives & guns. you ca'nt go wrong with gec [over 70 now]
 
DennisStrickland said:
steelsnob the little blade on the gec sleeveboard is used to trim your toenails. really ca'nt add much to the 1095 vs 440c in the blades of gec. blues & knarfeng said it all . personally i like the gec 1095 better but thats a senual tactile experience. i like the feel of 1095 on the hone & the bite of the fine edge on my fingertip. ease of maintenance goes to 440c. however this was never a problem for myself since i was raised with carbon steel for knives & guns. you ca'nt go wrong with gec [over 70 now]
Click to expand...


I'm with you, Mr. Strickland.

The way 1095 takes to a stone is just a lot more appealing to me, and I like the feel of the edge I can put on it.

I only have three GEC's so far, but I am going to have some more, Lord willing. :)
 
neeman said:
Elliott,

What a great new word!!!
Can you copyright that name??

Blue's Vorpalocity Sharpening system

I'll take 10% :cool:
Click to expand...

With apologies in advance to the late Lewis Carroll I offer the term to all Bladeforums brethren free and clear of all restrictions. ;):thumbup::cool:

So, I guess that 10% won't get you much. But you'll always have my friendship. :cool:
 
SteelSnob said:
I like the looks of this one. Can anyone tell me what the little blade is used for?

dc701f9b.jpg


I know it's off topic but I don't want to clutter up this forum with question threads.
Click to expand...

I use the coping blade on my little carver (Goldenrod bone scales) for fine, delicate stuff. Cutting off loose threads, stuff like that. The wharncliffe blade gets 95% of the use when I carry it. I'd almost rather have it be a pen blade instead, to get a blade with some belly, same setup as some of the two-bladed #25 wharncliffe jacks.
 
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