Got my first modern Case - steel and sharpening

[maximus83]

Got my first recent/modern Case knife for Christmas. It's a blue bone medium stockman.

Like it but one odd thing: it's like mystery stainless, not sure what I got here. The box, blade, and included document don't tell you what it is. Their docs do suggest sharpening at a "10 to 15 degree angle." I'll give it a go at 10.

Anybody know the steel used? Betting something like a 420, and probably an AlOx like Norton India or my Arctic Fox field stone.

 

[Obsessed with Edges]

Case's 'Tru-Sharp' stainless is 420HC @ ~55-57 HRC hardness. For a simple, low-alloy stainless, it takes a very fine edge.

Easy to work with. Responds well to simple sharpening media, such as a basic aluminum oxide oilstone (Norton India 'Fine', for example). For touchup sharpening after setting good geometry, something like a Sharpmaker works excellently on these knives. The medium brown/grey SM rods follow the Fine India beautifully. I use & carry Case blades like this regularly and rely on the means mentioned to keep them sharp. They're very easy to live with.