Grohmann stainless v. carbon for bushcraft, etc?

S

storyville

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Aug 11, 1999
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Anyone have experience with Grohmann's stainless steel and plain carbon steel? The most I've been able to gather is that the stainless is 4110 and the carbon is C70, German steels that are roughly equivalent in their composition to 440A and 1070. Both are listed at 56-58 RC.

For activities from whittling and carving to splitting wood w/a baton, how do these steels fare in terms of edge-holding and general performance? I don't imagine toughness is really an issue for either, esp at ~57 RC, but perhaps someone can shed light on this, too. I'm thinking with regards to a model #1 or #2, but would be interested to hear about any models.

Thanks,
Glen
 
i own the stainless version and have used it quite alot, some may even consider it abuse.

because of the shape of the blade, whittling is a little hard on detailed work but for making things like tent pegs or chop sticks it fairs well enough.

the ergonomics of the knife is very nice so it makes it a very nice and comfortable slicer.

the steel is very easy to sharpen and i can get it to a point where its shaving sharp fairly quickly.

battoning wood is easy to do however i dont recommend you try it with large pieces, 2-3 inch diameter pieces is the most i do with this knife.

btw i have the number 4 model. the sheath is ok quality, i suggest you order a nice set of kydex pants from normark(eric) at on scene tactical.

cheers
 
Whichever one you get, I'd recommend the flat grind version. I had the saber grind stainless one and could never get it sharp enough for my liking.
 
Thanks for the replies. It's not for me but a gift for my nephew. I've been looking at the full flat grind models but it's pretty hard to find a dealer who sells them in the US, esp. for the #2 Trout & Bird. (And full-flat carbon would have to be special ordered from anyone, annoyingly.) But at 3/32" I figure the #2 secondary bevel would be pretty acute already w/o the full flat grind, no?

Happy Thanksgiving, all --
Glen
 
Another vote for the flat grind , even on the #2. I have the #1, 3, and 4 in flat, and the #1,2, and 3 in saber, all stainless. The flats are far superior for general bushcraft IMO, and a lot easier to sharpen.
Give the #3 a look as well. The handle is more comfortable than the 1 and 2 for lengthy tasks.
I have ordered from both China Cupboard and Knives Direct, and had delivery to California in about a week.
 
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