Heat Treat Variations

Joined
Oct 14, 2009
Messages
1,377
All my ESEEs hold a great edge, except one IZULA. I have noticed some variation among like knives. My RAT Pack knife holds a better edge than my new ESEE 3, My RC-4P OD holds a better edge than my RC-4P. Just for fun, and I’m sure very scientific reason, I removed the handles of all my knives and hung them by string from a pole. It looked like a string of fish. I then used a small wooden mallet like one would use to play the xylophone and tapped on all the blades. The knives that hold the better edge, have a higher “ping” to them. Coincidence? I doubt it.

The knife that made me want to write this and do that little experiment is my most recent IZULA strip job. It is of the newer generation (new logo) and was green. It has a serial number over 10,000. I went to touch up the edge (even though it did not need it, I'm just OCD about knives) and this knife is so hard, the Spyderco Sharpmaker that sharpens all my knives, had a hard time removing any steel. Usually you can feel the rods pulling on the knife as they remove steel. This newest one sort of just glides down.

For the money, even twice the money, ESEE is the best thing going. As I write, I have my IZULA in my pocket, ESEE 3P in my briefcase, and RC-6 in pocket behind drivers seat. That’s a light day too.

I can’t conceive how you could possibly make over 10,000 of just one model and not have variations. They would be expected. I’m sure this is coincidence though, my green blades are also my hardest ones.

One last note, after stripping this last IZULA, I could swear there was a very distinct hamon on both sides of the blade. There was nothing present on the previous one I stripped and subsequently polished.

All of my ESEE knives perform way beyond expectations. Just this last IZULA is at the top of the list now.
 
This isn't too uncommon with manufacturers. Heat treatments and edge angle vary slightly sometimes. My Izula I can touch up fine on my Sharpmaker at 40º. Just make sure you aren't sharpening at the 30º Back Bevel. 1095 in my experience doesn't like this angle as much.
 
Back
Top