How come the izula folder wont be available in 1095 steel

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Sep 12, 2007
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692
For me and I am sure many others, one of the main attractions to esee knives is the 1095 steel

Plus it would make it even more unique since carbon steel folders are hard to find
 
Folders have moving parts so we need a little harder steel to wear on the pivot pin and stop pin. Both pivot and stop pins have to be really hard because of the nature of their duty. 1095 carbon I think might wear quickly on these two parts and render the folder sloppy in short order. Also a folder is not something you want to take apart for cleaning so rust might become an issue at some point inside the workings where you cannot get to it to clean. Mike
 
Folders have moving parts so we need a little harder steel to wear on the pivot pin and stop pin. Both pivot and stop pins have to be really hard because of the nature of their duty. 1095 carbon I think might wear quickly on these two parts and render the folder sloppy in short order. Also a folder is not something you want to take apart for cleaning so rust might become an issue at some point inside the workings where you cannot get to it to clean. Mike

It is my understanding that the higher the carbon content in steels, the harder it can be. A high carbon steel can be EXTREMELY hard but very brittle. The correct heat treatment is capable of maintaining an acceptable degree of ductility while also ensuring the desired hardness.

Would it not be possible to treat the contact parts in such a way that ensured maximum hardness while the blade itself was treated as all ESEE blades have been (excellent compromise between hardness and ductility)?
 
Folders have moving parts so we need a little harder steel to wear on the pivot pin and stop pin. Both pivot and stop pins have to be really hard because of the nature of their duty. 1095 carbon I think might wear quickly on these two parts and render the folder sloppy in short order. Also a folder is not something you want to take apart for cleaning so rust might become an issue at some point inside the workings where you cannot get to it to clean. Mike

I have to disagree, I have several hand tools made of carbon steel such as channel lock pliers that hold up just fine
 
It's hart to compare a folder to other hand tools as far as steel goes. I have some pliers that are probably made fromt he cheapest Taiwan steel they can cast that are holding up fine through lots of use but I don't want a knife made out of it.

D2 is a good steel, and is a little more resistant to rusting/staining than 1095 and if it is going to be living in a pocket, that's probably not a bad idea.

The folder will be a new step for ESEE and trying a different steel for it won't hurt.
 
Yes it is true that one main draw for ESEES is the 1095 steel but folders are much harder to clean and it is easier for there to be moisture in the moving parts and with 1095 being high carbon, rust is almost inevitable. D2 offers more rust resistance and is still good for hard use.
 
I would like to see a more rust resisting steel than D2 on the folder, I have really bad experience with that steel regarding chipping.

If you guys from ESEE read this: Please consider making a left hand version, too! (I'm right handed but I carry a fixed blade on the right side, and I like my backup folder to be on the left. I guess I'm not the only one.)
 
I would also like to add that it is a common mistake (often read) to think D2 does good in resisting rust. I don't have much concerns though if the coating is as good as on ESEE's fixed blades.
 
I would also like to add that it is a common mistake (often read) to think D2 does good in resisting rust. I don't have much concerns though if the coating is as good as on ESEE's fixed blades.

Not good, better than 1095.
 
a san mai version too :D works for Fallkniven?

D2 would be spiffy though. can't wait.
 
KA-BAR's MULE is 1095, but they use 1095 CroVan so it's naturally more resistant to rust. When it comes to folders I'll be tossing my money at a quality stainless. I have to say I wonder how the ESEE coating would up inside a folder, in the little nitty-gritty parts (locking mechanism, bearings, etc.)

God bless,
Adam
 
Folders have moving parts so we need a little harder steel to wear on the pivot pin and stop pin. Both pivot and stop pins have to be really hard because of the nature of their duty. 1095 carbon I think might wear quickly on these two parts and render the folder sloppy in short order. Also a folder is not something you want to take apart for cleaning so rust might become an issue at some point inside the workings where you cannot get to it to clean. Mike

It is my understanding that the higher the carbon content in steels, the harder it can be. A high carbon steel can be EXTREMELY hard but very brittle. The correct heat treatment is capable of maintaining an acceptable degree of ductility while also ensuring the desired hardness.

Would it not be possible to treat the contact parts in such a way that ensured maximum hardness while the blade itself was treated as all ESEE blades have been (excellent compromise between hardness and ductility)?

I have to disagree, I have several hand tools made of carbon steel such as channel lock pliers that hold up just fine

It's odd to me that two people with random letter and number names both just disagreed with Mike within minutes of each other. They're like twins. You'd have to check their IP addresses to know which one is which. Not making any accusations. Just pointing out the oddness.
 
I have alot of Emersons in 154 cm and that blade steel is outstanding, also S30V would be a good choice, it works nice in my Sebenza. S30V is the best steel that I have ever had for ease of sharpening and still being able to hold an edge through extended use. I have never used D2 but I do hear good things about it so I will be nice to finally get my knife.:D
 
Interesting point Dyalside. I am not an expert on steel or knives so I am running with the theory that Esee and Rowen (the experts) will produce a high quality knife with high quality materials that we can beat the snot out of. If it breaks or fails in any way? Is there any doubt that Esee's warranty and customer service will be any different than it has been in the past.

I'm not trying to be argumentative, it just seems to me that if you did not agree with the way a knife is being produced one might find a product that better fits the specifications you are looking for. I am sure feedback is always healthy for companies like Esee, but I am inclined to let the product get some mud on it before I start making decisions about the quality. Just my .02
 
KA-BAR's MULE is 1095, but they use 1095 CroVan so it's naturally more resistant to rust. When it comes to folders I'll be tossing my money at a quality stainless. I have to say I wonder how the ESEE coating would up inside a folder, in the little nitty-gritty parts (locking mechanism, bearings, etc.)

God bless,
Adam

According to Kabar's Site the Mule is made from AUS-8a stainless in Taiwan or 3CR13 stainless when made in China.

The only folders I've seen in the last 10 years that are made from 1095 are slippies and other traditional folders. Plus the ocasional limited run lock back. I love 1095 steel and it's varients but a folder is a high mentance device so I lean towards a stainless or semi stainless steel for those.


My Buck 110, SOG, or Spyderco folders will handle everything I need them to so I probably won't be getting a folding Izula. I'm here for the survival training and no BS aproach. Besides, I've got more folders then I know what to do with. When my nieces and nephews are old enough to apreciate a good folder, they will probably get to pick through Uncle Heber's collection.
 
According to Kabar's Site the Mule is made from AUS-8a stainless in Taiwan or 3CR13 stainless when made in China.

I just looked (its been sitting in the safe since the day I decided that I just needed a folder that weighed less than a pound.) You are correct sir. I could have sworn it was as I had said, I seem to be going senile as I approach my thirties :eek:. I've searched my knife collection and now don't know where that thought came from. It must have come from too much browsing the interweb. Anyhow, thank you for correctifying my ever so false statement.

God bless,
Adam
 
snip
I am sure feedback is always healthy for companies like Esee, but I am inclined to let the product get some mud on it before I start making decisions about the quality. Just my .02

+10
I'm loving this comment - well stated.
 
It's odd to me that two people with random letter and number names both just disagreed with Mike within minutes of each other. They're like twins. You'd have to check their IP addresses to know which one is which. Not making any accusations. Just pointing out the oddness.

I can assure you I am not ans7812, any moderator can verify this if they like.


I am not running some evil conspiracy to pump up demand for 1095 steel folder:)

I am merely just suggesting my opinion that 1095 works well with tools and knives. Considering that there are no carbon steel locking folders on the market. It would make the Izula folder more attractive. For me anyway.
 
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