How does A@ steel compare with 52100?

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wildmike

Joined
Nov 17, 2007
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For all you folks out there with A2 blades, especialy by Bark River.

How does it compare to 52100/SR101 from Swamprat as far as edge holding and quality/crispness.

I know it is fairly tough. Just wondering about the edge qualities.
 
Even if they were the same steel and the same heat treat they would seem like totally different knives because the cross sectional geometries are totally different.

BTW ... BRK has made knives from 52100 and I have some. It was a steel developed for blades if I'm not mistaken.

BRK blades IMO are pure cutters/slicers ...... hunting, skinning, bushcraft, carving and the like .........

Swamp Rat knives can do the same but have a heavier edge profile that will take way more abuse and still cut at an acceptable level.

Very different knives.

Carry a big RAT and a small BARKIE and you should be good.


.... as far as edge quality they both get a very wicked fine edge.
 
I have a forged 52100 chopper with a convex edge I had Tad Lynch make for me. I had it made due to my liking for 52100 which I developed due to my Swamprat RMD.

52100 was originaly ball bearing steel, but it makes great knives.

The reason I'm wondering about this is I'm torn between the new RMDx from swamprat ( a slightly larger RMD with top guard and full convex edge) I really like the full convex. I could do without the choil and the top guard. And the new Scagel from BRK for KSF. Which I prefer the style of.
 
If you asked Mike Stewart he would say that Swamp Rat 52100 is top shelf.

It's all about style and what you want to cut IMO.

I've been looking at the Scagles' since Derrick bought the name and Mike announced that he would make them ... no surprise.

A Scagle hunter would make an EXCELLENT companion to your RMD.
 
Like I said I'm torn!

RMDx is a limited edition with full height convex grind, same as the scagel. However it also has a choil (which I'm neutral on, though I don't like em much) and a top guard which I really don't care for, but I can grind off.

Scagel probably can't take as much abuse, But is a fantasticaly functional design.

With the convex both will cut like crazy.
 
wildmike said:
Like I said I'm torn!

RMDx is a limited edition with full height convex grind, same as the scagel. However it also has a choil (which I'm neutral on, though I don't like em much) and a top guard which I really don't care for, but I can grind off.

Scagel probably can't take as much abuse, But is a fantasticaly functional design.

With the convex both will cut like crazy.
Click to expand...

Wont be much function difference between the Rats' .... the Scagles would be a great camp knife, carver, food prep blade. Then get a bigger Rat as a chopper.
 
Got me a chopper.

Tad Lynch Turkey Mountain Chopper I had him forge me from 1 1/2" dia. 52100 round stock, with a differential temper.

I had tried to get an M9 LE or CG or a RatMastiff for a good bit but finaly ordered a custom out of frustration.

I have a standard RMD, so I may just go ahead with the Scagel.
 
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