Is 154CM really more wear resistant than 440C?

I recommend Alpha Knife Supply for steel if you want it right from the get go.
 
I got some 440c for a run of oyster knives a while back. While finishing them I noticed what looked like a hair under a microscope all up and down them. They were only cosmetic as you couldn't feel them. They were noticeable from 220 on. I ground .010"-.015" off and they were still there. Never figured out what they were. It's happened twice and I've used Cpm154 and Aebl since.
 
here's 154cm on a leatherman

and 440C on an old lionsteel

and a very very poor heat treatment on a 440c ganzo

None of the 440C knives tested above have used Cryo (deep freeze, liquid nitrogen) which would bump them up a tad more. i think a step most makers dont use for 440c, generally when 440C is used, its used to cut corners (generally) or just cost effective and heat treatment is not really focused on.
 
MO2, So makers who use 440C do so to as a "cost cutting measure" or to "cut corners" and heat treatment is "not focused on". I use 440 C sometimes and have my blades heat treated at Paul Bos where they "Cryo" every blade. Have you ever actually made a knife or used 440C? I have made and sold over 500 knives and I think 440C is much maligned for scant reasons. Here is a 440C knife I made a while back. Larry

VgYxILLm.jpg
 
I said generally. And yes I've used good 440c from Paul bos to be exact. It's a good steel when heat treated properly. Its not going to be on the same level as other steel for edge retention but it's good. And your work looks great and no doubt it performs well. But I was generalizing the majority of knives in general.
 
Last edited:
Mo2 said:
generally when 440C is used, its used to cut corners (generally) or just cost effective and heat treatment is not really focused on.
Click to expand...

100% wrong.
440C is a fine steel and performs wonderful with proper HT and Cryo and if its name was changed to SuperLaxer wonder steel the fan boys would be slobbering all over it and ditching their other steels to get the new kid on the block.
 
There is a PM version of 440C , Carpenter CTS 40CP, and it is supposed to be some good stuff. IIRC, Hoss recommends it as a kitchen knife steel. Old and simple does not automatically mean bad. AEB-L is a great example of that. I, like others, wonder if the bad reputation of 440C comes not only from less than ideal HT, but also from the use of generically labeled "440 steel" in many cheap knives.
 
Last edited:
I'm going to go with Options A & B above....The Cheap imports are probably using less than ideal HT's on on who know what type or grade of steel and marking it with a recognizable known steel label.
My experience has been pretty good with 440C...maybe not to the standards of some of the newer better popular steels BUT it holds it's own in quality comparisons.
 
A good word for 440B - I have a kukri made of that - excellent application for that steel !! :D
 
mete said:
A good word for 440B - I have a kukri made of that - excellent application for that steel !! :D
Click to expand...
I can see that....perfect selection for that application so there are some qualities often overlooked.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top