Is crap stainless cheaper than carbon steel?

In this particular region, old timers are flattered when they see a dark, Carbon blade. I don't guess some people like to perform, simple maintenance to Carbon steel, but then again there is some good, cheap stainless out there. Like 12C27 Sandvik, that Opinel, as well as Mora like to use.
 
I'm not arguing against good cheap stainless. I actually love the stuff. I love aus8 and 440C, I'm sure that I'd love Sandvik and some of the Chinese steels too. I'm also not arguing that Taylor is making a poor choice. Exactly the opposite actually. I would like to see other companies follow their example, but offer even more of their stainless lineup in hc steel.

One thing that you guys helped me to understand is that there are different qualities of 1095? I didn't know that. I actually thought that they were all about the same. I've bought a few sticks of 1095 and never knew that I might be buying a better or worse quality bar than another vendor might stock. I guess my assumption came from the simple composition list.

The gentleman who pointed out that cheap stainless is actually easier to work has a good point. I can't argue that because I'd be arguing from two perspectives and I've chosen one stance already, but let me ask you this. For companies that offer traditional slipjoints in good stainless, let's call that 440(?) and no carbon option, even one air hardening and easily heat treated like 1084, why not?

We all know that people are going to order knives in carbon steel and be disappointed that they stain. We all see the warning that companies try to put up so customers are aware that the knife they're buying will require extra care, but that doesn't mean there isn't room for carbon knives. In fact, I think there is room for many more knives in hcs. There are very specific applications where this is particularly true. I'm not talking about tactical folders. :)
 
they probably don't see a market for it. It takes a business risk to jump into another line of product. and quite frankly, today cheap stainless really is just about as good as cheap carbon (even if I prefer the carbon). I mean, think about it. Back when stainless was brand new, and normally VERY crappy, the stainless pocket knives started to sell. Even if they were way too soft, formed a wire edge instead of an actual edge, and usually brittle to boot, they were still selling. People like to put things away, only use them when necessary, and then forget about them.
 
Moxy said:
Your average John Smith impulse buying a <$40 folder while in line at his local hardware store is even going to consider what the blade is made out of. So long as it looks nice and shiny it's a sale. Manufactures know this. Aesthetics sell. I'd like to see cheaper folders in carbon steel too, but to the average user rust/corrosion resistance matters more. Someone showing off their Kershaw Skyline in 1095 with a patina would just look like a dirty rusty blade to the average dude.
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Ohhhhhh. Skyline with a patina...

I think they are around because people see stainless or 'surgical steel' and gravitate that way. I used to be like that... back when I was about 10 and didn't know about Youtube (I think I was 12 when Youtube was made)
 
Since when did 440C become cheap stainless steel? Its way better than AUS8 or 420HC, and its comparable to VG-10 and 154CM.

Also, who says these junk knives would be any better with 1084 or 1075 or the like? They would still be 40hrc pieces or wobbly liner locking crap. Michael Walker would still be ashamed.
 
TriviaMonster said:
Since when did 440C become cheap stainless steel? Its way better than AUS8 or 420HC, and its comparable to VG-10 and 154CM.

Also, who says these junk knives would be any better with 1084 or 1075 or the like? They would still be 40hrc pieces or wobbly liner locking crap. Michael Walker would still be ashamed.
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Did I say that 440C was cheap? I meant inexpensive. I think I also mentioned at least once that I love 440C.

Why would the high carbon steel knives be 40hrc? Also, why would they have a liner lock? I said slipjoints and fixes blades. Very few slipjoints have a liner lock. ;)
 
Here's what I said when I mentioned 440C.

"I'm not arguing against good cheap stainless. I actually love the stuff. I love aus8 and 440C"

Doesn't seem like I'm badmouthing the steel to me?
 
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