is low hrc better?

C

coping

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im thinking 55 hardness could be a batter steel than 62 when out for a week or 2 due to easyer sharpening on a rock or textured surface, if you loose a sharpener for a 62 hardness are you naffed or can you sharpen it on a rough surface.

If backpacking ultralight, would taking a lower hardness be better if you got like plenty of stone around where you are heading, to save carrying a hundred gramms or so of knife sharpner?

Have any of you tried sharpening different hardness's on natural materials?

coping
 
Remember that hardness is just a part of the equation, wear resistance plays a lot into sharpenability... 55 might be kind of low

I'd say something like AUS8 would be a good choice for something like you are talking about
 
The hardness is a minor factor, its the wear resistance that causes the issues. 1095 @ 62 is easy to sharpen, S90V @ 59 is not. This is due to the 9% vanadium in S90V.
 
If backpacking for only a week I wouldn't carry a sharpener, and wouldn't need one. Chances are the knife is only going to see light duty like opening food packs or slicing some vegetables. Heck, I've backpacked a week before and barely used a knife the entire trip. I know I've gone on multiple day trips without using a knife once.

It would be different if you were stationary camping for a week and needed to chop wood, or were hunting, or were spending months on Continental Divide Trail.
 
Oh for...., sounds like I got of things to read up on again and more questions lol.
How do you know about a knives wear resistances? Is it different for every hardness of each steel?
 
Bob W said:
If backpacking for only a week I wouldn't carry a sharpener, and wouldn't need one. Chances are the knife is only going to see light duty like opening food packs or slicing some vegetables. Heck, I've backpacked a week before and barely used a knife the entire trip. I know I've gone on multiple day trips without using a knife once.

It would be different if you were stationary camping for a week and needed to chop wood, or were hunting, or were spending months on Continental Divide Trail.
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Off topic but what kind of work do you do that allows you to take week long breaks?
 
XiaolongJackson said:
Off topic but what kind of work do you do that allows you to take week long breaks?
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An archaeologist. Work a few weeks, as long as the particular project lasted, then laid off until the next project started. I had lots of time, and just the right amount of money (none), to spend those down times backpacking and hiking. :)

I also worked at Philmont Scout Ranch for ten years, most in the backcountry.
 
I think something made of CPM S30V or one of the very wear resistant steels would be better than soft. S30V stays pretty sharp for a very long time even though it can loose a little sharpness. Very tough steel and not crazy hard to sharpen with good stones.
 
coping said:
Oh for...., sounds like I got of things to read up on again and more questions lol.
How do you know about a knives wear resistances? Is it different for every hardness of each steel?
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It depends on the steel, with hundreds of steel options you would need to pick one and read its data sheet to get a idea for its performance capabilities.
 
Bob W said:
It's been years since I've been on an extended trip. Don't think my knees would do it now. :(
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Nonsence,
Backpacking ultra light can be about 9 kilos to not cost too much, going lighter may cost a few k in gear, shelter even fishing rod, an axe a saw couple blades, the lot fit into 45 litre with maybe an extra 10 litre pack if you chose a sleeping bag material that doesnt stuff down so small :)
 
coping said:
Nonsence,
Backpacking ultra light can be about 9 kilos to not cost too much, going lighter may cost a few k in gear, shelter even fishing rod, an axe a saw couple blades, the lot fit into 45 litre with maybe an extra 10 litre pack if you chose a sleeping bag material that doesnt stuff down so small :)
Click to expand...

I also have a 'real' job now, and a home, and a family... :D
Sure I'd love to get out more, but I have to make do with squeezing in an hour or two here or there.
 
If you have a need for sharpening out there in the boonies, just buy a diamond card that you stick in your billfold. The size of a credit card.
DMT Dia-Sharp credit card sized diamond sharpener, Google it.
Sonny
 
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