Is SOG's 440A different from other manufacturers?

[Full Tang Clan]

Are steels "treated to spec." for each manufacturer, or are they bought "off the shelf"?

I read that SOG's 440A is different from other manufacturers due to the heat treat.

For a so-called "soft steel" (compared to ATS series), I'm having one hell of a time trying to get a good edge on my Magnadot, I've worn out the original blade profile!

In comparison, sharpening the AUS-6 (even CPM 440V) from a competitor is much easier. I know blade profile has much to do with it too.

Does SOG have a tailored heat treat or something for their 440A?

 

[calyth]

Originally posted by Full Tang Clan

For a so-called "soft steel", I'm having one hell of a time trying to get a good edge on my Magnadot, I've worn out the original blade profile!

Your particular Magnadot may have a bad heat treat.
Heat treatment is put on the steel after they're made, so the entire process can be up to the maker (or the subcontracted "heat treater", you get my point)
440A supposedly have more carbon than AUS 6, and should have a slightly better edge thna the AUS6 blades. I'd think Ron wouldn't mind if you send it in to let them check it out.

 

[Full Tang Clan]

Thanks Calyth. However, I don't hold SOG accountable for me almost grinding and honing a clip point to nearly a wharncliffe!

I think that's beyond Mr. Frazer's scope or responsibility!

 

[Ron Andersen]

Hi FTC,

Thanks for posting your experience. SOG takes much pride in its meticulous heat treating of all it's steel...including that of your AUS6 (440A) in your MagnaDot, making it a "cut above the rest" (geez, I crack myself up! ). It's always possible something has slipped through and you have bad blade. If you wish to send it back and have us look it over, we'd be more than pleased to do so. In that case, please follow our warranty return procedures. Also, print this thread as part of your packing material.

What we'd do is take a RC test, resulting in a ball point pen sized divot in your blade (most likely on the tang near the thumbstud). Other issues may be taken into consideration as well. Best case scenario, we'll issue you a new knife. Worst case scenario, we'd return your knife with the divot, but refurbished in every way possible, sporting a new factory edge (we might even put a new pouch on it for you).

I hope this has been of help to you. We do desire to be exceedingly meticulous in our QC and in our Customer Service. In whatever way we can, we want to assure that you are happy with SOG and your SOG knife.

Let me know if you have any further questions or concerns.

 

[glockman99]

Originally posted by Full Tang Clan
...For a so-called "soft steel" (compared to ATS series), I'm having one hell of a time trying to get a good edge on my Magnadot, I've worn out the original blade profile!

I'm curious...What are you using to sharpen your knives with? You might get yourself a Spyderco Sharpmaker if you don't have one, as that is what I use to keep my (AUS-6) SOG knives razor sharp.

 

[Full Tang Clan]

Originally posted by glockman99
I'm curious...What are you using to sharpen your knives with? You might get yourself a Spyderco Sharpmaker if you don't have one, as that is what I use to keep my (AUS-6) SOG knives razor sharp.

WHAT-CO? Shhh. We're not supposed to talk about "bugs" here!

But yeah, that's a good idea!

FTC

 

[Full Tang Clan]

Originally posted by Ron@SOG
Hi FTC,

Thanks for posting your experience. SOG takes much pride in its meticulous heat treating of all it's steel...including that of your AUS6 (440A) in your MagnaDot, making it a "cut above the rest" (geez, I crack myself up! ). It's always possible something has slipped through and you have bad blade. If you wish to send it back and have us look it over, we'd be more than pleased to do so. In that case, please follow our warranty return procedures. Also, print this thread as part of your packing material.

What we'd do is take a RC test, resulting in a ball point pen sized divot in your blade (most likely on the tang near the thumbstud). Other issues may be taken into consideration as well. Best case scenario, we'll issue you a new knife. Worst case scenario, we'd return your knife with the divot, but refurbished in every way possible, sporting a new factory edge (we might even put a new pouch on it for you).

I hope this has been of help to you. We do desire to be exceedingly meticulous in our QC and in our Customer Service. In whatever way we can, we want to assure that you are happy with SOG and your SOG knife.

Let me know if you have any further questions or concerns.

Thanks for replying Ron. My original post was an enquiry of SOG's 440A steel. Not to complain about my SOG Magnadot. I would not have suspected any possibility of a incorrect heat treat.

I just figured (still suspect) that it was due to my crappy sharpening skills since it came sharp in the box, and the fact that the Magnadot is a very stout knife and more difficult to sharpen than a thinner blade. For those that have never seen one up close, it makes the typical blade on a typical folder look enemic. It's 3.5 inch blade gives the illusion of being much bigger.

I still may take you up on the offer since a 100,000 mile tune up may be a good idea!

Has SOG ever considered making a higher end version of this knife? The bowie style blade (or Tomcat style in SOG terms)is awesome. However, it could do with an upscale makeover, and a removeable pocket clip as an option.