Just got a Minitask and have questions

M

MrSteve

Joined
Jan 27, 2000
Messages
5
Hi everyone!

Haven't posted in a while, mostly just lurking, but now I have a couple of questions I can't find answers to, even in the archives.

I just got a Kershaw/Ken Onion Minitask ($70+shipping) and it had the ATS34 warning sticker on it, but the blade is marked “1500ST (the model # I guess) and 440C. Is the 440C a metal designator?

Also, I read somewhere about being able to "loosen" the action. This knife does not open nearly as well as my Blackout does, and if my opening and closing it a few hundred times this afternoon doesn't loosen it up I think some other action will be required.

OK, one more. I remember reading about there being a difference between the old and new Minitasks. What are the differences, and how does differentiate between the old and the new one.

Thanks!

Steve
 
1500ST is the model number for the Mini Task combe edge. 440C would normally represent a type of steel. I guess yours doesn't need an "ATS-34" warning. Before you fool with the pivot screw, I'd lubricate the pivot to see if that helps. If it doesn't, then you may want to fool with the pivot screw. Take care.



------------------
Fred
Knife Outlet
http://www.knifeoutlet.com
 
I checked Kershaw's home web site. That knife is listed as being ATS-34. But 440C is another steel altogether. Maybe they changed steels during production. You should contact Kershaw if you are unhappy.

My mini-task was a bit stiff at first. I did a lot of flicking early on, and it opens very fast now. The important thing with this knife is to push down and forward (not around in an arc) on the thumb stud. The blade will just spring away from you without moving your thumb very far. This technique will also prevent being 'bitten' by the blade which is a common complaint with this knife.

I believe that the newer models have a different thumb stud arrangement. Mine is the original version, with a sloped and heavily ridged stud. Proper opening technique prevents sore thumb tips.

I love mine. Enjoy yours! I don't think there is enough difference between ATS-34 and 440C to make much difference. I keep hoping that they will produce this knife in 440V like its big brother. That steel is a serious step up from ATS-34 or 440C.

Paracelsus
 
Well, I just got back from the post office. Called Kershaw and they said send it back.

Rather than getting better, the opening action got worse until I had to pull the blade open like an "old time" folder. I have a Blackout and have no trouble with its action, so I had to assume that it was the knife. Also, I noticed that the line lock was not fully engaging. It would go only to the near corner of the back of the blade. Sorry, I don't know the correct terms to discribe this.

Anyway, what is the difference between ATS-34 and 440C?

Steve

[This message has been edited by MrSteve (edited 07-21-2000).]
 
Your question about the difference between 440C and ATS-34 is both simple, and very difficult.

They are similar 'stainless' steels. ATS-34 has about the same amount of carbon (1.05% vs 1.0 to 1.2% in 440C), less manganese (0.4% compared to 1.0% in 440C), slightly lower chromium, the stuff that makes the steel resist oxidation (14% in ATS34 compared to 16 to 18% in 440C), and much more molybdenum (4% vs 0.75% in 440C).

Both are excellent steels for knives. The most important factor is the way they were heat treated. Unfortunately, this is something that is difficult to quantify, and varies from manufacturer to manufacturer. AST-34, and its cousin CPM-154, are probably the most commonly used production knife steels today. 440C is also a good performer. I prefer ATS-34 blades to 440C. However, most of my custom knives were made from simple carbon tool steels (no or very little chromium). These will rust and tarnish, but I feel provide a better edge for the things I use knives for.

Anyway, it's a complicated question. Look at Joe Talmadges steel FAQ sheet on this site: http://www.bladeforums.com/features/faqsteel.shtml

More information is available at AGRussell's web site: http://agrussell.com/steel/

Sounds like your knife has some quality control manufacturing problems. Send it back for exchange. As I said before, I doubt you will notice much difference between the two blade steels. All blade steels are compromises of edge holding, toughness (impact resistance), and corrosion resistance. Depending on the final hardness, and tempering conditions, the same steel made by different people may behave very differently. For example, many folks find Benchmades ATS-34 blades are excessively hard and prone to chipping. This does not seem to be the case for Spyderco's ATS-34.

Send your knife in for exchange. I'm sure they'll send you a good one.

Paracelsus

[This message has been edited by Paracelsus (edited 07-21-2000).]
 
Thanks for the info!

My read on the first link you posted is that ATS34 is a bit more prone to rust than 440C, but in most other ways ATS34 is considered better.

That said, I wonder if I would notice a difference as far as durability and edge holding between the 2, both from Kershaw. This is after all a pocket knife, and I doubt that I'll be clearing brush or field dressing game with it.

Any comments on Kershaw's steel?


Steve

[This message has been edited by MrSteve (edited 07-21-2000).]
 
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