Kabar K2 folders?

D

dfarm

Joined
Feb 21, 2008
Messages
255
Does anybody have one of these knives? I saw some in a store today for under 20 bucks and it looked like a good platform to practice modifying, but I've never heard of the blade steel that they are made from. It is 3cr13. I don't want to put a bunch of time into a knife that is going to dull after I use it to open two boxes.

Lets hear what you guys have to say about this steel or the knife in general. I am also interested in hearing about other similar knives in that general price range that would be a good knife to practice "pimping" out.

TIA
 
I have a brand new one but so far I have not used it. It seems sturdy and locks up well.
 
dfarm said:
Does anybody have one of these knives? I saw some in a store today for under 20 bucks and it looked like a good platform to practice modifying, but I've never heard of the blade steel that they are made from. It is 3cr13. I don't want to put a bunch of time into a knife that is going to dull after I use it to open two boxes.

Lets hear what you guys have to say about this steel or the knife in general. I am also interested in hearing about other similar knives in that general price range that would be a good knife to practice "pimping" out.

TIA
Click to expand...

3Cr13 would be
Carbon _____0.3%
Chromium__13%

I think you're going to be in that "dull after I use it to open two boxes." performance realm with that. That isn't very much carbon.
 
I had one (part of a lot I bought) and unloaded it on the 'bay. Decent design, ergos, and locked up pretty well but the steel is crap and linerlock seemed flimsy. For $20, get a Kabar Dozier or Byrd frn knife. Even if you want to modify em.
 
I also had one and gave it away to someone who wanted to experiment with the steel. The knife was a huge disappointment and I deeply regret that I bought it. Crappy steel, a non-locking liner lock only the ergonomics are quite good. I'd also go for a Byrd or a Dozier instead.
 
I saw in the catalog they are only hardened to 52 HRC, I think that this is way to soft, This steel does not sem good enough to me. It's to bad they seem like good designs.
 
I have one and I love it as a bang around knife. I wouldn't bother modifying it because of the soft steel issues that others have mentioned. I have the K2 with the thumb hole and I've been very satisfied with it for what it is. It is my go to yard knife. Great ergos, good working blade, but on the soft side. If you do get one, when you sharpen it I recommend putting an unfinished edge on the blade. Don't take the sharpening down all the way to your ultra-fine stone. Leave it ruff. Treat it ruff. The knife will serve you well.
 
Thanks guys, I'll keep my eye out for the $20 dozier or one of the byrd knives.
 
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