Kershaw RAM (Quick Question)

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Lock1454

Joined
Jan 4, 2009
Messages
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So due to Hunter & gang's prodding, I am on the verge of ordering a Kershaw RAM to introduce myself to the brand. One apprehension I am having now though, for $65, is the Sandvik 13C26 a good steel? I thought it was more of a good performance steel for the lower priced knives, but at this price you start getting into higher quality steels? (e.g., Griptilian has 154CM at ~$70)

If I'm mistaken anywhere in this thought process, feel free to bark at me :P Any quick responses would be appreciated, have my mouse hovering over the order button as we speak :D
 
13C26 is a very good steel! It's a stainless that takes an edge with the same ease of a carbon steel (only with less of the rusting). Holds it about the same, too (less edge-retention than 154CM, but it'll keep its fresh-off-the-strop edge longer).
 
Alrighty, thanks!

I was thinking Sandvik 13C26 was along the lines of 8Cr13MoV or Aus-# steel - a good steel for a budget knife. Didn't know it was comparable to the higher quality steels :)
 
My RAM with 13c26 goes dull faster than any other knife I own. I'm not crazy about it myself, but the RAM is a cool knife.

Since Kershaw is doing some D2 I wish they would put it in the RAM. With that hollow grind it would be a real cutter.

Just my 2 cents.
 
As far as general edge retention, I would put it above 440A and slightly
lower then 440C. As ThomBrogan mentioned, It will hold that scary sharp
edge a bit longer then the above mentioned steels, and it will take a very
keen edge. It was designed as razor blade steel after all. ;)
 
The models with the coated blade lists (Kershaw's newer) 14C28N as the steel, with the uncoated models being 13C26.
 
berzerker said:
The models with the coated blade lists (Kershaw's newer) 14C28N as the steel, with the uncoated models being 13C26.
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Not necessarily true; I may be the odd man out, here, but I received a 13C26 1910CKT as a prize in a giveaway contest from Thomas W (thanks, Thomas!). How many black 13c26-bladed R.A.M.s exist, I have no way of knowing. Mine likely came from a period just preceding/during the change-over; I don't know. Still, it's edge-retention seems above-average, and is easy to retouch. And, it gets plenty sharp enough for me! :thumbup:

The black R.A.M. is just a COOL knife. It's garnered the majority of time in my EDC rotation.
 
Lock1454 said:
So due to Hunter & gang's prodding, I am on the verge of ordering a Kershaw RAM to introduce myself to the brand. One apprehension I am having now though, for $65, is the Sandvik 13C26 a good steel? I thought it was more of a good performance steel for the lower priced knives, but at this price you start getting into higher quality steels? (e.g., Griptilian has 154CM at ~$70)

If I'm mistaken anywhere in this thought process, feel free to bark at me :P Any quick responses would be appreciated, have my mouse hovering over the order button as we speak :D
Click to expand...


Will you order the knife already?:D:D . What have you got to lose? Trust me after you buy the RAM, then we go for a Blur then ... stay tuned.:D
 
hunter s thompson said:
Will you order the knife already?:D:D . What have you got to lose? Trust me after you buy the RAM, then we go for a Blur then ... stay tuned.:D
Click to expand...

I want to, I really do. I was literally entering my card number to purchase it and... My gut just made me stop :\ Tried it again later this evening, gut made me stop again >.< Whether it be the fact that I have $150-250 worth of stuff ready to be purchased or it just be this particular knife, I'm not sure... :eek:
 
Just.

Press.

"Buy."


You cannot go wrong with a R.A.M. Buy the G**damned knife already. Jesus H. Christ on a popsickle stick. I haven't taken this thing outta my pocket in weeks!
 
riffraff said:
Just.

Press.

"Buy."


You cannot go wrong with a R.A.M. Buy the G**damned knife already. Jesus H. Christ on a popsickle stick. I haven't taken this thing outta my pocket in weeks!
Click to expand...

Just.

Press.

"Buy."

Trust me. ;)
 
I really don't mean to be the "convince me to... " guy by any means... But I am just so apprehensive about this damned thing!

Okay, a couple of quickies, if the responses are favorable, I swear I will buy the damned knife no matter how I feel about it! If not, I will publicly post my address so you guys can come and rip apart all of my furniture with your RAMs just to show me what I missed out on :)

- The steel, it's a good steel for this price point. Takes and holds an edge well, tough enough, not a rust magnet. It was compared to holding an edge less than 440C, I don't see 440C being a widely accepted blade steel around this price :\

- This is the definitive Kershaw; if I'm going to like any knife they have in this price range, this is it (or one of them).

- "I, the responder, promise to butcher OP's furniture with my RAM if he reneges on his RAM purchasing promise after getting satisfactory responses"
 
OK last try after this I quit :D
Lock1454 said:
- The steel, it's a good steel for this price point. Takes and holds an edge well, tough enough, not a rust magnet. It was compared to holding an edge less than 440C, I don't see 440C being a widely accepted blade steel around this price :
svrider3 said:
As far as general edge retention, I would put it above 440A and slightly lower then 440C. As ThomBrogan mentioned, It will hold that scary sharp edge a bit longer then the above mentioned steels, and it will take a very keen edge. It was designed as razor blade steel after all. ;)
Click to expand...

- This is the definitive Kershaw; if I'm going to like any knife they have in this price range, this is it (or one of them).
Click to expand...
It's a Kershaw whats not to like?? The RAM is a GREAT knife at this price point. It is a great knife at $90.00. Do you not want to get a great deal on very cool knife? If the answer is no then take the pass and always wonder what you missed out on. If yes then


PUSH

THE

BUTTON
 
I've got a RAM on my short list as well. I almost picked one up on the Bay tonight but someone outbid me in the last two seconds. Final price was $45 shipped. What a deal! It had the Sandvik 14C268N blade with black coating. I really want one of these.
 
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I'll be joining you when I come back from my trip. I plan on getting a shinny bladed one and pimping it out. :D
 
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