Knife steel for fresh water canoeing

R

razcob

Joined
Feb 4, 2002
Messages
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I am shopping for the most wear resistant/hard knife steel, that won't rust, for use on 3 day canoeing trips that involve swimming/wading and putting away wet in a wet sheath. I am considering X15 and H-1 steels, but for my intended purpose (3 days with no maintenance) could I get away with 440C, or other steel?
 
I'd just get a Salt varient (H-1), that way you wont have to worry and could use it for any salt water trips in the future. However, for 3 day trip you could get away with just about anything and just clean any rust off when you are done.
 
Yeah I think so, I've never had much trouble with freshwater rusting much of anything, even plain carbon steel is usually okay for a day or two.
 
I wouldn't worry about any stainless steel. Use a kydex sheath and make sure it has a drain hole at the end.
 
I would go with any blade made of H-1 or XT-15-N steel.

However if you don't want to bring too expensive knives (risking losing them in white water) you might like the new offered less expensive 440C blades with Titanium coating.

Boker Plus CLB design has Hyper/M-type/Direkt/Edit in 440c bladesteel with this very tough wear resistant coating. Prices are good on them and quality too imo. I also think there are other company's who have these new titanium bladecoatings.

I don't know how these Boron oxide coated blades will do in corrossion resistance??

;)
 
Dang, Lycosa, you really love those Mission Titanium knives, don't you?:D

To the O.P.: Any stainless steel will do, just so long as it has a plastic sheath (doesn't neccessarily have to be Kydex, although it would be preferable) with a drainage hole in the bottom. Wouldn't hurt to have a retention strap either, as a fail-safe so you don't lose your knife. As long as its freshwater, I'm pretty sure you could get away with carbon steel as well, just so long as you wipe away any rust that may form.

Now if it was saltwater, then I'd go with H-1, just for peace of mind.
 
I would suggest something from Spyderco's Salt Series; you will NEVER have to worry about rust.
 
How about a David Boye Cobalt folder. That is what they are made for. The Second choice would be the Spyderco Salt series. I think either one would serve you well. GOOD LUCK! Kevin :D
 
How abut a stainless Mora? At twelve bucks, you won't complain much if you lose it.
 
I just went fishing (fresh water) and brought along my SS Mora (Frosts). I never thought I'd see rust on that thing but when I took a look at it today, 2 days after it was put away wet in its plastic sheath, it had a couple of small surface rust spots.
So yeah, if you don't want any rust I'd go for a Spyderco Salt or whatever.
 
Gunfucius---They're all right. ;)
Mission knives are my knives I never have to worry about rusting.They are light to carry, thanks to the Titanium, and tougher than nails.
 
razcob said:
I am shopping for the most wear resistant/hard knife steel, that won't rust, for use on 3 day canoeing trips that involve swimming/wading and putting away wet in a wet sheath. I am considering X15 and H-1 steels, but for my intended purpose (3 days with no maintenance) could I get away with 440C, or other steel?
Click to expand...

mete said:
I wouldn't worry about any stainless steel. Use a kydex sheath and make sure it has a drain hole at the end.
Click to expand...

3 days of freshwater? Mete's answer works for me.
 
H-1, 420 Stainless, 440a Stainless, 440c Stainless, 420 Hc, D-2 They All Have Over 10% Chromium
 
I would look at the emerson lagriffe in 154cm. Should last you the 3 days with no problem, and has a hole for you index finger to help you from dropping it if you hand slips.
 
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