Knives of Alaska

[smitty0331]

I just bought 2 KOA knives, the Cub bear, and the Muskrat. I bought them for a buddy, he wanted a fixed blade for skinning rabbits. I chose these two because they will be alot more versatile, and besides, if he doesn't like them, I can always keep them. The muskrat came in D2, but the Cub bear is 440C, they didn't have it in D2. Anyone here have much experience with KOA? Will I be disappointed with the Cub bear in 440C?

 

[Troop]

I don't know about their 440C, but I have two KOA's in their D2, and they're holding up great.:thumbup:

 

[Mack]

I have the cub bear and love it. Still shaving sharp after many uses. Great design for all types of fine work.
The camp knife will be my next purchase.

 

[StretchNM]

In my opinion only, in some circles D2 has attained such a mystical status that "all other steels" are really just powdered ore. There is no doubt that D2 is a very tough tool steel, it's specifications speak for themselves, not to mention those who own several D2 knives and swear by them, but D2 isn;t mystical or magical, it's just a very tough tool steel (sometimes to a fault, in my biased opinion).

BUT............... 440C is a GREAT stainless steel. I think you'll find it easier to sharpen and it's edge holding qualities will not be that noticeably different than D2. In fact, in my experience with both steels, if I wanted sharp!! I'd choose the 440C. If I wanted sorta-sharp, I'd choose the D2 as it'll hold that edge somewhat longer.

440C is nothing to scoff at, with all the super-blends being used (S30V, VG10, 154CM, etc) it's just not "front page" news anymore.