need advice on steel type and edge grind...

B

big no-no

Joined
Nov 7, 2003
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I am going to have a large (i.e. 10"-12" blade length) survival knife built to my specifications and I need some advice as to the type of steel to have it made out of and the type and angle of edge to put on it. This knife will be used for a lot of chopping wood and general camp chores (no, I do not anticipate killing bears with it), and it will be used in sub-freezing temperatures. Ease of sharpening and edge retention are high priorities for this project. The blade will be cared for so stainless steel is not an absolute necessity. As of this writing, I am leaning towards A-2 tool steel with a 5/16" thickness, but I want to hear from you before I run off to the knife smith.
 
welcome! if you are dealing with a maker what steel does he suggest? i do have one comment for now if you are thinking about the RAMBO style hollow handle survival knife i would advise aganist it. the steel handle is not good for very hot or cold weather.
 
I agree entirely about the hollow handle. This will have a full tang, and I'm thinking of canvas micarta for the handles. No saw teeth on the back of the spine either.
 
Just like Rhino, I prefer not to second guess the maker. However, for such use I might make it of 5160. I would go no finer than 25 degrees on the edge and perhaps closer to 30 is better. Defer to the maker though.
 
Ease of sharpening and edge holding ability are things that confront each other... If its easy to sharpen, it may not hold an edge as well as things that dont sharpen easily... Abrasion resistance is a quality we want, but this also makes for a knife that is hard to sharpen if not maintained.
Its all a balancing act IMHO...
 
While basically correct, not obsolutely so. The finest of knives are both edge retentive and offer ease of sharpening. Its all in the heat treat.
 
Thanks for setting me straight there rlinger.. One of these days I may learn to make one of them finest blades...;)Since I use Paul Bos for my HT I am pretty secure knowing my blades are done right though...
 
You probably do already and I wasn't trying to correct or set any one straight. Just what I've been fortunate enough to experience on occasion. I believe it to be true.

Yes, The Bos is the man in my book too. Never used his services but would like to be a student of his.

RL
 
Originally posted by Trace Rinaldi
Thanks for setting me straight there rlinger.. One of these days I may learn to make one of them finest blades...;)...
Click to expand...


;) :eek: :D
 
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