OKC3 Bayonet Steel Question

[MyNameIsBo]

Does anyone know anything about the proprietary steel used for this knife? Composition? Special HT? I've been wondering for a long time and can't seem to find anything about it. Thanks!

 

[Blue Sky]

The Ontario web page lists the material for the OKC3S bayonet as “1095 carbon steel”. Do you think there is more to it than that?

 

[MyNameIsBo]

The Ontario web page lists the material for the OKC3S bayonet as “1095 carbon steel”. Do you think there is more to it than that?

Well, they've called it "proprietary steel" and "diamond steel" in the past, even in a catalog where it was listed among other knives that were labeled "1095" steel; so , yes, I am dubious.

"OKC's new Diamond Steel provides maximum resistance to breakage and high wear resistance. The impact toughness of this proprietary steel exceeds that of A2, D2 and M4 in all of their official test results."

 

[Blue Sky]

Huh, never saw a reference to “diamond steel” before. I wish Mr. Maragni was still around to clarify things.

 

[MyNameIsBo]

Huh, never saw a reference to “diamond steel” before. I wish Mr. Maragni was still around to clarify things.

It has been probably 15-20 years since the listing referring to Diamond Steel, but I am sure curious. I have two of the OKC3 bayonets. I might just have to do some testing with one of them compared to a similar knife of OKC's regular 1095 to see if there are any noticeable differences.

 

[Roguer]

OKC shifted most Carbon Steel to 1075. BUT they said their military contract carbon steel blades were 1095.

 

[MyNameIsBo]

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[MyNameIsBo]

OKC shifted most Carbon Steel to 1075. BUT they said their military contract carbon steel blades were 1095.

Right, but in the catalog I posted a picture from, they have the OKC3 listed as a different, proprietary steel, right along side other knives listed as regular old 1095.

 

[Roguer]

That's probably listed on several other adds. From what I've see, a lot of all adds are mismatched or out of date on some information. If it isn't 1095 steel, its probably a fake.

Roguer,

Any Ontario product using 5160 stays 5160. All military spec'ed product in 1095 stays 1095. All other carbon steel Ontario product that was produced in 1095 is now 1075. Some people may not like it but all of our testing says that 1075 offers solid advantages over 1095. Without getting too technical, the type of martensite formed with 1075 and the free carbon levels makes for less chipping and cracking and improved toughness while still keeping edge holding.
Hope this helps.

Best Regards,

Paul Tsujimoto
VP of Engineering
Ontario Knife Company