Picking a good carbon steel - 1095?

[TheMightyGoat]

Looking for some of the higher end high carbon steels, I was thinking 1095 unless someone has an objection. I plan on buying a machete or kukri for camp/brush work.

 

[etp777]

1095 with a good heat treat would work great for a Machete/Kukri, in my opinion.

If it's going to be excessively long, might go down a step, to 1084 or similar. Someone has come out with another one called 1086 improved(I THINK), that might be worth looking into also.

I'd probalby just use O1, but I use O1 for everything.

 

[PhoulPlae]

1095 makes a great steel for a machete/khukri. 1084 is tougher but will not hold an edge as long. They are both very low cost, but very effective. 1095 and 1084 rust very eaisly, but is easy to sharpen, so you may want a coated blade so it will only rust on the bevel. 5160 is supposed to be incredibly tough and hold an edge better than 1084.

 

[TheMightyGoat]

I've decided on the machete... that is, unless someone sees a problem with it.

http://www.1sks.com/store/ontario-rtak.html

 

[SilverFoxKnows]

Those khukuris are outrageously tough. And you'll not do business with a better guy than Uncle Bill. For knife, machete and axe work. There's a khuk for every occasion. I have four with plans for a couple more. Good luck finding a blade.

Frank

 

[Keith Montgomery]

The RTAK is a very good knife for $80.00, but it is not really a machete. The blade is too short. It will do quite a lot of what a machete will do and will also work as a camp knife.

If you are looking for a top notch chopper a big Kukri will do the job as well as any.

 

[Jason Cutter]

Sorry, I'm biased. You probably already bought your blade. Ontario does good things with 1095. Its a good all round steel as you can HT it differently to suit your applications. It can be used on anything from woodcarving knives, hunters, Bowie's, to machete's. It operates well on the idea that if you HT hard - edge holding >>> toughness. HT softer, then you have toughness >>>> edge holding. Its simply a matter fo where along the spectrum you want to set your own personal compromise.

I personlly also don't think there is much difference in performance between 1095 and 1084. Many knifemakers say that 1084 has fewer "quirks" and greater consistency than 1095. I'm not sure what this means. Where there might be some difference is when comparing some plain carbon steels like the steel that Nicholson files use - it is just like 1095 except it has up to 1.25% carbon, and the lower carbon steel like 1060 and 1050 with 0.6% and 0.5% carbon. In those cases the difference in performance might be noticable, but between 1095 and 1084, I doubt most of us could tell the difference when it comes to edge holding.

My 2cents. Jason.

 

[TheMightyGoat]

Originally posted by Keith Montgomery
The RTAK is a very good knife for $80.00, but it is not really a machete. The blade is too short. It will do quite a lot of what a machete will do and will also work as a camp knife.

If you are looking for a top notch chopper a big Kukri will do the job as well as any.

Yeah, at 10" it's not much of a machete, but I won't need it for any heavy work and this carries easier.

 

[TheMightyGoat]

I can't find any very satisfying kukries... anyone know of some?

 

[fudo]

BK&T Machax, around $65

 

[firkin]

I can't find any very satisfying kukries... anyone know of some?

If all of the HI khukuris fall into the "isn't very satisfying" category, I'd have to say that your idea of a khukuri doesn't match that of the people that invented and refined them over a few hundred years. You must want something else.

No offense.

 

[TheMightyGoat]

Originally posted by firkin
If all of the HI khukuris fall into the "isn't very satisfying" category, I'd have to say that your idea of a khukuri doesn't match that of the people that invented and refined them over a few hundred years. You must want something else.

No offense.

What do you mean by "HI" khukuries? (And is that word spelled with an "h" or not?)

Edit: Oh, Himalayan Imports. I see. I was looking at those... uhhh... I honestly can't remember why I passed over them. Must be the paint fumes. I'll look over their site again.

Edit again: This may be a dumb question but... The HI knives aren't just meant for show, right? For some reason the sheaths and such look kinda cheap.

 

[TheMightyGoat]

Are all the HI khukuries made of the same metal? I know they have different leingths, thicknesses, and handle materials, but are those the only things that effect the price or are some made of better blade material?

I ask that because I wonder if this is worth buying (cheaper than the Khola version): http://www.andale.com/stores/sf_cat...=1&catId=1254159&pnum=1&psize=10&pageIndex=-1

 

[firkin]

The HI knives aren't just meant for show,right?

No tourist junk. They pay as much for charcoal to forge a knife as a finished tourist trinket sells for. Probably the best smiths in Nepal. They make a point to ensure the most decorative models are just as functional as the rest.

Look for links to reviews by Cliff Stamp on this site...you may have found only the on-line store site. lots of other info here too.
http://www.himalayan-imports.com/links.html

Or peruse the HI forum here--Ask the guy carrying one in Iraq what he thinks.:

http://www.himalayan-imports.com

For some reason the sheaths and such look kinda cheap.

Kydex in this shop?

Traditional leather-covered wood scabbard. May not be to everyone's liking and will require maintenance in wet conditions and humidity can affect fit. There are people in the US that will make all-leather khukuri sheaths at a good price. There's got to by kydex workers here at BF that will make a sheath for one too. The scabbards are certainly not jump-rated, but they seem to work fine for the Gurkas, wherever they go.

Are all the HI khukuries made of the same metal? I know they have different leingths, thicknesses, and handle materials, but are those the only things that effect the price or are some made of better blade material?

All differentially-hardened 5160 (recycled truck springs). About as tough a steel for big choppers as there is. Price mainly determined by length, and blade complexity such as fullers. Handle carving and the like adds to cost also.

I ask that because I wonder if this is worth buying (cheaper than the Khola version)

Any are "worth" buying...Best choice? Depends on you and what you want to use it for. Ask the folks on the forum about the differences in balance, utility between different models. Comes up often, or just search the HI forum here. Many own more than a few, and the discussion of different styles is a popular topic.

 

[t1mpani]

I think the best way to answer the "just for show?" question is that all HI models are guaranteed against failure for life. I don't think they mean failure to hang on a wall properly.

 

[Josh Feltman]

TheMightyGoat-- just to add to what others have already said, you can't go wrong with Himalayan Imports. I have six HI khukuris and they are my favorite knives. I use them all the time for splitting and chopping wood. They are incredibly functional--tough, durable, and incredibly sharp. Also, they are darn near indestructible-- I don't think even Cliff Stamp has broken one. Besides, if you do manage somehow break one, they are guaranteed for life. Uncle Bill is great to deal with-- the best customer service I have ever experienced.

I haven't had any problems with the sheaths. I do, however, remove the brass chape, or guard at the end of the sheath. The sheaths actually facilitate an amazingly quick draw-- you'd be surprised how quickly you can have 18" of khukuri in your hand. Stop by the HI forum here and check it out.
--Josh