Pro hunter steel

[Angelus1781]

Hi all,

I'm assuming that these pro hunter knives are made from the same +steel which is, as I understand it, 440a?

Reading of this steel, suggests it doesn't hold an edge very long at all, and its not very good steel. Is +steel modified by schrade to a bit better then 440a like spyderco's Aus-6? How long will it hold its edge?

Saw a photo of my boss actually hanging by the pro hunter he had for the last 8 years from Alaska to Maine.

 

[textoothpk]

I am assuming you are referring to all the various PH1 and PH2 knives popping up on ebay. And there are some fascinating ones. The only PH I have seen made from 440 was this one, a special issue made for what we decided was a German hunting magazine: 'wild un hund' . See pic below.

All other standard issues I am aware of (giving myself an 'out' here) are of Schrade+ Steel, which was ( I cannot speak for current production China-made crap) 420 stainless with a 'little something extra' according to Schrade people. It's a good enough steel that has stood the test of time.

Then there was the 'original' design of the PH knive, a collaboration knife by Bob Loveless and Schrade. That steel was CM 154, which I am guessing was a favorite of Loveless at the time.

And finally, I have a couple of the 'Shrade Custom Made' PHs with no '+' after the Schrade stamping. God only knows what steel that is.

Hope this helps, perhaps one of our more learned members will drop in and add or correct something.

Phil

 

[lrv]

There is also the "Big Pro Hunter" which is the 171UH. Schrade+ steel. Monster blade which I could easily hang from. I'd be pushing it with the PH's if I tried that. Its got the standard UH stagalon handles.
TTYL
Larry

 

[textoothpk]

Thanks for pointing out that the name 'pro hunter' was used twice, Larry. I just made an assumption that we were discussing the more easily available Loveless style knife.

Angelous, here is the 171UH of which friend Larry writes. An early and rare pommel on this one.
Phil