Q: Why is Fallkniven U2 laminated?

fulloflead

fulloflead

Joined
May 3, 2002
Messages
6,192
I don't THINK its a stupid question, but the Fallkniven U2 is Super Gold Powder Steel (SGPS) and laminated; that is it's got the special steel sandwiched inside a (I assume) softer steel. Now, I can understand this on a large knife where you would want the toughness of the softer steel on the outside to make a more flexible and impact-resistant knife but have the harder, better-edge-holding but more brittle steel just in the middle for the edge.

But this is only a 2 3/4" blade! Why not just make the whole blade from the same steel? I'm not being intentionally obtuse here; I REALLY don't understand what they've gained by making it a laminate.

Surely, it can't be cost savings? It's only a $60 knife. How much more could it cost to make the whole blade from the same steel, especially compared to the complication of manufacturing a laminate.

Help me understand this blade. I have it and I love it, but I just don't get it.

http://www.fallkniven.com/us-u2.htm


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I'm not really sure what the knife gains by having a laminated blade, but I can say I like the knife. I have one and it hold an edge really well and slices like a s.o.b.
 
There is cost saving and tougher blade. Remember that the steel is made in a continuous strip and the blades cut out. Scandinavians have been making laminated blades since viking times.
 
It’s already been said, but I’ll say it again: cost saving and toughness.

The other advantage of the laminated blade is that it is easier to sharpen. IMO, a solid blade of SGPS would be very time consuming and difficult to sharpen. With the 420J on the outside the blade is quick and simple to sharpen.
 
How do you like that U2? I have one on order, and it is big time back odered.
 
djolney said:
The other advantage of the laminated blade is that it is easier to sharpen.
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Not if you do it right. You should only be sharpening the very edge anyway, less than a tenth of a mm wide, the rest of the bevel doesn't need precision shaping, doing so is a waste of time.

The Fallkniven doesn't benefit from "toughness" due to its lamination, it isn't like anyone is going to be impacting the blade and if you tried prying with it you would break it trivially.

The laminate allows them to grind it cheaper and is likely cheaper to buy than the pure stock steel. However there is no significant drawback to the consumer outside of it scratches easier.

Sides are usually more corrosion resistant though so this balances out the ease of scratching.

-Cliff
 
Just a thought, but I think that u can blank a laminate that cant be done if its homogenous. U wud havta laser or waterjet cut the unlaminated SGPS. BIG cost saving in manufacturing.
 
Yes it (420J) scratches really easier : recently i use my U2 to cut some cardboard and there was some glue on the blade (due to scotch...) : i use the Red side of a sponge in order to clean it (the other side doesn't work) and i really scratch the blade, who was like new before... :(
 
Cost savings?

I don't buy it.

It's GOTTA be more expensive to make a laminte than to just make the blade out of the one steel with SUCH a small blade, even if that steel is more expensive.

There HAS to be a FUNCTIONAL reason to have the laminate.

I'm still not convinced or satisfied.

Sorry.



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TheKnifeCollector said:
How do you like that U2? I have one on order, and it is big time back odered.
Click to expand...

TKC,
I love it. It's a great pocket knife. Great shape and edge holding. Very light and handy. Worth the wait for you, I think.

Other than a "tactical" pocket clip/thumb stud-type knife I'd say this is among the best of the "nail nick" pocket-type knives. You'll be happy to receive it when you get it. Simple but VERY functional. It's definately something I'd continue to carry in addition to my BIGGER working tactical.

Definately a good option for a gentleman's knife or a inside-the-pocket knife. It's the BEST watch-pocket knife out there.

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You'd be surprised how many extra stpes u have to go thru if the blades are waterjet or laser cut. All these extra steps r not needed if they can be blanked. The cost of a knife is more labour than materials.
 
kevtan said:
You'd be surprised how many extra stpes u have to go thru if the blades are waterjet or laser cut. All these extra steps r not needed if they can be blanked. The cost of a knife is more labour than materials.
Click to expand...

Explain. How does a laminated blade avoid those extra steps/costs? Wouldn't it have to go through the SAME steps, but have the extra steps involved in making a laminate on top of that? Seems like more work, not less, which is why I'm not convinced cost is the motive.

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