Looking at a knife made by queen that simply lists it as 440 high carbon stainless. It is a knife made after 2010, if that helps any. I'm hoping that would mean 440c, but I've read that usually means 440a? Anyway, opinions on queen marked just 440 high carbon stainless for an edc pocketknife? Thanks in advance!
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Queen Steel question
- Thread starter jec88
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black mamba
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440C is still considered to be a steel upgrade, so it would say 440C if it was. 440 by itself does mean 440A, but with proper heat treatment is still decent steel. The Rough Riders from China have a good reputation for their edge holding using 440A, so Queen should be just as good. Queen usually uses 420HC for their standard stainless, so I'm a bit surprised at the 440 reference. Is it on the knife or box, or just on a website description?
Thanks. I wondered about it being a misprint too since I can't find much info on Queen using that steel either. It was a website description so I'll check to see if it was a misprint. Don't know if it was supposed to have a letter after the 440 or if it was supposed to be 420. Thanks for the info!
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If it's just labelled '440', more than likely it's 440A. Not bad, if heat treated decently. As mentioned, it's probably closest to 420HC in terms of ease of sharpening and edge retention. Also polishes very well, and easily.
Domestic makers using 440C usually have made sure to be specific about it. It's something of an upgrade as compared to other basic steels used in traditional knives; hence, manufacturers tend to note it, specifically, if it's used.
David
Domestic makers using 440C usually have made sure to be specific about it. It's something of an upgrade as compared to other basic steels used in traditional knives; hence, manufacturers tend to note it, specifically, if it's used.
David
If it lists 440, you don't really know. Could be a misprint. Ask Queen. Usually their stainless steel has been 420HC or ATS34. They used to use 440C, calling it "Queen Steel" but they stopped that long before 2010 and I believe switched to 420HC and D2 for the formerly "Queen Steel" knives.