Question about a knife I'm interested in purchasing

[cpio]

I have a question about a knife from Ironman Knives. It is called the "Handmade Hog Hunter Tactical."
The description goes like this:
"The blade itself is 1095HC spring steel that has been tempered to 56RC and matte finished. It is not differentially heat treated. It is as hard at the spine as it is at the edge. It measures 7 X 1 1/2 X 3/16 with an overall length of just over 12 inches. The guard, ferrule and skull crusher buttcap are 4140 steel and the handle is T6 aluminum that has been straight knurled. The hand sewn cowhide belt sheath is double saddle stitched, rivet reinforced and has a retaining strap to secure the knife. The sheath is every bit as sturdy as the knife."
Does this seem way too soft for 1095 to hold and maintain a sharp enough edge? Any comments or constructive criticism would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!

 

[Shorttime]

I would be less concerned about the hardness than the lack of a differential temper.

Although if you don't intend to do any wood processing with it, you shouldn't have a problem.

Make sure they have a good warranty against breakage, though, just in case.

What really concerns me is that round, metal handle. I think you're going to find out it allows the blade to turn when it meets resistance, and gets very slick when used without gloves.

So if you buy this knife, just be careful...

 

[cpio]

I just want it for SHTF, as a combat/utility knife, etc. I have no plans to use it for bushcraft or anything. This knife is only about $65 too.

 

[idaho]

I see no problem with hardness. Far from optimum, but usable. But it is hard to say the same about design...

 

[cpio]

Well, i understand that Ka-Bar hardens their 1095 Cro-Van to something like 56-58 RC.

 

[mtangent]

This is a horrible piece of junk from blade to sheath. Not something to rely on when SHTF.

 

[DShiflet]

I just want it for SHTF, as a combat/utility knife, etc. I have no plans to use it for bushcraft or anything. This knife is only about $65 too.

That handle design is terrible. If you want a combat/utility knife for "SHTF", look at something from Ontario's spec plus line. Better knife, and most of them can be found for $65 or less.

SP6:

SP10:

SP42:

Just 3 examples, they have quite a few others, with blades as short as 3.75 inches all the way to the 9.75 inch blade on the SP10

 

[Coyote3855]

I don't know about the steel, but from the picture the sheath looks cheap. This makes me question the quality of the knife. The relationship of handle to blade appears awkward and unbalanced. I'm not a fan of round handles for heavy use; this one looks too small in diameter.

 

[grownstar]

Not sure if I missed it, but is that thing full tang? I would want as much strength as possible in a SHTF kinda knife.

 

[foldingknifehq]

I can't see that handle being much use if your hands are sweaty or bloody!

 

[cpio]

I have other knives for the same purpose. But for $65 shipped I figure what the hell?

That handle design is terrible. If you want a combat/utility knife for "SHTF", look at something from Ontario's spec plus line. Better knife, and most of them can be found for $65 or less.

SP6:

SP10:

SP42:

Just 3 examples, they have quite a few others, with blades as short as 3.75 inches all the way to the 9.75 inch blade on the SP10

 

[Sonnydaze]

I do not prefer the round grip, but Chris Reeve used this in his older models of fixed blades. His older knives (full-tang, hollow-handle with knurled cap) were entirely constructed from a one-piece ingot of A2 steel. Very interesting to read about.

 

[grownstar]

I have other knives for the same purpose. But for $65 shipped I figure what the hell?

Then I say go for it, man. And let us know what you think after a couple of weeks.

Only you can decide whether it's worth it or not.

 

[cpio]

I do not prefer the round grip, but Chris Reeve used this in his older models of fixed blades. His older knives (full-tang, hollow-handle with knurled cap) were entirely constructed from a one-piece ingot of A2 steel. Very interesting to read about.

I've owned several CRK one-piece knives, and they were awesome designs. Excellent steel, construction, beautiful grind lines....It was a damn shame he discontinued them. But they were probably somewhat expensive to manufacture. The only thing available now that even comes close are the various Microtech A.D.O. models, but their blade sizes and the materials are better suited for less extreme use than the CRK design.

 

[sirupatespecial]

56 rc is fine for 1095. As far as differential treating....Burt Foster doesn't differential heat treat his hard use knives. And he should know.

As for the design..I'm not a fan. But then again I'm not buying it am I! If you want it I say buy it.

 

[cpio]

Yeah, for $65 I'll see how it handles cardboard, making tinder, slicing vegetables, some small tree branches and some other odds and ends. I figure the blade itself can't be all that bad. It's hardened up around the low end of where Ka-Bar hardens their 1095. I reckon it will take and hold an edge, but I have no plans on using it for batoning or cutting anything heavier than rope.

 

[CDKJudoka]

I just worry that they call 1095 a spring steel. For $65 you can get a Becker that will do all you want and more.

 

[cpio]

I have a BK7 laying around.

 

[marcinek]

This is a horrible piece of junk from blade to sheath. Not something to rely on when SHTF.

Maybe be a tad harsh...I might have said "amateur-ish looking." Hope when you get it you prove me wrong, but that blade does not appear to be the work of an experienced maker.

 

[Lee D]

judging by the pic, to me it looks like a flea market knife