Question for Ron

[jefroman]

I just saw your reply to my "i don't know about anybody else but...." thread, and I was wondering what the difference is between 62Rc and 59-60Rc. Does 62 make the blade more brittle? Also, if the X-42 AutoClip is made with BG-42, why does it cost only 55 dollars? And lastly, do you prefer ATS-34 over BG-42, or vise versa?

 

[Ron Andersen]

Hi Jeff,

Thanks for the questions. Here's your answers:

• Differences in Rockwell Hardness: BG-42 at Rc 62-64 makes for a knife that will rarely need to be sharpened. But, if the user plans to use the knife for tasks knives are not intended to perform (like heavy prying and extreme impact activities), its chance of breaking is increased over the same knife at Rc59-60. When dropping the Rockwell on a blade, it will lose some of its edge holding capabilities.
• MSRP of X-42 AutoClip: You asked as to why the price is only $55. I'm uncertain as to the meaning of this question, but let me share the prices. MSRP on these knives are (Serrated models cost the same as their corresponding straight-bladed models): X-42 AutoClip ($59.95), TiNi X-42 AutoClip $79.95, X-42 Mini AutoClip ($49.95), and TiNi X-42 Mini AutoClip ($69.95). We have been very careful to keep production costs minimal, allowing us to offer these outstanding knives in BG-42 steel at very reasonable prices.
• My preference in steels: I perfer a good high carbon steel over stainless steels. Between stainless steels, I really like 440C, along with BG-42 and ATS-34.

If you have further qustions, please let me know.

 

[Bobby B]

Ron,
Why do you prefer high carbon steels (such as SK5?) over stainless steels?
Could you enlighten us?
Rob

 

[Ron Andersen]

Hi Bobby,

With the exception of corrosion resistance, carbon steel out performs stainless steel in all categories.