Consider two (outwardly) similar knives - the stainless version of the famous Randall Model 1, and Cold Steel's Military Classic knockoff. From what I have read, both knives are made from nearly the same stainless steel. Randall uses 440B stainless which they forge, and the Cold Steel knives are made from Japanese AUS8, which is said to be equivalent to 440B, but is factory stamped rather than forged.
Despite being made from similar steels, I would expect the Randall Model 1 to be a far better knife than the Cold Steel knockoff.
Now I am sure alot of the Randall's superiority comes from careful hand manufacture and probably superior edge geometry.
My question, however, is how much difference does the forging of the steel make? I know forging is supposed to improve the molecular structure of the steel, but how much of an improvement does one get?
How much more edge retention and other qualities does the 440B blade have after it is forged?
Despite being made from similar steels, I would expect the Randall Model 1 to be a far better knife than the Cold Steel knockoff.
Now I am sure alot of the Randall's superiority comes from careful hand manufacture and probably superior edge geometry.
My question, however, is how much difference does the forging of the steel make? I know forging is supposed to improve the molecular structure of the steel, but how much of an improvement does one get?
How much more edge retention and other qualities does the 440B blade have after it is forged?