Questionable Stainless Steel

K

knifejuggler

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Dec 29, 2018
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I’m looking to buy a relatively cheap, but decent knife, and came across this Arkansas toothpick style knife.

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The steel is listed as stainless, but isn’t specific about grade or type. I emailed the manufacturer who quickly replied that it was made from “1095 stainless steel manufactured in China.” I was confused since I was under the impression that 1095 was high carbon steel, not stainless. I emailed back my convern and got this reply: “it has a mixture of 1095 high carbon and stainless steel metals.“

Has anyone heard of this mixture, and what’s the chance this is a decent steel? I know being made in China isn’t a good sign.

I’m looking for a decent, usable knife. My other option was this one:

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Both are full tang. Which one do you think would hold up better?
 
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You generally get what you pay for. The answer you got about 1095 being a mixture of high carbon and stainless is BS; it's either one or the other. The Texas Bowie looks like a piece of junk. A decent, usable knife has myriad definitions; what do you intend to do with it?
 
You can get an Ontario rat in that range more or less. Not as ornate but it will be what is appears to be.
 
Thanks for all your replies. As to what I intend to do with it, just camping, fishing, hiking, the occasional chopping, whether clearing a trail or collecting firewood.
 
I second that Buck may be what you are looking for. You can get a good Buck 100 series in that price range. it will be the style you are looking for and it will last long enough for you to give to your children’s children. I been waiting 30-something years for my dad’s trusty 112
 
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There is another thread going for a hunting/camping knife. Aome good recommendations. Honestly your going to get 50 different options. Hunting amd camping is a large variable. Someone who backpack in wants light. Someone who drives in can go larger.
 
Oops forgot to recommend. Most say a mora is a good start. In stainless or carbon, cheap, and good stepping stone. Esee 3/4 in original handle or modified. Becker makes good stuff. Steel will roamer in 9cr18 is good for price. Buck 420hc. Along with a boat of others.
 
Knifejuggler, both of those are a waste of money. Before Christmas I bought an Ontario Generation 2 SP 50 for $49 at SMKW. It might not look as traditional but a 10 inch 5160 .250 inch thick monster will cut, slice or chop circles around the ones you are currently looking at. There is much better available in your price range. Stay away from anything from Pakistan and even China when you can.

Joe
 
knifejuggler said:
I’m looking to buy a relatively cheap, but decent knife, and came across this Arkansas toothpick style knife.

Link Removed, take the time to read the site rules.

The steel is listed as stainless, but isn’t specific about grade or type. I emailed the manufacturer who quickly replied that it was made from “1095 stainless steel manufactured in China.” I was confused since I was under the impression that 1095 was high carbon steel, not stainless. I emailed back my convern and got this reply: “it has a mixture of 1095 high carbon and stainless steel metals.“
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That style is very popular in Germany, sold as fixed saufanger (boar hunting knives). When they are listed by reputable sellers, the steel is listed as #440A. The bigger problem is that it isn't a true full tang construction, but rather a tacked stick tang in frame construction, and a fair number of the off brand ones have been broken in use.
 
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tltt said:
That style is very popular in Germany, sold as fixed saufanger (boar hunting knives). When they are listed by reputable sellers, the steel is listed as #440A. The bigger problem is that it isn't a true full tang construction, but rather a tacked stick tang in frame construction, and a fair number of the off brand ones have been broken in use.
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I would prefer something longer when hunting boar, like a spear, or maybe a bayonet mounted on a .30-06 Garand.
 
knifejuggler said:
Thanks for all your replies. As to what I intend to do with it, just camping, fishing, hiking, the occasional chopping, whether clearing a trail or collecting firewood.
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You got some good suggestions here. another to consider is that you were already looking to spend $45 on the knife. For that same price you can have a Fiskars X7 Hatchet and a Mora Companion.

They are lightweight and there is just about no task that can’t be done with that combo. Together they will cost about the same amount as that one crappy knife.
 
Just as a general rule of thumb: if they don’t list the blade steel, don’t bother with it unless you want it for a wallhanger.

Additional rule of thumb: don’t get wallhangers unless you’re already in a committed relationship.
 
Do not buy either of those. They are what most people with any knowledge of knives usually call "garbage". If and when you become knowledgeable yourself you will regret it. As others here have mentioned there are quite a number of respected brands within the same price range that do not carry this risk.
 
Somewhat surprised to see SMKW selling a shady piece of junk like that, cheap is fine (in price and quality) unless one isn’t telling the truth about it. Obviously, there is no such thing as 1095 stainless.
 
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