Rockwell Hardness importance + what do you think about this blade?

[blasternank]

I am starting to make knives––meaning I am going to start by buying the blades and then scales, etc. and make knives that way. I was wondering about the rockwell hardness numbers. The reason I decided to buy the stuff to make the knives was I am so sick of always having dull knives when skinning animals and I want a better quality of knife. Anyway, could anyone tell me the essentials of these tests, why a number is better than others and is a number too high bad as it might make a knife harder to sharpen, etc. I just don't know enough to make a really good decision.

I did buy a couple of blades and they were made out of real 440c high carbon and stainless steel. Tested 57 - 58 RC hardness. Would this be considered a pretty good blade? Any pluses or minuses? What is the hardness of those blades at Walmart the Winchester or Remington types? How about Buck? I know you probably scoff at that last sentence but I'm just trying to get a benchmark. In the future I do want to make my own blades as well. I just figured I'd take baby steps first.

Thanks,

Bob

 

[Phillip Dobson]

Hardness is only one factor. Assuming a good heat treat, on a steel you're familiar with, you can draw a few conclusions about strength and toughness. It's really not as important as people make it out to be, though. The quality of the heat treat that takes it to that hardness is more important (and harder to put into numbers).

In short, there's nothing wrong with a hardness of 57-58. It's a little on the soft side of what I prefer, but it will be a tougher blade because of that.

It's good to see you're making handles. It's very enjoyable. I recommend you check out the Spyderco Mule if you need a new project. It's a very nice blade that doesn't come with a handle.

Drop me an email if you have any questions on handle-making.

Phillip

 

[mete]

Too many people take hardness as the only consideration. Yes there are other factors and the best hardness depends on the type of steel and the use . Generally as hardness increases toughness decreases .There are exceptions .Each steel is different and it's a matter of getting the most out of the particular steel. Join use in the Knifemaker's section and we'll teach you !