S&W Knives 440C steel?

timsclips

timsclips

Joined
Nov 27, 2007
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Most of the HRT and SWAT lines of knives from S&W now state that they are made of 440C steel. Since these are made in China, mostly anyways, does anyone know if it is truly 440C or what is called equivalent?
Just traded into a SWHRTMGS at a gunshow for some holsters that I did not need anymore. Seems well made and came out of the box nicely sharp but will have to give it some use to see how the blade holds up.
Any others carrying a S&W knife around for a "beater"?
SWHRTMGS.jpg
 
I picked up and Extreme Ops drop point as an experiment for $12 at a sale Big 5 sporting goods was having. The 440C has held a good edge for me and was no problem to sharpen. So as far as the blade I would have to say it is a decent one and I have abused it as far as a folder goes. What bothers me o the knife is the locking mechanism seems a bit flimsy. The fit and finish is a bit on the lower side as well. I bought it to see what kind of differences I would notice between it and my American made knives like my Storm 2 that was only $32 and the difference was very noticeable especially on the lock which is important to me since I like keeping my fingers attached.
 
If the knife is made in mainland China, it is doubtful that this is true 440C. Both Spyderco and Benchmade have stated that they do not have mainland Chinese blades in 440C. When Spyderco started the Byrd line, they thought they were getting 440C, and only after production started did they learn that they were not. There are several Chinese alloys that have been marketed as 440C, but which are not. That is not to say that they perform badly, but they are not 440C.
Added comment: and the performance of the steel cannot be assumed to be that of 440C.

My company has had some components made in mainland China. Our experience has been that, even if a specific material were stated in a contract or required process, our subcontractor might substitute something that he felt was equivalent, even if it actually is not. Since he considered that he was honoring the contract, he did not always reveal the change until we performed an audit of the operation. This has made procurement from Chinese suppliers an interesting proposition for us.
 
They say 440C. They get pretty sharp quickly. They get pretty dull quickly. Lockup on many is questionable at best. The blades break easily. I broke one in 4 days at work, all my other knives survived with no problems. They are worth $8 to $12 as a disposable beater, but that is it.
 
I've got a Homeland Security folder. Came very sharp but doesn't hold the edge very well. The lock up was very good though and it feels very solid
 
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