Schrade + Steel

[Shawn B.]

Can somebody tell me what type of stainless steel Schrade plus is? 400,440, etc.Thanks.

 

[Upstream]

I recently read an article and I can't find it so I won't quote it, but I thought it said the Schrade+ was a 440 series steel. There may have been some changes over the years but I can say, my mid 80's Schrade+ fillet knives hold a good edge.
I'm sure I'll be corrected if I'm wrong.

 

[Codger_64]

“Schrade+” steel was actually a trademarked name used for at least two different stainless steel alloys.

First was 440A. Then a change was made to 420HC. Recently acquired evidence suggests that 420HC SS was introduced, at least partially, in 1998 when they began using fine blanking on the LB7 production. If it was like most other changes in production, it was not like turning off one faucet and turning on another, the change was most likely gradual, what is called a "running change". And of course there is almost always a lag between when production began and shipping began. The 153UH was originally carbon steel (1095HC) before mid 1995, then afterward .135 440A stainless Schrade+ steel hollow ground. So if it likewise changed, blades after circa 1998 also used 420HC.

 

[Dorman]

“Schrade+” steel was actually a trademarked name used for at least two different stainless steel alloys.

First was 440A. Then a change was made to 420HC. Recently acquired evidence suggests that 420HC SS was introduced, at least partially, in 1998 when they began using fine blanking on the LB7 production. If it was like most other changes in production, it was not like turning off one faucet and turning on another, the change was most likely gradual, what is called a "running change". And of course there is almost always a lag between when production began and shipping began. The 153UH was originally carbon steel (1095HC) before mid 1995, then afterward .135 440A stainless Schrade+ steel hollow ground. So if it likewise changed, blades after circa 1998 also used 420HC.

I have always wanted to know the component materials in the making of the Schrade+ steel used in the 3rd Generation 600-series. All
I can say is it is a superbly quality controlled manufacture, because the stable nature of this steel is just that: stable. I have carried 2, 600-series 3-bladed knives for 40 years and both have held up remarkably well and these knives have worked for a living every one of those 40 years!