Shrade steel ?

deltablade

deltablade

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Could anyone tell me what type steel was used in this knife, and the appx hardness? also when it was likely made? also, I have seen some Frost made in USA schrade look-alikes and wonder if their quality is as good as shrade?


 
So far as I know, Schrade blades marked with 'SCHRADE +' were stainless steel (maybe something akin to 440A), and blades marked simply 'SCHRADE' were carbon (1095). There have apparently been some exceptions, with stainless-bladed knives not marked with the '+'. But, those are not so common. Yours apparently shows some evidence of pitting on the blade, so I'd assume it's 1095. And I've never heard anything bad about Schrade's 1095. I have a few OT's in 1095, and I really like 'em. I don't specifically know what the hardness is for Schrade's blades (either carbon or stainless). But, again, I've never heard any complaints in that area either.

I have no experience with the Frost-made look-alikes, so I'll not comment on those.
 
I thought schrade+ on usa made knives (uncle henry) was 420HC and their carbon blades (old timer) were 1095... I could be wrong though... The new taylor schrade old timers and uncle henrys are all stainless, probably one of the chinese alphabet soup steels. I was also under the impression that uncle henry stainless blades were combined with Staglon handle scales and the old timers had sawcut brown delrin scales...
 
Pete1977 said:
I thought schrade+ on usa made knives (uncle henry) was 420HC and their carbon blades (old timer) were 1095... I could be wrong though... The new taylor schrade old timers and uncle henrys are all stainless, probably one of the chinese alphabet soup steels. I was also under the impression that uncle henry stainless blades were combined with Staglon handle scales and the old timers had sawcut brown delrin scales...
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I was sort of surprised too, to see the Staglon handle in combination with what appears to be a carbon blade. Ordinarily, I agree, all of the Staglon-handled knives I've seen from Schrade were stainless, BUT also marked with 'SCHRADE +'. The pitting on the OP's pictured blade does make me pretty certain it's a carbon blade, which supports the lack of the '+' on the tang stamp. Might get some additional clarification in the Schrade Collector's sub-forum:

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/forumdisplay.php/732-Schrade-Knives-Collectors-Forum
 
Taking another look at the OP's pics, I'm wondering if that particular knife is actually genuine stag? Seems to show a little more 'texture' in the dark areas. Maybe a customized/limited production model?

EDIT:
Seeing some others on the web, listed as genuine, and with some variation in the grain/texture, as would be expected of real stag. And some very patina'd carbon blades, too.
 
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David, I looked at both pictures for quite a while . . . I think the handles are synthetic, not stag, but like you, I believe the steel is 1095.
 
black mamba said:
David, I looked at both pictures for quite a while . . . I think the handles are synthetic, not stag, but like you, I believe the steel is 1095.
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I think you're right. I'd forgotten how good Schrade's Staglon could look (relatively), especially on the older knives. Seems to be more realistic detail in them.
 
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I've heard the 49er series takes a mean edge.

49ers.jpg
 
mine is definetly stagalon, not real stag. yet it doesnt have any markings on the buttplate
 
Obsessed with Edges said:
So far as I know, Schrade blades marked with 'SCHRADE +' were stainless steel (maybe something akin to 440A), and blades marked simply 'SCHRADE' were carbon (1095). There have apparently been some exceptions, with stainless-bladed knives not marked with the '+'. But, those are not so common. Yours apparently shows some evidence of pitting on the blade, so I'd assume it's 1095. And I've never heard anything bad about Schrade's 1095. I have a few OT's in 1095, and I really like 'em. I don't specifically know what the hardness is for Schrade's blades (either carbon or stainless). But, again, I've never heard any complaints in that area either.

I have no experience with the Frost-made look-alikes, so I'll not comment on those.
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David, according to the fellas on the Schrade forum, you are correct.
Schrade + was 440A
At least for the Uncle Henry line, the alloy was 1095.

Prior to the Uncle Henry line, I am not certain what Schrade used for non-stainless.
 
The handle on that knife is definately staglon.
I didn't much care for the staglon at first. After having a few knives with it, i've come to like it quite a bit. Some of it really makes you havta look closer.
Nothings like real stag done right though.
 
Here are a couple more links to old threads here on BF. A LOT of information on various steels used in Schrades over the years:

From a sticky in the Schrade Collector's sub-forum:
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/s...swer-to-your-question-here-Steel-dates-models.

Post #3 from the above thread linked the following:
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/378164-Schrade-Blade-Steels

Here's a pair of interesting quotes from member Codger_64 in post #1 of the second linked thread (highlighting added for emphasis):

“High Carbon Cutlery Steel”, at least in the case of Imperial Schrade Old Timers and Uncle Henry knives so blessed, refers to AISI 1095HC. It has a carbon content of between .95% and 1.05%, Magnesium 0.30-0.50%, Phosphorus (max.) 0.040%, sulphur (max.) 0.050% according to ladle samples. “Famous for both it’s edge hold ability and resharpening ease. One of the charactoristics of this steel is that it will darken or discolor with use, especially if used on meats or fruits. Care must be taken with a carbon steel knife to prevent rust. The blades should be kept dry and lightly oiled occasionally.”
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“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. As of this time, there is conflicting information about when this change took place, but it seems to have been sometime after the 2000 production year. The 440A has a carbon content of 0.60-0.75%, Chromium 16.0-18.0%, Manganese 1.00%, Molybdenum 0.75%, Phosphorus 0.04%, Silicon 1%, and Sulphur 0.03% according to ladle sample maximums. Stainless steel is just as it’s name implies... it “stains less”, but will still discolor or rust to some extent if not properly cared for. Both carbon and stainless blades were heat treated to 56-59 Rockwell.
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