Sierra Folders--What blade alloy?

Jeff Clark

Jeff Clark

Joined
Apr 27, 1999
Messages
6,117
Saw your new product note in Bladeforums. It says that the blades are high carbon stainless. OK, which alloy? What Rockwell?
I think AUS-10 would be pretty good.
 
Jeff,

I got this from a reliable secret source inside the R&D department. It's made high quality miscellaneous stuff. And it's pretty hard. But, you didn't get that from me, OK? And for goodness sake don't tell anyone else!

------------------
Dave
------------------------
If a tree falls in the forest, and there is nobody there to hear it, don't blame me.
 
Sorry guys,
I've been on the road a bit! I've been at EDGE-WORKS, the guys who are making our BK&T sheaths, helping with the project. We should be shipping the first CAMPANIONS by the end of the week!

Now for the SIERRA folders blade steel questions...

We are using 440A, hardened to 58 Rc. This has been our standard cutlery stainless steel for years and we are pleased with its performance provided for the price. 440A is also VERY corrosion resistant.

Jeff, I agree, AUS-10 would be great, but do you really think we could put that in a folder, and still have a suggested retail of $24.95? Why not ask for TALONITE while your at it......
wink.gif


------------------
Stay Sharp!
Will Fennell
Camillus Cutlery




[This message has been edited by Will Fennell (edited 03-20-2000).]
 
Will,

I have a policy of never buying 440A, B, or C. I have never been happy with the performance. It takes a crappy edge. For that matter, I wouldn't want the talonite either. I didn't think AUS-10 was that much of a reach. I'd rather have Sandvic 12C27 or AUS-8 than 440A. I'd rather have 1095 than 440A.
 
Jeff,
I understand entirely. I too prefer the performance I get out of higher end steels. But I believe you are used to paying more for your cutlery. This knife will have a suggested retail of $24.95, and for comparisons sake, will probally carry a 'street' price of $17.50-20.00. Understand that 440A and 12c27 and AUS 8 are all pretty similar[ok, 440a has a little more Chromium], but 440A is availible in Coil form, so that is is more economical to use in high volume production[we are able to run it through auto-mated blanking machines].

We have had good performance for the $ out of 440A. Remember, its got alot to do with edge geometry and heat treatment, and we are very confident in our ability to do that.

Once again, I understand where you are coming from,.....as I write this post, I have a 440A bladed SIERRA in one pocket, and a Darrel Ralph custom D/A APOGEE w/ 420V in the other. But if I see my buddy this afternoon at the corner store, I can afford to give his 14 year old son the SIERRA
wink.gif


------------------
Stay Sharp!
Will Fennell
Camillus Cutlery


 
I guess my "source" was right.
wink.gif
I have suspected for some time that what you do to temper and heat treat the steel is as important to the cutting performance as the type of steel that you start with. I have some of your older knives that do quite well, especially at their price point. There's a lot to be said for consistancy.

------------------
Dave
------------------------
If a tree falls in the forest, and there is nobody there to hear it, don't blame me.
 
Jeff,
We found no significant additional performance gain from Cryo treating 440A. Also, that would be a major cost addition to the product.

Try one Jeff, they perform very well as they are. No, they don't cut like a forged 52100 blade from a ABS mastersmith, but they cost about as much as the postage[including insurance] for a knife from a mastersmith<G>.

------------------
Stay Sharp!
Will Fennell
Camillus Cutlery


 
I think 440A is a fine blade steel for non-heirloom knives. A while back I think you mentioned the Lev-R-Loks would be available in 440A also -- do you know when those are shipping? It is certainly the perfect present for potential knifenuts...
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top