stainless RATS

440c?? odd enough.
I also think that RAT should try a new carbon steel instead. Though a stainless Izula could be... different.
 
To all the other carbon steel suggestions: do any really offer advantages over 1095? I don't really see any shortcomings that another carbon would solve...
 
I think 440c will show up with the folder before anything else. If RAT is bringing out a new folder, it makes sense to go with 440c on the new one first and test the waters there. Just my thoughts...and PLEASE drop the choil on the folder!!!!
 
Jeff recently talked about The future of Rat in the thread with the same name. Sounds like we will be seeing Variations in color, handle and some stainless steel being used with some cool after market sheaths/pouches for other knives and more survival gear. No mention of other carbon steels in that thead and IIRC he mentioned planning to stick with 1095 for their carbon so don't expect to see O1, A2 5160, 52100 or any other carbon in the near future.

I'm looking forward to RAT using 440C. Will give them more sales from all the hunters and other sportsmans that want Quality stainless knives and it gives someone that will be working around water another choice and as we know choice is good. ;)

Heber
 
440C is not a bad choice. Although I personally have no inclinations to getting any stainless RATs, these will fit their niche well.

I think 440C will keep with the simplicity of the 1095 RCs. Easy to maintain, inexpensive, and proven to work (y'all can debate amongst yourselves how well). I would like to have seen the stainless RCs in something nice and modern like VG10 or 154CM, but I think the 440C will still perform very well without driving up the costs too much.

Knife nuts from the forum will complain about 440C, the general population will probably complain about the high price of a premium stainless steel. I think that's the main tradeoff we're looking at.
 
The only RAT that I feel would be better if it were stainless is the Izula. As a knife that is often worn close to the skin, the Izula needs more corrosion resistance than the rest of the line. Everything else is just fine in 1095, IMHO.
 
Dizwolf said:
To all the other carbon steel suggestions: do any really offer advantages over 1095? I don't really see any shortcomings that another carbon would solve...
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Someone who thinks like we do.....
 
R.A.T. said:
Personally I don't care for ATS34
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Any particular reason? It's essentially 154CM.

Side note: Stainless RATs? Let's try A2, D2, M4, 3V and a couple other steels before we think about stainless RATs.
 
That's the reason I said I don't like ATS34....because 154 was mentioned. Why do I not like it? I have found no real advantages with it over 440C. When we first got on this SS research thing I started using various steels. I've had several knives in ATS34 that had chipping problems and just seemed to be over-hyped SS, IMO.

The reason we want to do a true SS knife is for those who want to carry in areas and not have rust.
 
R.A.T. said:
That's the reason I said I don't like ATS34....because 154 was mentioned. Why do I not like it? I have found no real advantages with it over 440C. When we first got on this SS research thing I started using various steels. I've had several knives in ATS34 that had chipping problems and just seemed to be over-hyped SS, IMO.

The reason we want to do a true SS knife is for those who want to carry in areas and not have rust.
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I think you should explore H1 as a possibility. If you want to do stainless the way you seem to be doing everything else (best you can, no compromises ;) ) I think it would work out well.

If you've never tried H1 I have a Tasman Salt I could send you to play with. It's a little specific of a blade shape, but you could get a feel for the steel.
 
A lot of this goes back to Rowen's shop, availability of materials, types of heat treat required and a lot of other things figured into the mix. Like I said, 440C works. Has worked for years. It's a great steel just like 1095 Carbon is. We're known for simplicty and what works.
 
R.A.T. said:
A lot of this goes back to Rowen's shop, availability of materials, types of heat treat required and a lot of other things figured into the mix. Like I said, 440C works. Has worked for years. It's a great steel just like 1095 Carbon is. We're known for simplicity and what works.
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Sounds good to me. :D
 
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