Steel Junky's - need opinions

Sal, I think this is a great idea. I would like to see some of the classic stainless steels in this as well, like 440C, ATS34 and BG-42.

I would also suggest a fine flat ground blade geometry.


I would be extremely interested in Impact test comparisons with Blade shaped samples. There is a big difference between Charpy test of a rectangular cross section piece of steel and a piece of steel that comes down to a fine edge.

This sounds great, count me in.

A standard Rc would have to be chosen or several different Rc samples of each metal would have to be done??
 
Excellent idea. Useful for all involved, and it sounds like a great deal of fun!

Forget the handle and sheath problem. Easy enough to deal with aftermarket, and would be part of the fun. Just make enough holes in the tang area for cord wrap or handle attachment.

As to the hardness issue, I would personally prefer each steel hardened to whatever would be considered the "ideal" Rc for that particular steel. Otherwise it reduces real world application.
 
Let me just start off saying I have no problem with no holes, no handles, no sheath, and or no sharpened edge. The lower the cost to me the better. :) Even the blade shape isn't any big deal. However, having the factory sharpened edge does give everyone a pretty simular starting point to have as a reference. And really for some it will probably be the sharpest it will ever get.
 
I think at least one should be a good Carbon or tool steel. How does the latest fancy stainless compare?

Include some threaded rivet screws to match the pre-drilled holes and maybe a couple micarta or g10 slabs (hopefully not more than $5 or $6 price increase?), and you can sell do-it-yourself kits to tinkerers, not just steel junkies, to help make the minimum pre-order.
 
Pyromancer said:
The new-fangled epoxies may make pins/screws obsolete.

Desmond
Click to expand...

Screw rivets are handy because you can make more handles and change them. You can also assemble and dis-assemble while finishing up the slabs to adjust them. Plus some folks just like the way it looks.
 
Sal, would you have a range of RC that each blade would fall into or would you actually measure the hardness on each blade. I have found that a hardness difference of 2pts or so can make as much difference on edge holding performance as the steel grade. Would you also share the heat treat specs with us and whether you do a subzero or not. This kind of info would be very help full if we are all trying to get on the same sheet of music. I would also suggest including CPM 154 in the selection from the start. That could tell us a lot in comparison about the effect of carbide percentage. Phil
 
Phil made some good points. I still don't see what Spyderco has to benefit from this though. I can see how knowledge will be increased by everyone, but it could serve to change people's opinions on steels they used to think they liked. Also, about the only test people do (that I see), is edge retention testing, the most scientific of which is just cutting rope or cardboard, which can tell you quite a bit about edge retention, but that's all they test. Of course, they might also see their preferred balance of edge retention and ease of sharpening, which could be useful information, but who will test toughness or corrosion resistance? There are several toughness tests I have thought up in my mind that would be simple to make and use, knife specific, and non-destructive, but I've never tried them out, they probably suck. If everyone only tests edge retention, or how it "feels", we may end up with random and conflicting opinions, no better than any other information already available to us on steels.
 
Well, since Spyderco does mainly folders, and these test blades would be 3-4" wharnies, edge retention/wear resistance/ease of sharpening would probably be a bit more valued than toughness.

IMO, just using the knife over a period of time is a good enough indication for corrosion resistance. I think most people have a problem with corrosion when the knife rusts just being carried around and handled. Cut some fruit, take it rafting or diving, wear and use it on a hot day when you get a bit sweaty, use it as you normally would. If it does/doesn't rust more than you expect, then call it bad/good. Compile the commentary and have a look through it. Though that does bring up the issue of finish and the effect it seems to have on corrosion resistance.
 
hardheart said:
Well, since Spyderco does mainly folders, and these test blades would be 3-4" wharnies, edge retention/wear resistance/ease of sharpening would probably be a bit more valued than toughness.

IMO, just using the knife over a period of time is a good enough indication for corrosion resistance. I think most people have a problem with corrosion when the knife rusts just being carried around and handled. Cut some fruit, take it rafting or diving, wear and use it on a hot day when you get a bit sweaty, use it as you normally would. If it does/doesn't rust more than you expect, then call it bad/good. Compile the commentary and have a look through it. Though that does bring up the issue of finish and the effect it seems to have on corrosion resistance.
Click to expand...
Those are two valid points.
 
And really who cares if we really learn anything. This will give us a chance to try and use a host of different steels at an afordable price. For some people and probably most people, they will not notice any difference between most of the diferent steels. But wouldn't it be fun to find out?
 
Thanks Larrin, I took a look at what I wrote and asking for heat treatment methods and process probably is not practical. Most of this is propriatary anyhow and is what separates some different manufactures from each other. I think what this experiment would show us is how well each steel grade works out with Spyderco's manufacturing process. That is good information for everybody and we could all learn from it. A couple other points though. The handle shape has a lot to do with how a knife performs. Has to do with good grip, leverage, and just feels good in the hand. I would think a standard low cost handle would be necessary for a good comparison. Try to take as many variables out of the process as possible. Also a sharp fixed blade knife furnished without a sheath would concern me if I was shipping it to anyone who wanted it. This can be worked out but ? I am looking at this from the standpoint of a maker more than a user, but Sal asked for feedback---. I like the idea and would love to participate . I could even provide hardness information on the blades I test. Sal is out there with good ideas and I it is because of him in a large part that we have such good knives available ... PHIL
 
Larrin said:
Also, about the only test people do (that I see), is edge retention testing...
Click to expand...

Other things people could easily examine if desired are :

-grindability
-ease of sharpening
-maximum sharpness (push / slice)
-effect of grit size/type
-edge stability
-corrosion resistance
-edge toughness
-edge strength

None of these require expensive equipment, or any for that matter.

-Cliff
 
I like the blade design, Canada customs won’t be a hassle because it’s a fixed blade, and just the thought of having a collection of exotic steel to experiment with is exciting.
I’d be fine with the blades being unsharpened.

On the subject of payment, I would prefer to buy a set annually rather than one at a time. Shipping to Canada is usually $30-$40.
By the way Sal, what do you estimate the cost of the average knife to be? Let’s use CPM S30V as an example.
 
I am not a knife tester, not even a serious knife user, but I am interested in this project and would love to get a set or two.
 
This sounds like a great idea. I am definitely in on these, affordable knife in your favorite steel what's not to love.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top