Steel Question (420A vs 420HC vs 13C26)

S

Sanjuro82

Joined
Jan 31, 2007
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OK I need a bit of help from someone who has had some experience with these different steel types.

I'm looking to pick up a small lightweight folder with SpeedSafe. So far I narrowed my choices down to these three choices:

Kershaw K.O. Baby Boa - 1.7 oz, Sandvik 13C26
Kershaw K.O. Scallion - 2.3 oz, 420HC
Kershaw K.O. Centofante - 1.6 oz, 440A

As you probably noticed, they each use a different steel. What are the differences with between the steels? Will I even notice a difference? And finally which knife would you choose? :D
 
Kershaw does a very good job of heat treating their steel so that it takes a keen edge. With typical processing from other manufacturers I find 440A does not take as fine an edge as I like. With Kershaw blades I have been satisfied with 440A. The other two alloys should get slightly sharper. The newest alloy is 13C26 which is a razor alloy. It should take the finest edge. They are also running it a bit harder so I would expect it to be the best performer all around. I don't think you would be unhappy with anything that Kershaw produces. They are switching over to 13C26 as their standard now.
 
I pretty much figued that the Sandvik 13C26 would be the best of the group, as it's the newest. But what about 420A vs 420HC?

I wonder why the Scallion is still using the 420HC steel instead of the Sandvik 13C26.
 
I think that the Scallion will switch over to 13C26. Given the size and the shape of the Scallion I would select a steel that takes a finer edge rather than one with higher abrasion resistance. With that consideration I would make it out of 420HC rather than 440A. I would expect it to be used a little bit like a small box cutter. That says that I want it to slice open packages well. The back-curved front edge does not apply concentrated force right in front of the edge like a box cutter. A sheepsfoot or Warncliff blade design does a better job on packing tape. So I like an extra-sharp edge on this design to compensate.
 
i like the baby boa. its a fun knife to watch open with being able to watch the torsion bar. its also availible now
 
I hove this is still on topic, but when will the leek switch to 13C26? I've seen it on the website but the ones in stores are still 440A, and online most seem to be 440A. Some ebayers are saying 13C26 but I don't trust them.
 
SaMX said:
I hove this is still on topic, but when will the leek switch to 13C26? I've seen it on the website but the ones in stores are still 440A, and online most seem to be 440A. Some ebayers are saying 13C26 but I don't trust them.
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I can't blame you for not trusting the evilbayers. When you do order one online just make it clear that you're getting the 13C26. They'll keep shipping the 440A until there out of stock.
 
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