Steel suggestions for "copper cutting"

S

Soilarch

Joined
Oct 15, 2007
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297
This summer I've bought a SOG Twitch II, and a Benchmade PIKA. I'll probably buy a Spyderco (in a similar price-range) to "round out" my small collection.


BUT, I'm working as a Safety Intern. I end up using my knife to cut many many extension cords each week. (Yep, I'm THAT guy. It's my job...and it's a real simple rule...but anyways) My Kershaw with AUS6 or AUS8 doesn't hold up real well, not bad...not well. My Twitch, I forget it's metal, holds up pretty well. However I'd like to get something I don't HAVE to sharpen each night.

Two questions:

Steel recommendation? Do I need to jump up to S30V or D2? Would some of the more 'domestic' super-steels do just as well?

Serrations...I know people like the for rope. I figure those same people would like them for cords. I may try them. Syderco sure puts a lot of serration on their combo edged knives. Is there a company that makes a blade that is more along the lines of 1" serrations and 3" of smooth edge?
 
If it were I, I'd use a set of sidecut pliers. That is the tool that is designed to do what you are doing.

If you are set on using a knife, try D2 and sharpen at a more obtuse angle.
 
Moving up to S30V or D2 would help but a multi-tool or a pair of wire cutters would work much better.
 
I hope this doesn't come off as insulting, but have you considered buying tin snips or wire cutters? They will outdo a knife every time, and a quality pair is made from hardened tool steel, purpose built for cutting metal day in and day out.

It'd be one thing if you once in a while needed to cut some wire, everybody's been in that bind. But if it's your job to cut wire, I would suggest investing in a dedicated tool.
 
Apparently great minds think within three minutes of each other. Probably the greater the earlier, right?:p
 
It's actually easier with a "sharp" knife. (I've tried both) These are "industrial" extension cords and are nearly twice what you normally see. Besides that, sidecuts are another thing I have to carry, and more importantly another thing I can loose.

One quick tug will go through them easily...about 3 five of 'em. Then it goes down hill fast. (With the SOG) Honestly, the Kershaw will do about 3 also, but goes down hill faster.
 
Not a big fan of chisel grinds - but this might be one place where a chisel grind might work pretty well. The CRKT Lighfoot M1 comes with a AUS-8 blade and a chisel grind or something really close to it - very quick and easy to sharpen. Emerson I think has a bunch of chisel grind knives.
I'd also second the idea that a set of Dykes would be a much better idea. if for no other reason than the insulation would be real nice to have the first time you have a "brain fart" moment and cut a live cord.
 
Correct tool for the work makes for safe work

Klein 9" Linesman Pliers, for about $25.
Will last you a life time.

For Safety; I trust these cables are not under tension, neither electrical nor physical
Also an electrician of many many years:
Do NOT rely on the insulation of the handles.
TURN OFF the current!!
The flash of a short circuit is dangerous.
 
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save your knife from an early demise and get a nice pair of PARROT BEAK cutters. They are DESIGNED for day in day out cutting of wire and cable

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and sorry, but i gotta ask, what the hell does a "safety intern's" job duties involve that you need to cut 3 - 6 industrial extension cords every day?

WTF?
 
I have Klein 9" hardened type - will cut anything even copperweld wire [hard steel ,copper covered] .Other than that perhaps a fixed blade of CPM 3V.
 
I find it amusing that the "safety intern" is using a knife where it would be safer and easier to get the correct tool for the job.

People shortcut by using an extension cord. You are taking a shortcut by not getting the proper tool because:

Soilarch said:
Besides that, sidecuts are another thing I have to carry, and more importantly another thing I can loose.
Click to expand...

So it is do as I say not as I do.

Not to try to be insulting or to imply that you are trying to rationalize your choice of a knife over the proper wire cutting tool but I find it hard to believe that:

Soilarch said:
It's actually easier with a "sharp" knife. (I've tried both) These are "industrial" extension cords and are nearly twice what you normally see.
Click to expand...
 
I know alot of people poopoo Gerber but I've always liked their multi-tools. They have one out with cable cutters on the 600 model. looks good.
 
I cut cable every week, as an IT guy. USE WIRE CUTTERS its much easier on the knives you own and the sheeple you're probably around. Wire cutters/snips whatever will save you time. Yes its something you'll have to carry but its worth it and your knives will thank you for it. For occasional wires a knife is fine but if your doing THAT much wire cutting use the right tool.

Now for a blade steel I'd recommend S30V or D2 but they are going to be tuffer to sharpen after you get em dull. I have done it with my ZDP knife but I find its fine edge not good for that kind of cutting. D2 has bigger carbides (correct me if I am wrong) and if you dont put a highly polished edge bites into things aggressivley enough to get through the plastic coating and through the cable. If anyone has different views or if I am wrong let me know.

Oh I like knives with a slight recurve for this as the pulling action through the cord is enhanced by the rucurve.
 
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