Steel suggestions please !!

Stockman

Stockman

Joined
May 23, 2004
Messages
1,175
I need a little help from the steel guru's on a custom project.
I am having a cutsom made filleting knife produced, approx 7" in blade length made from 3/32" stock. I have basicaly been told to choose a steel.
This maker works alot with 440C, which would probably do the job nicely, but would like to hear some other suggestions for this type of application. Corrosion ressistance, edge retention and flex strength would be my main criterion.
 
When in doubt, I think it is usually a good idea to go with the steell that a maker likes working with/knows well.

N690 would probably be good for the job: it's easy to sharpen, tough, and has enough chrome to be a low maintenance fillet knife.

David
 
Availability is going to be your problem. I understand that Bob Dozier has made some nice filleters out of S30V but you will have to buy it in the US try Admiral Steel I have dealt with them before and even taking postage into account its cheaper to buy it that way. But, one word of warning make sure the KnifeMaker or his heat treatment people know how to properly heat treat this steel. The N690 is a good suggestion and should be readily available in Australia through its makers Bohler Steel. Of course 440c is always a good bet given its high level of chromium.

If you want to follow-up some of the more exoctic Crucible steels produced in the US. Phil Wilson a knifemaker in the US makes a lot of filleters with all these steels and you might want to do a search/google on him to find out what different steels he has used or one of the forumites here might be able to give you advice on what he has been using lately.
 
yeah, definitely ask him what he prefers/is most comfortable with. The quailty of the heat treatment and the blade geometry is much more important than the blade steel. A very well ground piece of fiberglass (ie cold steel nightshade :-P) would cut better than a poorly done blade of S30V.
 
Is David making the knife for you? Someone told me he had retired! If David is making it stick to 440c he does wonders with it.
 
Yeah Jdee, Dave's the man. I have been itchin to pick something up from him for a long time. His knives are great, he's a top fella and he's a local, can't wait to own something from him.
 
Stockman,

I look forward to reading about the knife, once it has been made.

I keep meaning to buy an Australian knife (I live in SA), but don't seem to be able to make myself give up the Busses, Chris Reeves, and Fallknivens.

David
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top