The Making of a Traditional Knife-loving, Steel Snob, an Autobiography

I couldnt tell you what steel performs like what. Growing up playing with cheap knives until I eventually got my hands on good stuff, I still cant tell you how what steel performs like what. I probably can pick apart untreated 440A from others but that is about it. My traditionals have 420HC, 1095 some of the Queen/S&M offerings maybe D2, ATS34, 154CM but I couldnt tell you the difference between em. I barely sharpen my knives as it is. Most of the time they just require a good few passes on the honing sticks from the lansky set and Im content. It is interesting to have various steels, but I dont have enough experience with use to pick apart what is what. Even now, the edc box contains several knives that have various steels, but from just cutting something and sharpening it, I wouldnt be able to tell you what it was. I guess i too am steel agnostic. As long as its sharp and keeps an edge, Im happy, cause Im not very good at sharpening
 
I don't really have a blade steel preference in folding knives, as long as it is a decent stainless steel. Most of the traditional folding knives I carry are either custom or similar to the Case-Bose collaborations. I've spoiled myself over the years and my carry preference is a result of that. So what I carry will be ATS-34, 154-CM, CPM-154, D2 (not a ss but close) and the CPM versions of D2, S30V etc.

Fixed blades is another story. I've got 01, 1084 and many others, both stainless and non.

My 50 plus years experience carrying and using knives is that any steel with a decent heat treat and an HRc at 56 or above, will do pretty much everything I need. I don't look at myself as a steel snob, although what I carry might make it look differently.

Just a note; I don't have anything against non stainless steels, I just prefer stainless. Again, that's from watching my knives pit and rust while I was growing up. I guess I had better things to do then take care of my tools!
 
Snipe,
excellent story of a collectors journey. mirrors my own in many ways.
the old brands bring back memories.
i remember the first time i heard the names Hen&Rooster and German Eye, i was probably carrying a CV Case Mahogany bone tiny stockman at the time.
keep the stories coming, i do love to read them.
buzz
 
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