THR Armagedon, Steel Decision

R

REELDOC

Joined
Oct 18, 2001
Messages
3
My heart is set on the SKS set of Armagedons. Can't make up my brain on which steel I want Trace to use. This the last large blade that I will ever buy and I want the best steel.
 
I have Google searched my fingers to the bone for the suttle differences between the steels and am just as confused as when I started. I did a search here on the steels and couldn't find what I consider the definitive answer. Right now, I guess it will boil down to the majority opinion.
 
this is what i have learned so far.

A2 is good for large blades since it has great impact resistance, so that would be my suggestion for the large blade.

D2 is a semi-stainless tool steel that is a good choice for smaller thinner blades.

BG-42 is one of the best stainless steels out there, but stainless steels have their limmitations.

Talonite- is a great nickle colbalt alloy that is stain-proof and has great edge holding, very expensive.

154CM- is similar to ats-34, it is a great steel, and is common on mid to high end knives.
 
If you are going to be using the big blade for chopping I would pick A2. It is the toughest of the steels that he gives as options for his knives. I am a big fan of BG42 and would make that my choice for the smaller knife. If you are not going to use the big knife hard, I would get BG42 on both knives.
 
Trace is great guy and you could not have chosen better (well maybe that guy from Corona :D;)).

Trace has talked about sometimes using 3V or 10V. If you really sweat talk him, he might do some in those steels.
 
Reeldoc

A-2 is a good steel for big knives, lots of maintenance (read RUST).

Contrary to what Lizard says, D-2 is not only for small thin blades. The Walter Brend 8 1/2" model 2 in 1/4" D-2 served me well all around the world.

The steel you are looking for on a large blade is 3V, now in a new stainless version (but limited in thickness as of today).

The A-2 version will serve you well (keep the blade oiled).

D-2 will be better. I base this not on a internet search or what someone told me or what I read. This is based on actual use by me.
Keep the RC at 57-59.

3V may be better, but requires a little more maintenance than D-2.

When you are discussing big blades, you leave out ATS-34, 154CM, 440C, BG-42, 420V, 440V, Talonite and Stellite. As they are either inferior, not available in the size you need or too expensive for the size you need.

I don't thing Trace works them, but 1084 and 1095 carbon steels are excellent for big choppers. Again, lots of carbon, little chromium, means lots of maintenance or lots of rust.

No matter what choose you will be very happy with any knife Trace makes you.
 
I'd go with 3V or A2 on the Armageddon, and BG-42 or D2 on the Gambit.
 
The arm I had was in ATS34, great knife but A2 would be my first choice, with the Bos heat treat it rules. The gambit either BG-42 (my Choice) or Talonite.
Let me say this about Trace Rinaldi, I own several Rinaldi knives, Trace has been a true gentleman and has accomodated every request I threw at him. He is a true custom maker. The workmanship is excellent, the grinds are as good as any out there.
Trace's knife design are the perfect comprimise between performance and strength (they are strong because of the excellent materials, and perform well because of the awsome designs)
Trace is one of the few makers out there that erally understands his materials, and takes advantage of different metals to give ultimate performance.
The TTKK is my favorite.
Chad
 
Big blade: 3V is the no-brainer if you can get it! Otherwise, the choice is A-2 vs D-2, the tradeoffs being: A-2 is relatively more impact resistance but more prone to rust; D-2 is more rust resistant but less impact resistant than A-2. Either are fine steels. If you go with D-2, you might look at Les' post and ask Trace how he's heat-treating his D-2.

Small blade: I'd choose between BG-42 and talonite, provided I were willing to pay the extra $ for talonite. I personally would probably go with the BG-42, but that's partially because I already have a talonite knife. Talonite's advantage is that it is practically rust-proof, and holds an edge forever. BG-42 is nearly the perfect stainless steel: stronger than talonite, not rust-proof but nicely rust-resistant, takes a killer edge, not as wear resistant as talonite but still very impressive wear resistance.

Joe
 
The steel you are looking for on a large blade is 3V
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I got a CPM 3V Armegeddon through Les Robertson. If you want THE BIG KNIFE, this is it. Typical THR quality with a great steel. While I haven't had enough time to do this knife justice in the field, I would reach for this one first if a big knife was called for in a tough spot. This knife shows all the qualities we have come to expect of THR blades.

I have used my BG-42 TTKK a lot and it has proven itself to be a superior product in everthing I have personally used it for.

I have great respect for Trace and his knives. They have never let me down and serve me well. I would email or call him and discuss what it is you really want. He won't do you wrong.

There are a lot of great knives out there and a lot ways to spend your money - buying a THR blade won't disappoint and since it's a custom, you get it your way ;) whether it's D2, A2, or some other steel.
 
I don't know about those CPM steels. Arent they hard to sharpen? Best to stick with carbon steel for the chopper.
 
Originally posted by REELDOC
This the last large blade that I will ever buy and I want the best steel.
Click to expand...

I have told my wife the same thing before.

She does not believe me..... :rolleyes: :p :rolleyes:

As far as steel goes 3V is very much in vogue right now but I have no experience with it. Lots of well respected makers use it and that would be my first choice if I was paying for it.

D2 or A2 are both very nice but require maintenance. Keeping coated with marine tuff cloth really helps.

I like stainless blades and love talonite but I fear the cost would be excessive.
 
S30V. More stain resistant than ATS-34, tougher than D-2, able to leap tall buildings in a single bound. Actually, I have a 10" chopper out of ATS-34, and I am quite happy with it. In fact, I have a 15" machete out of 154CM on order with Jerry Hossom. Heat treated properly, as Paul Bos would do for Trace, ATS-34 or 154CM is a quite adequately tough steel for blades of that size.
 
In my opinion I like A2, or 3V for a knife this size. You have to take care of them more, but anything worth having is worth taking care of.
The first feedback I got from a customer of Les's about the 3V Arm. is almost unbelievable.
He tells me part of the edge still had a bur on it, after chopping all day THE BUR WAS STILL THERE!?!? I dont know how hard it is to sharpen in the field yet but thats pretty amazing..
A2 is also a great proven steel for this type of knife, and you wont ever go wrong with it especially as treated by the Bos man..
I am looking into the Boron Carbide finishes for these knives also.. I am thinking a 3V Boron Carbide coated Armageddon would be pretty damn tough to beat..
Thanks for all the kind words guys, It really does make eating G-10, and steel dust worth it when you hear from your customers!

Take Care
Trace Rinaldi
www.thrblades.com
 
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