Tough Stainless?

[Quy4n8]

Does any one particular stainless steel stand out for greater toughness? I know this will depend on the heat treat and geometry, but since when choosing a factory or even a custom knife, we know very little about the heat treat, and can't control the geometry, but we usually know what it is made from, I thought this might be a good place to start. I also realize that stainless will not compete with carbon steels but does any stainless come close? Thanks.

 

[knifetester]

420J,440A, 420HC, 12C27 would be my guess. These steels are also very stain resistant.

 

[STR]

If sharpening ease is any indication I'd have to say that ATS34 and 154CM are tough.

Seems I remember reading that one of the reasons it was chosen over other steels in both BenchMade and Emerson knives is because of the toughness factor though.

 

[Esav Benyamin]

Starting with the steel is a good idea, but knowing who is making the knife, factory or custom maker, is more important, since the reputation of each with the steels they use gets established over time.

Lower end stainless steels like 440A or 440B or Aus-6 or Aus-8 can still make a reliable knife. Higher end like 440C or ATS-34/154-CM or BG-42 or S30V will approach high carbon steels in ordinary use.

But the heat treat and blade and edge geometry are so important, you have to know more than just the steel.

 

[Mitchell Knives]

The AUS8 and VG-10 knives that I have owned seem tough.

 

[Blop]

In general: Any low carbon will be tougher than any high carbon.

But unless you don´t know anything about the maker, it is nearly useless to choose from the steel.

 

[Cliff Stamp]

I also realize that stainless will not compete with carbon steels but does any stainless come close?

Not unless you think Calista Flockhart and Butterbean are "close" to the same size.

-Cliff

 

[DGG]

Does any one particular stainless steel stand out for greater toughness? I know this will depend on the heat treat and geometry, but since when choosing a factory or even a custom knife, we know very little about the heat treat, and can't control the geometry, but we usually know what it is made from, I thought this might be a good place to start. I also realize that stainless will not compete with carbon steels but does any stainless come close? Thanks.

ATS-34 was good enough for jet engine turbine blades. R.W. Loveless used it for many years for all his custom knives.

Here are some links to different types of knife steel.

http://www.ajh-knives.com/metals.html

http://users.ameritech.net/knives/steels.htm

http://www.huntingblades.com/tyofstusinkn.html