What kind of Steel in Ek M5 ?

D

Dry Heat

Joined
Jul 4, 1999
Messages
100
Is anyone familiar with the knid of steel used in Ek knives. I have the opportunity to purchase an M5, made in Illinois, black micarta (?) slabs, black nylon sheath, WWI, WWII, and Vietnam on the blade marking.

Just wondering what kind of steel they use at the time. I'm assuming nothing better that 440C.

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Knives have edges; teeth are for saws!

John 14:6

 
I checked the 94 and 95 Blackjack catalogs and both indicate all the EK models shown have 440C Stainless at a Rc of 57-58.
 
Dry Heat-I have an EK dagger with a 6" double-edged blade, same markings as yours, with green paracord-wrapped grip and green nylon sheath. Condition is perfect. Interested?
 
Dry Heat,

The Ek M5 as made by Ek Commando Knife Company out of Norfolk, VA advertised the steel used as HCS1718. Most folks in the know say that it was actually 440C at the top of the carbon content range.

Many of the M5's marked by Balckjack with their Effington, Ill stamp were left over Norfolk blades. Blackjack made some blades to in 440C although late in the game prior to bankruptcy rumor has it that lesser steels were substituted. I can't confirm that. But some of the late stuff did exhibit lesser standards of quality.

Hope this helps.


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-=[Bob Allman]=-

I did NOT escape from the institution! They gave me a day pass!

BFC member since the very beginning
AKTI membership pending
VHA and NRA member

 
The later models were bead blasted, para wrapped and all in 440A.

The normal ones were in 440C as far as I can recall.


[This message has been edited by Aubrey (edited 10 October 1999).]
 
I will back Bob up rumor has it 440a blades were used on the regular knives towards their end. My info comes from the folks that actually put em together so I am pretty sure the rumor is true.

Regards,

Tom Carey
 
If I remember correctly, the bead blasted, green paracord wrapped models were 440A and the satin finished, black paracord wrapped ones were 440C.


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The individualist without strategy who takes opponents lightly will inevitably become the captive of others.


 
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