What kind of steel is Gerber LMF blade?

L

livind

Joined
Mar 3, 2007
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I just bought an original Gerber LMF and I was wondering if anyone knows what kind of steel the blade is?
 
Wait! Would that be the original LMF (long discontinued) or, current production LMF-II the ASEK/Infantry knife? The Original would be in 440A??
 
Danbo, you're right; the originals were made of 44A, the more recent ones (LMF2) are made of 12C27.
 
From what I've read about steel, 440A and 12C27 are very similar. The heat treat is what makes the difference in either one, as far as the quality goes.
 
I've never owned an original LMF. The LMF II kicks a**. It's only disadvantage was it felt like I was holding a baseball bat. In every knife I owned, I used the knife for what is was supposed to be used for. A lot of people don't like 440A. It is a softer steel and dulls quicker, but if you don't abuse the knife then it will certainly last a while. I recently did a field test on the Gerber Steadfast (the thread is called Gerber Steadfast Field Test). After talking to a few people who own the original LMF, the qualities of the Steadfast and the LMF are not much different. I still think the LMF surpasses the Steadfast because nothing beats the original.
 
I never liked the Gerber 440A. It is nothing like 12C27. The 12C27 is generally softer, but takes a much finer edge. The 440A was more abrasion resistant, but would not get as sharp. Some people like Kershaw and Cutco do a better job on 440A (cryo treatment maybe) and it takes a fine edge. Commonly it takes a second rate edge (does not shave smoothly), but holds an edge fairly well.
 
"...I still think the LMF surpasses the Steadfast because nothing beats the original...
-cgusek111"
Which makes me wonder why the current model (which looks NOTHING like the original) be named LMF-II???
Note that the range of Applegate-Folders all bore different names, but looked all too similar!
 
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