What type of steel?

JDY

Joined
Aug 16, 2008
Messages
3
Hello every one I am new to this site and knife making. What type steel does a knife need to be made of to hold a sharp edge? I purchased a Beretta knife because of the name and am very unhappy with this knife.
THANKS
JDY:confused:
 
Is the Beretta made in China?

I'm no maker but Since you are new I'll try to help.Your question really can't be answered as stated.Good steel is chosen to match the application.The steel you choose will depend on what you want to do with the knife and what kind of environment you do it in.
 
I deer hunt and skinning would be the main use. The Beretta was made in China.
THANKS for your help.
JDY
 
Here's a good quote I heard a long time ago:
"Jesus could send a bar of steel down from Heaven, but it would only be as good as the heat treatment it gets."
In other words, it doesn't much matter precisely which steel you use, as long as it is controlled and manipulated in such a way as to bring out the best qualities available from THAT steel.
You can have a high dollar, oo-la-la, designer, groovy, double-wrap-around steel, but if it's not heat treated correctly, you have an expensive letter opener which can be out-performed by the simplest of steels heat treated and ground correctly.
It sounds like you have just set your foot on the path to discovering the wonderful world of knives and knife making.
I wish you success in your search.
 
As Mr.Andersen stated heat treat is the main thing.After that the steel will be chosen for the application.
For instance some steels may not hold an edge as long but may be easier to sharpen in the field.Some may offer more rust resistance.Every aspect will be give and take.Most popular steels do a lot of things well but may not excell in any particular area.

Having said that though,most steels with proper heat treat will perform very well the tasks that any reasonable user would ask of them.

For a fixed blade hunter check out Bark River,A.G.Russel Deer Hunter,Buck Vangard in S30-V or Bob Dozier for production blades.There are also a number of custom makers here that will help you pick something more specific to your needs.
 
If you want a knife that says Beretta on it make sure it also says "Seki" ;)

As in, made in a region of Japan by a knife consortium.
 
THANKS for all who replied. Where can I order knife blanks and be sure I will receive a quality blade?
THANKS
JDY
 
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