which knife?

[chromecrow]

Hey everybody, I hope someone can help me with a delemma. My wife is going to buy me a knife for my birthday. I am considering the Schatt & Morgan swaybelly trapper and an american trapper by A.G. Russell. Theyare both fine looking knives. The S & M has ats34 blades the Russell has 440A blades. I am questioning the blade material. When I get this knife I intend to stick it in my pocket and cut stuff with it. Would you choose 440A or ATS34? Or would you recommend a different knife? Thanks, John.

 

[frank k]

ATS34 will hold an edge much longer than 440A, but gives up some stain resistence, and is of course more difficult to sharpen. Ats34 also costs more than 440A.

 

[Charlie Moore]

I reciently got an American Muskrat from A.G. Russell. Fit and finish is near custom quality and blade opening/closing is extremely smooth. The ATS 34 steel is a real plus too.