Why not better blade steel for these two knives?

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FliGuyRyan

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Dec 2, 2005
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Alright, lately I have been extremely frustrated by the fact that the CRKT M16 series isn't offered in a better blade steel. If they offered this in like 440C or S30V it would be my favorite knife hands down!

Also, the Buck Model 883GY Code 3 CrossLock would be absolutely amazing if it used a better blade steel than 420HC.

Why... all I ask is why? And maybe I know why, I just wish they offered better steels...

My venting is complete... I'm going to by a Benchmade Model 530 in 440C instead.

Ryan
 
I think they made a great choice in the AUS8 steel for the titanium m16 series, but other than that they could update their steel. Alas they sell to the slightly form over function crowd, also those steels aren't all the bad they just aren't as good as new age steels.
 
FliGuyRyan said:
Alright, lately I have been extremely frustrated by the fact that the CRKT M16 series isn't offered in a better blade steel. If they offered this in like 440C or S30V it would be my favorite knife hands down!

Why... all I ask is why? And maybe I know why, I just wish they offered better steels...

My venting is complete... I'm going to by a Benchmade Model 530 in 440C instead.

Ryan
Click to expand...

Perhaps you should contact CRKT.
 
m_calingo,

Good point... I'll email them.

rifon2,

I have a Benchmade 9130 Auto-Stryker in 154CM and don't really like how the steel performs - rather, how it "feels." Hard to describe, but which one would be "better" for blade retention and just for that particular knife? Why did they switch?

Thanks,
Ryan
 
65535 said:
I think they made a great choice in the AUS8 steel for the titanium m16 series, but other than that they could update their steel.
Click to expand...

Actually, all M16s are AUS 8 except for the cheap ones with Zytel handles.
I think the OP was talking about a better steel than AUS 8, which I agree with. Carson designs fantastic blades.

65535 said:
Alas they sell to the slightly form over function crowd, also those steels aren't all the bad they just aren't as good as new age steels.
Click to expand...
I don't see why it's particularly "form over function", since they're one of the best folders in the $40 range. After all, Buck makes do just fine with 420 steel. Wouldn't a low threshold for getting ahold of one be one of the best "function"s? After all, how functional is a knife you can't afford? :p
 
Why? $$$ :p

Cabela's has an Alaskan Guide Crosslock with S30V instead of 420HC. It's a great knife, but not the Crosslock Plain Blade/Serrated Blade combo you are looking for. But it does show it's possible...
 
I've wrestled with this before too...and went for the lessor steel.

I got what I paid for. :(


that said, I do think Aus8 is great.
 
I dont think CRK&T offer too many knivew with higher end steels AUS 8 is an alright steel but it doesnt have the performence of say an s30v or vg10. I personally think CRK&T have found there niche with decent quality knives with ok steel at a reasonable price.

As far as buck is concerned the use 420hc on almost everything except for a few models in s30v such as the may collaborations and some ats-34 on the tarani 881/882 im sure im missing a few knives of theirs with other steels but it seems that they also dont feel like changing much from their time-honored ways of using 420hc, and there is probably multiple reasons for that.
 
So... how much would it cost to have a replacement blade made out of 440C or S30V for my CRKT M16-13M? Someone has to be able to duplicate it out of a better steel. Of course it wouldn't be black (or could it?), but that's alright...

Thank for your input guys...
Ryan
 
FliGuyRyan said:
m_calingo,

Good point... I'll email them.

rifon2,

I have a Benchmade 9130 Auto-Stryker in 154CM and don't really like how the steel performs - rather, how it "feels." Hard to describe, but which one would be "better" for blade retention and just for that particular knife? Why did they switch?

Thanks,
Ryan
Click to expand...

154CM shows better edge retention than 440C, as long as all other parameters are equal (type of grind, blade thickness, etc.).

As to why the switch?
Of course I don't know the "real" reason, but presumably Benchmade thought it would bolster sales since 154CM is generally regarded as a higher quality blade steel than 440C.
 
FliGuyRyan said:
So... how much would it cost to have a replacement blade made out of 440C or S30V for my CRKT M16-13M? Someone has to be able to duplicate it out of a better steel. Of course it wouldn't be black (or could it?), but that's alright...

Thank for your input guys...
Ryan
Click to expand...

IMHO at that point, you should just talk to Kit Carson and have him make you a custom:

http://www.kitcarsonknives.com/
 
Do they still make the aluminum handled ones, with AUS8? I wish I would've gotten a titanium handled one before they discontinued them.
 
I was so impressed with the Buck Alaskan Guide Vanguard I bought recently that I ordered an AG 110 this week. That Ti-Al-N black coating on the super sharp S30V blade is worth doubling the Wally World price 110, no doubt. They are still only made for Cabela's. Oddly, I had an NRA coupon for the Vanguard - it was $60 vs the AG 110's $65. No matter - a 110 with 'super' steel will be great - but, so is the size.

I have had the opportunity recently to handle both the Kershaw Leek G10/S30V and the Blur S30V - very nice indeed. One or both of them will make it into my drawer this year (Are you listening, Santa?). I like USA made knives. Okay, German-made ones, too.

The best USA made bargain seems to be the Spyderco S30V Native, C41PBK, available from Wally World for $39.48 + s/t - my first Spyderco. Mine is in my pocket as we speak... that 'hole' is a first for me, too.

Stainz
 
ThreeWorlds,

I'm not really familiar with Paul Bos and his position at Buck (I imagine he's the head-hancho?) What do you mean CRKT has nothing on him?
 
silenthunterstudios said:
Do they still make the aluminum handled ones, with AUS8? I wish I would've gotten a titanium handled one before they discontinued them.
Click to expand...

Yeah, the aluminum-handled ones are still AUS 8. Good aluminum, too. Like steel, aluminum has many types. The usual kitchen aluminum are 3000-series. These handles are 6061 heat-treated structural handles, very tough. It is extremely hard to scratch them unintentionally.

Also, some titaniums are still on the market. Check ebay; they're around the $65 range. Here's one.
 
FliGuyRyan said:
ThreeWorlds,

I'm not really familiar with Paul Bos and his position at Buck (I imagine he's the head-hancho?) What do you mean CRKT has nothing on him?
Click to expand...

"One of Buck's great resources is Paul Bos, who has been performing heat-treating since 1956. Paul is a nationally known heat-treating authority and has developed proprietary processes. Paul's link to Buck Knives goes back to the late '50s when he worked on custom knives for Al Buck. Paul oversees all of Buck Knives' heat-treating and performs heat-treating for a great number of custom knife makers. His shop is located in the Buck plant, where he is readily available to consult with Buck's engineers. Clearly, the Paul Bos touch is an integral part of Buck's great blades."

The guy has been heat-treating steel for 51 years. I mean, how else can Buck's 420HC steel be still competitive in this world of VG-10s and BG-42s?
 
There are many designs that would benefit from a better steel.

One of the nicest, handiest little knives that I have ever owned is a Cold Steel small Voyager. But the crappy AUS8A blade ruins it for me.

If CS would offer that knife in D-2, M-2, or S30V, I'd be willing to pay three times what it costs in AUS.
 
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