Why would you use a knife made of 440 SS?

Whats wrong with 440?
I've got a Valor, Gerber Commando look-a-like made of 440 and its still razor sharp and tough as anything. Slices anything from paper to leather like a dream. 20 years and not a spot of rust.
I think a lot of people are too concerned with getting the newest possible steel... as if that always makes it better.
 
to 3Guardsmen

Oops -- I definitely meant "well heat treated". Time to brush up "English typing" skill))
 
I'm not gonna lie.When I'm looking for a new knife,I generally will go with the one made of 154CM or VG-10 over any of the 440's(except for the 440V).
However there are exceptions,like what Jay Fisher(just one of many) does with 440C.I also trust Boker with it.I never got a bad Boker.I guess I'm trying to say is...
"Don't judge a steel by it's name,but by who is working with it"

Here's a damn fine fighting knife by Boker,I've been eying for quite awhile...done in 440C.
B-BO2200-1.jpg


Take Care,
 
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What is very interesting is many of the top of the line slipjoint manufactures use 440.

Why is that?
Something specific to slipjoints?
 
neeman said:
What is very interesting is many of the top of the line slipjoint manufactures use 440.

Why is that?
Something specific to slipjoints?
Click to expand...

Because most slip joints have a very different blade geometry (optimized for slicing not strength) than current locking folders edge retention is less important. Even a dull Victorinox or Wenger will slice fairly well.

And as has been discussed by others, 440A or a similar steel is actually a good all round steel. The bad reputation is caused by cheap knives that either use 440 that is not properly heat treated or steel that is mislabeled by an unscrupulous company.

The 440, as used by reputable companies that make slip joints, works very well for its intended use. The right combination of strength, resistance to rust and edge retention for a thin knife that will used for slicing.

Rafael
 
Why would you use a knife made of 440 SS?
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Why not?
Nothing wrong with 440C and 440B(If it's good enough for Randall it's good enough for me). I've never used or had a knife in 440A (that I know of) so I cannot comment on that.
440C may not be the newest super steel, but back in the day when I was young it was very well regarded. But then again so was ATS34, and now nobody seems to be using it anymore.:confused:

Kind regards,

Jos
 
neeman said:
440A
Schatt & Morgan
Canal Street
Colonel Coon
Case
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Neeman are you sure?
I thought most of those folks use 420HC as their standard alloy.
I have seen some 440A advertised, but only on Great Eastern.

I thought that Case true-sharp was similar to 420HC.

BTW, I have seen some more exotic alloys on some knives by Canal Street. Look at the AG Russel listings. SWEEEET.
 
neeman said:
440A
Schatt & Morgan
Canal Street
Case
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Wrong! Canal Street and S&M most certainly do NOT use 440A. What the steel designation is that Case calls "tru-Sharp" is open to debate. Read what Knarfeng wrote!

Regards,
3G
 
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pyton357ru said:
to 3Guardsmen

Oops -- I definitely meant "well heat treated". Time to brush up "English typing" skill.
Click to expand...

No worries, my friend.:) That is what I thought you meant, but then I thought that you might have meant that 440A was hard to come by in Russia.

Regards,
3G
 
Tomahawk23 said:
Whats wrong with 440?
I've got a Valor, Gerber Commando look-a-like made of 440 and its still razor sharp and tough as anything. Slices anything from paper to leather like a dream. 20 years and not a spot of rust.
I think a lot of people are too concerned with getting the newest possible steel... as if that always makes it better.
Click to expand...

You've got to define "440," Tomahawk. If you have an older Gerber model, chances are it is 440C, which is still considered by many here to be an excellent steel. 440A is what is generally scoffed at, though with a good heat treat, it can be a decent (not great) steel.

Regards,
3G
 
I guess this is just going to be one of those personal experience show-and-tell threads.

No one is particularly interested in the fact that 440A, 440B, and 440C are three different grades of steel.

Let alone the fact that rust resistance or doesn't always mean a superior using steel.
 
charlesbjr said:
Does anyone here like 440 stainless steel? If so, what would you use it for?
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Did something happen that all of a sudden causes knives made from it to not have cutting ability? Properly heat treated 440C stands up well against many of the newer steels.
 
knarfeng said:
Neeman are you sure?
I thought most of those folks use 420HC as their standard alloy.
I have seen some 440A advertised, but only on Great Eastern.

I thought that Case true-sharp was similar to 420HC.

BTW, I have seen some more exotic alloys on some knives by Canal Street. Look at the AG Russel listings. SWEEEET.
Click to expand...

Knarfeng,

Thank you for the correction

Neeman
 
I have had and used various 440A, 440B and 440C and/or their equivalents in the past.

They are not wild super steels but when done right, they can hold their own.

As mentioned, plenty of big makers have used 440A with much success like Kershaw(eg old Blur). I have used an old Böker in German 440A for years. It holds a nice, fine edge, has been used to pry things and is tough.

AUS 8A is common amongst many makers for basic production knives and works decently. It is essentially 440B

What's not to like about 440C? Tough steel. Holds a decent edge that doesn't require super stones to touch up in the field. Corrosion resistant.
 
I have an older (1967-+) vintage Buck Pathfinder model 105. It was made from 440C steel and has a high RC. My dad used it a lot and put a thin wicked sharp edge on it. It's a 5" straight razor now. Holds an edge for a really long time. My Spyderco Centrafonte holds an edge about as well as the old Buck. :)

I also have some SOG knives made from AUS6 (440A equivalent) and they take and hold their edges rather well. So I agree with others, it's not the steel but the person or company behind them.

Heber
 
3Guardsmen said:
You've got to define "440," Tomahawk. If you have an older Gerber model, chances are it is 440C, which is still considered by many here to be an excellent steel. 440A is what is generally scoffed at, though with a good heat treat, it can be a decent (not great) steel.

Regards,
3G
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The knife isn't specific about which 440 it is... it just says
"440 stainless Japan 416"
Its one of the toughest knives I've ever used.
 
Just because we're all steel snobs doesn't make 440 a bad steel. It's just not preferred.
 
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