Quote:
Originally Posted by rem338win
440c was the standard stainless in 1995 and AUS8 had it beat even then. For over a decade 154CM has been the base and 420 and 440 cannot take an edge that compares nor hold an edge comparatively with the quality of heat treats being equal. Today 440 and even AUS8 isn't sold to hobby or custom makers because there isn't demand.
S30v and S35V will easily hold an edge 5x longer due to abrasion resistance alone over 440c. And the base 1084 carbon Grohman uses is just fine. But at 57 Rockwell (the norm for a carbon Grohmann) a metalurgist with experience would be happy to tell you they can name at least 10 steels that will hold an edge 5x longer than the best treated 1084. I use 80CRV2 when I chose a carbon (a recognized improved version of 1084) and treat it to 58 Rockwell. It's edge retention is noticeably better than the 1084 I've used.
There's a larger number of knives greatly better and that's the reason you can jump on waiting lists for makers that have production levels of output. Because people can tell the difference and they're willing to wait for it.
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Please go ahead and tell us where you are finding premium steel for under $200 in a hand crafted knife. I am in the market for a new blade as I am worried about losing a couple of that hold sentimental value. A decent pocket knife with S30V or S35V is generally over a $200 budget.