Carbon Steel Knives

[richardtay]

Hey guys. I am new to this forum and I have found it extremely helpful in learning about knives. A quick question: Are there any quality American-made pocket knives out there which still make use of the good carbon steel? I am looking for a pocket knife and I have always heard that carbon steel blades are better. At the moment, I have a ton of stainless knives. Any hope or have most manufacturers quit using the carbon steel?

[BIGHEAD]

First off richard let me welcome you top the forum. And yes there are many companies that do Carbon steel blades. Someone else will have more answers than me but Case still does some . I also think their are several more companies that do them.

[carvin don]

Richard. I know that Great Eastern Cutlery makes many Carbon Steel knives. And like BIGHEAD said, there are lots of knowledgeable folks here who can point you in the right direction. Enjoy!

Also, check out the storefront right here on AAPK, I'm sure you will find something you like. Some great folks to do business with!

[Forensic Jim]

Richard welcome to AAPK . There are alot of American knife companies making knives with high carbon steel blades. Queen, Great Eastern Cutlery and Northwoods have high carbon blades either in D2 or 1095 steel. If you search their sites you can see which ones are available.

[Hukk]

Actually D2 is in another category also and that is tool steel. Yes, it is a carbon steel also and it has some chromium, just barely not enough to be called stainless.

[Pen & Toothpick]

I have a New Keen Kutter that has some really nice High Carbon steel blades.

I don't know where they make them now though?

[Darksev]

Moore Maker I believe is all 1095, they are made by Queen, and more recently Bear and Sons. From what I've seen Bear also makes a few of their own knives in 1095. Canal Street Makes a few knives in D2, and I believe one (ring turn) in A2, both tool steels, but still better than the 420 that's out there.

[Pen & Toothpick]

I did just notice that the Keen Kutters are made by Bear & Son

[richardtay]

Thanks guys. A lot of good info. I have checked out a few of the companies mentioned above-some beautiful knives for sure. Way too pretty for me to beat around on the farm with. I was checking out the Case site. I noticed a sodbuster jr. in chrome vanadium. I currently have one with stainless. Is the CV worth getting or just stick with what I have? What are the benefits to the CV (if any)?

[Pen & Toothpick]

The CV is easier to sharpen. You can't go wrong with that one, put it to the test. And it won't hurt your pocket.

[Darksev]

Case's CV steel is, from what I've read, basically just 1095 with a bit of vanadium and chromium added to improve corrosion resistance (Cro) and toughness/hardenability (Van). Benefits over the 420HC stainless? Better edge holding, ease of resharpening when you get to that point.

Examples: In my daily carries around the office and work, I have only 2 stainless knives in my stable. An 3OT Schrade+ lockback (pretty sure it's new enough to be 420, not the old 440c they used for a while. no way to tell though) and a CRKT Ashworth with 3Cr13, a Chinese equivalent to 420J2. Given equal time spent cutting boxes, zip ties, Cable insulation, etc, they require a more regular sharpening, and I feel, with my limited technique, I just can't get them to as nice a working edge as my other knives (all of which are plain old 1095, with the exception of one D2 and one BG42).

Is it worth the CV over the stainless? in my opinion, yes. Besides, if you eventually hand that knife off to say, a wide eyed little grandson, nothing says classy like a little patina and wear on the blades I know my late granddad's knives sit in my displays next to all my shiny new knives. If the house was burning down and I could only grab one case on the way out the door, it's no contest

[richardtay]

Thanks gentlemen for the information. I guess I need to check out the CV. I'm curious Darksev, what type of knives are your 1095's? I want to look at all of my options before jumping in. Thanks in advance.

[Darksev]

Mostly moldy oldies I have quite a few USA type schrades (the Old Timer variety mostly, but one CutCo and a Walden in the mix). The Old timers get carried the most. I have a MooreMaker made by queen, A nice old Camillus done up by a professional (MuskratMan ) and a (de-screwdrivered) Kutmaster TL29 I'm working on right now. The only "new" ones in the mix are the Moore Maker and the Great Eastern Barlow I just picked up the other day.

[redferd]

I like my Case cv knives. I also like the Cold Steel Carbon V folders I have too.