All About Pocket Knives

In the past year, I’ve really had a passion to collect older Robeson knives. Thanks to the incredible members here, I’ve learned so much and I’m truly appreciative and thankful.

I’ve tried researching this, but I thought members here may know the answer. What kind of carbon steel was used on the Robeson knives from the 1920s (and even later into the 30s or 40s)?

Thanks so much for the help.

Welcome to AAPK. I doubt anyone knows but if anyone does RobesonsRme.com (a member here and a Robeson collector) might. Those old cutleries like Robeson, Case, Remington, Camillus, Kabar, Western, and the like were pretty secretive about their steel formulas and tempering processes.

Didn’t stop people from speculating though - spurred many lively discussions at “spit and whittle” gatherings on the porch bench in front of the general store! The discussions were about whose knives held the best edge, or got the sharpest - I doubt they talked about the formulas of the steels used.

Ken

Ken,

Thank you for that info. I really appreciate it.

Marc

I'm no expert on knife steels, but I think most of the American companies in the last century used 1095 carbon steel, or a variation thereof. 1095 is still the standard against which other steels are measured even to this day. 1095 may not be the hardest or toughest steel, but it is one of the most common in the last century and the ease of sharpening makes it a favorite of many knife users.
The main downside to 1095 is that it does have a tendency to rust if not properly cared for.
1095 would not be my first choice if I were going to be using a knife in a saltwater environment, but there are plenty of good stainless steels for that. I do like some of the more modern steels, but there is something about a well-made knife with carbon steel blades that makes me want to use it. While 1095 may not be the best in any particular category, hardness, edge retention, toughness or corrosion resistance, it is still in my mind the best all-around steel for general use.

Orvet,
Thank you for the reply. I completely agree with your assessment.

I have no idea and if one is collecting Robeson knives as a hobby, why would it matter?

It was good steel.

The guys at the straight razor shaving forums really like Robeson razors for that purpose. I suppose razor steel and pocket cutlery steel are not the same, as razors are really quite brittle and easily broken.

orvet wrote: ↑Sun Feb 19, 2023 4:54 am I'm no expert on knife steels, but I think most of the American companies in the last century used 1095 carbon steel, or a variation thereof. 1095 is still the standard against which other steels are measured even to this day. ... it is still in my mind the best all-around steel for general use.

I concur, I completely agree with your assessment. Well put and conveyed