Chicago Cutlery Steel

[appzen]

Chicago Cutlery is now mostly made in China and the packages they are packed in say the blade steel is 420. I have older CC knives and I always thought that the steel was 440. I know some of the custom lines use 440A. I thought 420 does not hold an edge well, but my older knives are quite good at staying sharp.
Does anyone know if CC has changed the grade of steel in their popular lines?

 

[Knifeclerk]

My store stopped carrying Chicago before I began working there. However I do get people comming in asking for them because we used. When I asked one of my earlier managers about that (I'm on manager number 4 now) he said that they used to be top noch. Then they moved production to China and traded down to poor quality steels.
Yes, 420 does offer an inferior edge holding ability than most steels. If your older Chicago knives are holding keen edges, I'm guessing that they were made before the change.
I hope this helps, but remember: This is all heresay.
-KC
PS: Welcome to the forums.

 

[yuzuha]

I don't know about their steel but I know that Lamson Sharp used to make some of their delux models for them before they went the China route. http://www.lamsonsharp.com/

 

[Bob W]

I could cry after reading this post. For years the only kitchen knives I owned were a pair of Chicago Cutlery knives. Later I bought a BioCurve cutting board and a cleaver.

From the original box:
"This set of Walnut Tradition knives was hand crafted in the America by master cutlers" and "All Chicago Cutlery knives feature: high carbon stainless steel blades to resist rust, stains, and corrosion."

Very sad.
-Bob

 

[yuzuha]

If you liked the old Chicago stuff (some of which were just re-branded Lamson's) but not the new, give the Lamson's a try (this place carries them http://www.knifemerchant.com/products.asp?manufacturerID=8 ) They are not hard like Japanese knives but they take an edge and steel well.

 

[pogo]

My dad has a 1960 ish Chicago Cutlery knife & I can Guarantee you it is not stainless! It is some sort of high carbon steel & will rust if not taken care of. I have no clue if it is 1095 or some other 10 series HC steel. Yes, it can be hammered through a nail without damage..heh heh.. I done it more than once. Bad pogo bad!

 

[rm2006]

I don't know about their steel but I know that Lamson Sharp used to make some of their delux models for them before they went the China route. http://www.lamsonsharp.com/

Pretty sure they are out of biz I ordered 3 months ago and have yet to get anything I called and got no answer. There web site seems to nonworking as well.

 

[rm2006]

Wondering I heard they sold some property but I have ordered and have not heard from them I also heard they cut staff again so is this mean they are hanging by a thread? Why does no one pick up there? No e-mails returned either.

 

[LEGION 12]

Necro Thread.

 

[Esav Benyamin]

Well, the last post is ten years old.

 

[rm2006]

sorry didnt see the dates was just wondering if they were still open I know they were in chp 11