Thinking of Breaking my own rule.

george tichbourne

george tichbourne

Joined
Apr 19, 1999
Messages
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For a long time I have been attempting to avoid mixups in the shop by using primarily 440C. Now I am considering using other metals on my folding knives like S30V, D2, 19C27 and so on.

It is based on the demand for certain metals in the market place, particularly the tactical folder market place which I am about to enter with my first tactical folder in a 4" and 5" blade lengths.

Any thoughts?

George
 
I'd say go for it, having some extra options is always a great idea. At the very worst, you may find faults in steel X that further justifies your use of 440C. At best, you've found other pet steels and given customers that many more choices.

If it's just for simplicity sake, then I'm sure you'll find an organizational system that works for you. :thumbup:
 
In house control does not worry me as much as making sure that my heat treater is properly informed for each batch of heat treating. This situation may result in several different steels going in at the same time with different treatment programs required for each....A potential for errors. Documemtation will be the key to avoiding errors I hope.

Each blade material out there has it's own benefits and drawbacks so the regular rotation of materials in use will definitely be interesting.


George
 
I am sure you won't be dissappointed with the results:thumbup: I have tried the newer CPM 154 and it is amazing...I say go with that first. I have heard that the CPM D2 is a bear to grind. I tried a small batch of regular D2 but have not finished them out yet so time will tell....?

It is kinda unfortunate that many people want the newer steels(CPM's etc) because I have had great results with 440C as I know you have as well. But then on the other hand you have the folks that want their knives in the carbon steels. I have decided you can't win them all:)

Interested to see this new Tacfolder up close and personal. Maybe a trip down this fall, if not New Years:thumbup:

Talk to you soon

Craig
 
george tichbourne said:
In house control does not worry me as much as making sure that my heat treater is properly informed for each batch of heat treating. This situation may result in several different steels going in at the same time with different treatment programs required for each....A potential for errors. Documemtation will be the key to avoiding errors I hope.

Each blade material out there has it's own benefits and drawbacks so the regular rotation of materials in use will definitely be interesting.


George
Click to expand...

I can see how this causes you some concern. You should discuss your intentions with your heat treater and see what their opinion is on having a mix up occur as well as ways to avoid it. I think if you keep the types of steels seperated in their own individual packages and clearly label the steel type in black marker on each blade as well as on the outside of the package, the chances of a mix up occuring are slim.

This is one of the many advantages to doing your own heat treatment, you are the only one that has the chance to screw it up. Heat treating stainless does take a fairly substantial investment in equipment as well as some time to gain the knowledge, but in my opinion it's well worth it. Maybe this is a route you may want to consider.

I think that having steel choices available for your customers is a wise marketing move. One steel doesn't fit every situation, as you are well aware, its all a trade off when chosing steels.

Brad
www.AndersonKnives.ca
 
Well today is the day.

Going to be placing orders for material for the folders, starting with 19C27.

Next stop will be Canadian Tire to pick up some pink, orange, and lime green fluorescent paint to colour code the entire pieces (both sides and ends) when they arrive in house.

The last step will be to order a metal stamp holder that will hold at least 5 digets to stamp each blade when it is cut out.

George
 
I appear to be too late but 12C27 would be a perfect tactical knife steel. 19C27 would be a greater wear resistance upgrade over 12C27, but would sacrifice some toughness. 19C27 is probably tougher than CPM-154 though, so the toughness is still good.
 
Well 12C27 is not out of the running. The first rotation of materials will be devoted to evaluating grind characteristics and market acceptance.

The performance characteristics are well known so that is not in question.

George
 
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