Plain Steel Knives

[Bigger_Is_Better]

Does anyone know if there is a company that still uses a non-stainless steel blade? I'm looking for a single blade folder that isn't stainless, but is made by a reputable company. I love my CRKT, but I'm thinking regular steel would be easier to sharpen.

Thanks,
Aaron

[LPC]

Opinel still makes carbon steel folders. Definitely no ultra-modern liner lock or a tactical knife, but it works well and the price is OK.


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Opinel_knife

[LVMPDawg]

http://www.knife-depot.com/knife-52164.html

The Old Timer is not high-speed-low-drag, but I've had one for 20+yrs, and it still cuts. The blade gets a real nice patina to it.

I'm also a fan of the Opi listed above. It's a great bench knife.

[Varangian]

The Opinel knives are cheap and fairly well made. I wouldn't (and don't) use one as an EDC, but I bought several, oiled them well, and vacuum packed them with my GameSaver to put in my various emergency kits. They're cheap enough to do that with, and are an excellent value for the price, IMO.

I still feel dirty for buying French, though...

I think the K55 knives are carbon steel. I would have preferred them for my kits, but they are around $5 more expensive...

[richbug]

Originally posted by LVMPDawg
http://www.knife-depot.com/knife-52164.html

The Old Timer is not high-speed-low-drag, but I've had one for 20+yrs, and it still cuts. The blade gets a real nice patina to it.



Quote from the referenced website:

"The Schrade Cutlery Company was founded in 1904 in Walden, New York. The quality of the cutlery produced was unique to the industry at that time. Imperial Knife Company, established in Providence, Rhode Island in 1916, grew to manufacture a full range of value-priced folding pocket knives.

In 2003, the strength of Schrade™s design concepts and engineering continues to move forward with exciting, cutting edge product introductions and a respect for tradition. Representing the newest of the new is Q3 Technology for Quick, Quiet and Quality offering a series of multi-functional folders designed for maximum performance. And in recognition of its heritage, Schrade™s Custom Collaboration series celebrates the uniqueness of handcrafted design in their partnerships with the nations finest custom knife makers. Blending technology and tradition, the company continues its leadership position in the global cutlery and tool marketplace.

In 2004, Imperial Schrade Corp. will celebrate its 100TH anniversary. Imperial Schrade Corps world headquarters in scenic Ellenville, New York has more than 548,000 square feet of manufacturing space and employs more than 450 people dedicated to producing the world's finest pocket knives, lock backs, fixed blades, cutlery for the outdoor and hunting markets and multi-tools. Additionally, as part of their global strategy, Schrade™s manufacturing assets include the Listowel, Ireland facility which employs over 70 people.

As of 2004 Schrade Knives are made in China with the same quality and care that goes into

making world's finest pocket knives, lock backs, fixed blades, cutlery for the outdoor and hunting markets and multi-tools.

Key to Schrade's strength as a knife maker is the workforce of talented and committed craftsmen, including third and fourth generation employees. Learning the trade from parents and grandparents, they pass along the valuable knowledge, skills and pride necessary for the consistent production of quality knives and tools. That dedication and spirit lives at the 93 acre site in Ellenville, blending the decades of experienced hand craftsmanship with some of the most modern technology available. Schrade continues to grow in leaps and bounds due to our well earned reputation for quality and value, responsiveness to an ever changing market place, innovative new products, diversification into new markets, and customer service second-to-none in the industry.

Imperial Schrade Corp., holds an ongoing commitment to the outdoors and to the future generations of Americans with whom it will be entrusted. Imperial Schrade continues to lend private sector support to programs that include Ducks Unlimited, the Federal Duck Stamp program, the NRA Youth Hunter Education Challenge and the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation. These programs will assist in the protection and preservation of the environment, along with educating America's youth in their heritage of participation in and care of the outdoors into the 21st century.

As of 2004 Schrade Knives are made in China with the same quality and care that goes into

making world's finest pocket knives, lock backs, fixed blades, cutlery for the outdoor and hunting markets and multi-tools."


What exactly does it mean?



I haven't bought a new Schrade since they went Chinese, but go out of my way to buy an older one.

[1006587]

I just saw a Case Sod Buster Jr at one of the big box hardware stores, Lowes I think. Case knives are still made in the USA. The Sod Buster Jr was my first pocket knife. The old man was not sure I was ready for the responsibility at age 8 but he let me get it. I had that knife for 20 years until it walked away when I moved. It handled everything a growing boy could throw at it. The old one had a carbon steel blade, the stampings on the new knife indicate they are SS. These do not lock open so you have to be careful with them.

It might be worth your time to see what Case has to offer.

[Illurian00]

Camillus offered tradional patterns with carbon steel about up until they closed. A couple years ago I ordered a stockman in carbon, and a YellowJacket (ss) stockman.

Early, original Cuda knives were made w/ D2 blades. Thhttp://catalog.mooremaker.com/browseGroup.cfm?item_group_id=29383 MooreMaker used to carry them. You might give them a call, they are currently offering folders with 1095 blades. The Cuda opens w/ a little thumb action, no springs. Excellent, hi-tech, very strong folders.

I'm always on the lookout for old plum color steel.

[MAINER]

German Cat K-55

I THINK these are still carbon steel. Mine used to stain and needed oil to keep clean. It was very sharp and easy to keep that way. Still miss mine and will be getting another.

Good pic here;

http://premiumknives.com/ShopSite/Mercator_K55K_Solingen_Germany.html

Better price;

http://makoknives.com/catalog/default.php

[Bigger_Is_Better]

Thanks for the info guys, I'm gonna check all these links out.

Aaron

[MACV]

D-2 is a semi stainless. Holds an edge better than most stainless steels.

Heres some info

http://www.nakededgecutlery.com/knifesteels.htm

[dbl-haul]

I would look for old Henkle pocket knife. Pay the premium , you will be glad you did. I bought an old Henkle Joyce, and this thing holds an edge and is easy to sharpen. it is my every day pocket knife now . all of the others are in the drawer!

[StarPD]

Modern stainless knife steels are a lot different than they used to be.
154CM is an excellent knife steel when hardened to around 59-61 Rc, and doesn't need to be cleaned and oiled frequently like a good carbon steel blade does.

Keep in mind that usually, a good carbon steel blade requires frequent stropping too, as oxidation will attack the smallest part first, and that's the edge. Frequent stropping will retain the edge, but unless you're using it all the time, can be a PITA. There was a reason all the old WWII movies showed sojers stropping their carbon steel knives on their leather boots. The advanced stainless knife steels we take for granted today didn't exist then, and blades required regular attention.

As usual, YMMV.

[panzer]

+1 on the KAT , very thin too.... easy to put places.

[Rifle_Guy]

"These do not lock open so you have to be careful with them. "

Hoo Boy!!! Yer Right!!!

I had my old (conventional) Schrade pocket knife close up on my thumb way back in '77.

As it began to fold and I realized what was happening, I had enough time to think:

"This is going to hurt!"



It did.

[hso]

Plenty of carbon steel folders out there if you know where to look.

Find the current crop of Case CV bladed folders if you like the "traditional" slip joint (I like the looks, but wouldn't carry a knife without a lock).

KaBar makes D2 folders.

Bear and Sons makes carbon steel folders.

Look around for older US Schrades, Case, Buck, Kissing Crane, etc.

[TXscout]

http://hamptonhandmadeknives.com/folding.htm