Steels I should look for in a new folder?

[Gerry McGinnis]

I`m unsure how you consider these steels to be RWL-34 and PMC27. RWL-34 has the same elements as ATS-34. It is normally a powder steel with very small grain size. Its also very clean. You can use this steel to make larger blades but a softer temper, like 54-56 would be needed. ATS-34 will be a bit more silver in color also.

I don't consider them to be the same, because they aren't. Similar, sure! Same? No. Damasteel (The comany AND the martensitic version of their damacus) uses RWL34 and PMC27. Not ATS-34 and 12C27.

More silver in color? Man, I haven't heard something that good since the last gunshow I went to!

Please come over to CK&G and enlighten us with all of your greatness and knowlege that you have gained with over 20 years in the industry. There are a few professional knifemakers over there with equal to nearly double that experience, and I think they would love to learn from you. You aught to register there using the MRPAPA handle too. I checked the membership list, and you aren't a member there under that handle. I use my real name on every forum I have ever joined, so I am kind of easy to find. I'm not as famous as you though, so I guess I don't need to hide my identity.

Gerry

 

[BladeZealot]

Boy...this thread is hilarious!!!

Thanks JTW!!


Off in a little different direction here...but you can access the blade with one hand while the tool is closed and it is quite utilitarian..

I did a quick search on ebay for the Leatherman skeletool and found their lesser quality blade for 50.00 shipped and their better blade {the CX model} for around 65.00 shipped. These are "buy it now" prices.


Just a thought...given your stated intentions of use.

now back to...and I quote "LOLOL"

by the way MrPapa...while reading your pontifications...I am reminded of the quote "Better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to speak out and remove all doubt."

 

[E304life]

I think you should look at the Buck Vantage Pro. S30v with a Bos heat treat, flipper or thumbhole operation, and cnc machined g10 handles all for about $50. I have one and I think I got a lot of knife for my money.

 

[Deus Machina]

I'm still leaning heavily toward the Chive, Leek, or the OD-1 flipper. It really comes down to what I'm feeling like that day, and no reason I have to only buy one.

I'm keeping my eyes open, though. If something else strikes me, like a multitool that is actually worth the cost and has better than a middling-ground blade, I'll grab it.

Those Bucks look nice, but even the Leek is toward the long end of what I want. My favorite knife before this is a 1-7/8 Gerber, and that's pretty close to an ideal size for me.

As for the damascus discussion, I love the look and workmanship of the stuff, but it's partially true--a decent damascus blade may cost $65, but anything with a decent damascus blade also has expensive parts that drive the cost up. That's damascus' niche. Not much market for a Benchmade-quality damascus blade in cheap cast grips, and I would feel awful about using something so beautiful as my EDC knife/scraper/prybar/screwdriver.

I know, a knife is a knife, and not any other tool. Just examples.

 

[hso]

There are plenty of machine made damascus production folders out there. You only need to look at what Bear and Boker offer in damascus bladed production knives. Yes, they're more expensive, but they don't have the custom price adds that you see elsewhere.

http://www.alabamadamascussteel.com/servlet/Categories?category=Folder+Knives

 

[Marshall]

http://www.damascusknifestore.com/eshop/10Expand.asp?ProductCode=KS1760DAM