Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Bob Andrews on August 10, 2011 at 18:54

The 1095 Carbon Steel used by GEC is a very nice blade steel for the average user. If a person doesn't mind a little Patina, it is easy to sharpen,and really holds an edge. I would say edge retention is it's best quality.

Having said that,I ,personally, want to explore the virtues of D2 Tool Steel a little more. I have very little experience with this steel. I have on American Made knife,from 1972,and after a little bit on the Lansky,that sucker is SCARY sharp! The knife is a user,not a safe queen[pun intended] and just won't get dull!

Now some of the new,designer steels,I don't know anything about,and don't really care. I'm an old fashioned kind of guy.

In MemoriamPermalink Reply by Robert Burris on August 10, 2011 at 19:45

Thanks Bob, I want to see what experience people have with the steel used on the top production knives, regardless of things like patina [ I love patina]. There must be one of the top makers answering the call of the best user steel. My question; "Is there a top traditional prodution style folder leading the pack"?

Permalink Reply by Jan Carter on August 11, 2011 at 20:39

Robert,

When we were collecting and using the other brand a few years ago Stainless was what we bought because it was what they sold.  The blades did not hold an edge enough for the carpentry work.  They needed continual sharpening and the blades were not the greatest steel so they did not last too long.  That is what sent us looking for a new comany after 40 years.  When we found GEC and 1095, Donnie was in heaven.  He does not mind keeping the blade up as long as it holds an edge and does not grind to nothing during multiple sharpenings.

This year he has been trying out the GEC stainless line.  Very impressive, none of the old issues we had expienced.  There are now 2 SS knives in the rotation for work and 1 1095.  I would say he prefers them

In MemoriamPermalink Reply by Robert Burris on August 12, 2011 at 16:50

Miss Jan, The 440c stainless on the GEC knives is the best I can find on any traditional production knives. That's why I started this dicussion, to see if someone knew of an equal. Queen started putting D2 on the majority of their knives with a very mixed review on that type steel. Some people love D2, while a lot of people say it doesn't take a good edge, some people dislike it altogether. I find it funny a large prodution company would use it as their main knife steel with so much controversy. Once again that GEC 440c stainless steel is a real winner.