Got a nice knife? Let's see it.

[Smithy]

I do not equate "plain" with "low end". I prefer simple steels, because they are easy for a hobby smith to do a quality heat-treatment with. I prefer 1095 because if I want, I can use clay to get a really nice hamon. 1075 is also a good choice if you want to be on the other side of the eutectic line... but I also want the additional carbon for maximum hardness. There are a lot of high-quality production knives being made with 1095, and while it's not in the same class as some of the modern super-steels, it's much more forgiving and approachable with minimal equipment.

[Roadracer_Al]

I have an interest in working in some of those "super steels" -- I have a friend who's tight in the restaurant scene locally, and we've been talking about high-end, bespoke kitchen knives -- and am filled with dread over the heat treatment.

I was relieved to find a vendor that accepts "onesy-twosey" HT work from individuals -- presumably, they take it and hold it until they have a full batch, then fill their oven.

They also do cryo, which superficially sounded like hokum, but after a bit of research, does seem to add some desirable qualities.

Oh, and I really like working with A2, the HT doesn't intimidate me at all, and I love the edge it holds. But it rusts.

[Lornce]

Leatherman 33 Crater.

Made in the USA, excellent quality with a very sharp edge. Use it at work all the time. Can't believe Mountain Equipment Co-op sells them for $15.

[fritzcoinc]

Originally Posted by earwig

I actually believe you're not trying to be a prick.

You just really are one.

Pretty funny.

[fritzcoinc]

Originally Posted by Smithy

I do not equate "plain" with "low end". I prefer simple steels, because they are easy for a hobby smith to do a quality heat-treatment with. I prefer 1095 because if I want, I can use clay to get a really nice hamon. 1075 is also a good choice if you want to be on the other side of the eutectic line... but I also want the additional carbon for maximum hardness. There are a lot of high-quality production knives being made with 1095, and while it's not in the same class as some of the modern super-steels, it's much more forgiving and approachable with minimal equipment.

If you ever need any information on heat treatment, contact me.

See our web site: http://www.specialtyheattreat.com/

[Laconic]

Originally Posted by Lornce

Leatherman 33 Crater.

Made in the USA, excellent quality with a very sharp edge. Use it at work all the time. Can't believe Mountain Equipment Co-op sells them for $15.

Nice. The blade is the exact shape I like for daily use.

[Sam Buca]

Originally Posted by Laconic

Nice. The blade is the exact shape I like for daily use.

... and the carabiner acts as a beer bottle opener


.

[wannaklr]

Hey,

I have that knife, but mine has a serrated edge near the hinge, and c33x written on it near the hinge. Great little all-around pocket knife. And beer bottle opener.

[lilsmokey]

Here are my cheapest crappiest knives. Thats why they spend their life in my truck. As well as a Machete and a swiss army knife.

Big one cost $26, little gerber cost $20? found the black one in the forrest and the last one i got from my uncle.

[KingRat]

Originally Posted by fritzcoinc

On what basis do you make that statement?

[Smithy]

Originally Posted by fritzcoinc

If you ever need any information on heat treatment, contact me.

See our web site: http://www.specialtyheattreat.com/

I'm trying to take your logo seriously, and not see the word "shit".





In all fairness, I'm sure you're good at what you do. I would contend, however, that heat treatment in thin sections like knives is vastly different than the industrial dimensions you're working with. While the chemistry may be the same, the dynamics of heating and cooling times in a knife cross-section, where the surface area:volume ratio is much different than the structural-looking examples on your website.

We've got a few professional metallurgists in our midst, and a wealth of practical experience heat treating knives. I'm quite comfortable with what I know and my current process, thanks.

[tony the tiger]

Originally Posted by Sam Buca

... and the carabiner acts as a beer bottle opener


.

my thought exactly, Watson.

[fritzcoinc]

Originally Posted by Smithy

I'm trying to take your logo seriously, and not see the word "shit".





In all fairness, I'm sure you're good at what you do. I would contend, however, that heat treatment in thin sections like knives is vastly different than the industrial dimensions you're working with. While the chemistry may be the same, the dynamics of heating and cooling times in a knife cross-section, where the surface area:volume ratio is much different than the structural-looking examples on your website.

We've got a few professional metallurgists in our midst, and a wealth of practical experience heat treating knives. I'm quite comfortable with what I know and my current process, thanks.

Your assuming we don't dont run small parts and we don't have experienced heat treaters that don't have experience processing heart valves, gun parts, knifes, swords, and a long list of critical compoents.

Considering I was one of the peolpe that built our company up from a two car garage operation to what we are today, you comments regarding our name is not appriciated.

Please stay in your little world of smoke and mirrors convinced your way is best and that no one else has a clue.

[Phat]

Originally Posted by fritzcoinc

Your assuming we don't dont run small parts and we don't have experienced heat treaters that don't have experience processing heart valves, gun parts, knifes, swords, and a long list of critical compoents.

Considering I was one of the peolpe that built our company up from a two car garage operation to what we are today, you comments regarding our name is not appriciated.

Please stay in your little world of smoke and mirrors convinced your way is best and that no one else has a clue.

Always have to try and get the last word don't you? Smithy is a respected contributor of this thread. You.....not so much. Have a nice day.. BTW....Smithy spells words better than you.

[Smithy]

Originally Posted by fritzcoinc

Your assuming we don't dont run small parts and we don't have experienced heat treaters that don't have experience processing heart valves, gun parts, knifes, swords, and a long list of critical compoents.

Considering I was one of the peolpe that built our company up from a two car garage operation to what we are today, you comments regarding our name is not appriciated.

Please stay in your little world of smoke and mirrors convinced your way is best and that no one else has a clue.

My comments on your logo are obvious, and I'm certainly not the first to think about it. I looked through your website, and found no mention of knife-related work, so you can hardly blame an outside observer from assuming it's not part of your business.

I'm not the one who started shitting in the thread, you did by insinuating my methods were unsound. I've documented my heat treat process, and the results of destructive testing, and have shared them here. To call my work "smoke and mirrors" borders on libel, and I would ask that you retract that statement. I have made a choice of materials to work with, and do my best with the equipment and environment I have to produce a high-quality product. I try to help educate people here who ask about knives, to the best of my ability, and am completely open to others who have something constructive to say. Your contribution is dismissive and rude, possibly insulting, and without context or history of positive contribution here. If your Texas-sized ego can't handle a little back and forth, perhaps this forum isn't the one for you.