Which steel would you choose?

hy · #1

Among the following steels, which one would you choose for a blade that gets light use?

1) ATS-34

2) BG-42

3) 440C

4) D-2

5) A-2

Thanks. I posted this in the techno junkies forum as well as I wasn't sure where it fits in.

mschwoeb · #2

BG-42 Of the ones that you listed, it will hold an edge the longest. And if it is only for light use than you wont need to sharpen it as much.

Edited by - mschwoeb on 1/27/2002 10:15:41 AM

yog · #3

BG-42 is definately what I would call a hard use steel. Mschwoeb is right that it will require less sharpening when used for light use, but you will pay for it as it's quite expensive.

Depending on what you call light use, you might even look at AUS-6, it's relativily cheep but sharpens up very sharp very quickly (at the cost of edge retention). When paper and string see my SS Delica coming they run to the hills gibberin <img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle>

Another steel you didn't mention is VG-10. It's a lot tougher than AUS-6 and I prefer it for my medium use knives.

"Walk softly, but carry a big stick."