GGs,

On Tue, Feb 24, 2015 at 7:41 AM, Brent Beach  wrote:
> The 440 grades, A, B, and more recently C, are all high carbon, ranging from
> 0.6% for 440A to 1% for 440C. 440C can be as high as 1.2% carbon. Otherwise,
> they are the same.
>
> 440A - Carbon 0.60-.75, Manganese 1, Chromium 16-18, Molybdenum .75
> 440B - Carbon 0.75-.95, Manganese 1, Chromium 16-18, Molybdenum .75
> 440C - Carbon 0.95-1.2, Manganese 1, Chromium 16-18, Molybdenum .75

Thanks for the info, Brent.

To put it into perspective I can understand, I looked up the steel in
my favorite Opinel folder: X90 high carbon steel.  If the X90 actually
indicates 0.9% carbon, that means the 440B and C could have as much
carbon in them as my Opinel.  I've never met a stainless knife that
could hold a candle to the $12 knife I carry in my pocket, but these
numbers make me think it might be possible if carbon content is the
metric that makes my folder so sharp, durable, and easy to sharpen.  I
expect it's waaaay more complicated than that though...

Cheers,

Chris
-- 
Christopher Swingley
Fairbanks, Alaska
http://swingleydev.com/
cswingle@s...