Thread: Bushcraft knife

Your knife has a laminated blade, so you get the benefits if VG 10, like good edge retention, with more toughness because of the softer outer "skin" The numbers that I have seen from Falkniven are 20% tougher. AEB-L is gong to have a finer edge than straight VG-10 if both are done right and better toughness, both good things for bushcraft use. It might not hold the edge for quite as long or be quite as corrosion resistant , but will be easier to sharpen "in the field" even at rather high hardness levels. Heat treatment is the trick with either, but of late, folks have really nailed the AEB-L treatment. The problem has been that you couldn't get it in thicker sizes. It took like 3 or 4 years of asking/harassing to get 1/8 stock and they just came out with .196.
The consensus among the knife nerds is that Falkniven went with the VG-10 laminate because it and it's cousin N690 are a bit tougher/potentially less than the other common cast stainless cutlery steels like ATS-34/154CM or 19C26 on their own and more so in the laminated version. Particle metallurgy version of those old steels like CPM154 are considerable tougher, but also very expensive. Why they went with a Japanese steel instead of local one is a good question. The likely answer is that it was not only good, but also readily available in that tougher laminated form from the mill at a fair price. Interestingly enough Misano, a major premium Japanese kitchen knife company, offers straight VG-10 in their mid level stainless line, but AEB-L/13C26 as their premium offering in the UX10 "Swedish steel" line.
To be fair, I have a Hattori kitchen knife in VG-10 and I like it is a lot, but I like the one that I made recently in AEB-L at 61Rc or so a bit better in that application because the edge is more stable even at the less than stellar level of sharpness that my pitiful sharpening skills allow. With that said, VG-10 and N690 are good steels and a very popular in the cutlery industry.

Originally Posted by shooter74743

Interesting as vg10 is my favorite knife steel. I will have to look into it. How is it better out of curiosity? My knowledge of steels is still limited...

Here is my baby in a proper sheath, purchased from ebay seller taoofleather1:

Attachment 222227

Attachment 222228

Morakniv companion-4.1 inch, carbon steel blade.


I like the handle and sheath. They appear well designed and functional. The blade's edge leaves something to be desired. I'm going to break out the Smith's tri-gone this afternoon and see if I can get it sharp.

Was that a Christmas present to yourself ??

Hirlau, it was a present from my wife. I had it on my wish list. If the Mora didn't turn up today I was going to order a Karesuando blade. I think I'll be giving myself the present of Narnia 12k with the help of some gift cards.

Necro posting [emoji23]

I don't get to go away now, although the wife insists there's nothing stopping me. But I do collect.

So below is a S&W Search and Rescue, nice knife comfy feels good pretty sharp right off. Although not been out with it yet.

We are off to a cabin next month in the deep dark woods. So gonna take it up and teach my daughter how to make feather sticks and fires.

The other knife is a little skinner. It was my grandads and he handed it down to my old man, my old man has no need for this type of knife, so in turn handed it to me.

Geek

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Originally Posted by maliboy67

I carry a Grohmann #4 carbon steel.

Solid knife capable of heavy use, the carbon steel takes a fine edge. Works in a pinch as a striker with a flint for fire making, can't do that with stainless.

Quick correction on sending sparks from stainless. Ive been a survival enthusiast for over 30 years and have started many fires throwing sparks off of the back of stainless knives. Stainless doesnt spark anything like your high carbon but if its all you have use it it will work.

Good choice on the mora. Bought both of my sons the exact knife years ago and they have been put through there paces and held up Great! For the money you cant beat it! I carry a mora when im working. Same one for 7 years i use it daily and love it. Dont let anyone feed you the old but its not full tang garbage, your not going to break that knife unless you really try to.

Have to side w mr goodman. If your just starting out in bushcraft get yourself a mora you will be happy you did. Been a survival/bushcraft junkie for over 30 years both of my sons have them and i carry one daily. For the money you cant loose and you wont be worried about hurting it or using it. Youll love the scandi grind as well. A small leather strop will keep you goinv for a long time and freshens your blade quick in the field. Have fun!