Tactical Knives part II

[USSA-1]

With the vast amount of quality "Tactical" knives on the market, I wonder if Mr. Janich might jump in and give us some brief thoughts on the pros/cons of the various types of steel used in manufacturing knives.  Even though I have some knife fighting skills in my toolbox, I'm relatively ignorant when it comes to the properties of the various types of steel. 

Not sure if you would normally touch upon it, but any thoughts on Damascus steel would be appreciated.  Damascus blades sure are beautiful, just not sure if they make good fighting/working blades.

Thanks,
USSA-1

[Hazcat]

and an affordable auto-knife sure would be nice

[ellis4538]

Haz, those evil things are illegal !

Richard

[Hazcat]

not here in FL if you have a CCW.

[fightingquaker13]

not here in FL if you have a CCW.

An auto-knife? Is that a switch blade for us old farts, or is this the "flying knife" of brief late eighties fame (in me-yam-eee natch)?
fightingquaker13

[Sponsor]

[Hazcat]

Switch blade.  I want a small one (2 or 3 inch blade) for everyday use.

[tombogan03884]

An auto-knife? Is that a switch blade for us old farts, or is this the "flying knife" of brief late eighties fame (in me-yam-eee natch)?
fightingquaker13

You are thinking of the "Ballistic knives".

[Thanos]

This is what I carry.

The differences in steel are mainly a alloy variant that gives the steel different characteristics. Just about anything from a major manufacturer is going to be just fine for what ever you want it to do. The main thing in choosing a knife is how it feels in your hand and the ability to get it out quickly. A Victorinox Swiss Champ is a great knife, but you won't want it in a fight. (Unless as a club)

I like clip knives and Spyderco in my opinion is the best of these type. Although if you are looking for a fixed knife you may want to look at Cold Steel. If you go to cold steel you can get a free catalog and DVD that is pretty neat.

[CZShooter]

I too would be interested in the charachteristics of the different grades of steel commonly used (like AUS6A, 420HC, 440, S30V, VG-10 and Sandvik 13C26).

[gaterhawk]

I too would be interested in the charachteristics of the different grades of steel commonly used (like AUS6A, 420HC, 440, S30V, VG-10 and Sandvik 13C26).

Try this link:
http://cutleryscience.com/reviews/blade_materials.html