I'm looking to pickup a full length Ka-bar with the 1095-Cro-Van blade, but see Cutco has a twin to it with the 440A Stainless. I used to sell the Cutco line years ago, and have a few Cutco hunting blades and am happy with them, but was curious of the pros and cons of the two steels, especially since they are made under the same roof in Olean.
Sidearms & Scatterguns 1095 Cro-Van vs. 440A Stainless
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Re: 1095 Cro-Van vs. 440A Stainless
While the durability will depend on how well they heat treat the blades, here's a good feel for the difference. The 1095 Cro-Van will take and hold a great edge and will be good for a hard use knife, but will rust if permitted so keep a light sheen of oil on it in the field and in storage. I would go with this if you're going to be doing more chopping and other hard use tasks.
The 440A is a very common inexpensive all around stainless that takes a good edge and is very resistant to corrosion. They typically won't hold an edge as long, but will sharpen very easily. I would choose this if you're going to be doing a lot of slicing and don't mind touching up the edge as necessary.
While the durability will depend on how well they heat treat the blades, here's a good feel for the difference. The 1095 Cro-Van will take and hold a great edge and will be good for a hard use knife, but will rust if permitted so keep a light sheen of oil on it in the field and in storage. I would go with this if you're going to be doing more chopping and other hard use tasks.
The 440A is a very common inexpensive all around stainless that takes a good edge and is very resistant to corrosion. They typically won't hold an edge as long, but will sharpen very easily. I would choose this if you're going to be doing a lot of slicing and don't mind touching up the edge as necessary.
Re: 1095 Cro-Van vs. 440A Stainless
It is hard to say how the blades are treated- I do know the Cutco stainless is heated, then cryoed, and I can't remember if they heat them again or not- it's been awhile since my factory tour. I do not know how the Ka-bar's are handled. Alcas had just bought them and were starting to make the USMC knives in-house back around 1999 when I was there last.
It is hard to say how the blades are treated- I do know the Cutco stainless is heated, then cryoed, and I can't remember if they heat them again or not- it's been awhile since my factory tour. I do not know how the Ka-bar's are handled. Alcas had just bought them and were starting to make the USMC knives in-house back around 1999 when I was there last.
