Blade Steel: 440 Rundown... What is the difference?

In our newest installment of our blade steel series, T.C. sits down to go over when 440 was developed, why and what the difference is between all of them. Find all of our 440 blades here...
440A
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440B
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440C
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[@EDCandLace]

As a professional sharpener and someone who tests a lot of knives with edge retention testing... really well done 440c is a superb steel. All the people out there that turn their nose up at 440c because its not a modern powder steel... they just don't know how good it can be. Custom HT 440c can be mind blowing good, well done factory HTs on 440c will still provide you a very usable steel.

[@SMKWcom]

We love 440 in all of its iterations

[@johndilday1846]

I agree. 440C has been my favorite blade steel since I was a young man. I would rather have a good steel like 440C that is easy to resharpen than some super hard steel that takes forever to sharpen. If I wear out the knife, I would be only too happy to find an excuse to buy another knife.

[@nitrorc4life1]

Like John, I've come to like 440c alot. I have g9ne full circle over a decade now, started with budget steel, spent alot on premium to super steels, then have gone back to more basic steels along with along with premium and SS.

[@geico1975]

420HC Buck knives, does that steel have any thing to do with 440 steel?

[@taylorhickman84]

I was chatting today with my friend who is a hair dresser, curious as to the scissor steel of choice I asked to see hers, which from are all high end from 3 different makers, and they were all Japanese 440c.

[@Jlbeaver2]

My first Benchmade from the early 2000’s is 440c, great knife! I daily carried it for 17 years.

[@SMKWcom]

We love a daily EDC that last years 👍

[@cormacmccarthy1559]

The Rough Ryder man... I don't know why but I dig those knives. Can't stop myself. And I'm happy with the 440. Glad you have them.

[@SMKWcom]

Thanks for watching!

[@brunorojas3992]

Yeap I became an addict of rough Ryder. They gave me a free trapper when I bought a marbles camp knife. Wow so simple yet nice. Since it doesn't lock it makes you mind your cutting.

[@ralphu.7568]

I learned about 440 since back in my younger days. I'm 52 now. Lol! Know that 440 has pretty much become the standard steel in knife blades. At least for me any way. That's what I look for when I go to purchase a knife. I love it!!!!!!!!!!

[@SMKWcom]

Many of our Rough Ryder series are 440 and some 440B. Thanks for watching 👍

[@ralphu.7568]

@@SMKWcom- See I learned something here watching this video. I only knew of just 440. I didn't know there were different grades like the "B" and "C" that you mentioned. The "B" and "C" versions of 440, are they just different strengths of the metal? What determines the "B" from the plain 440 and the "C" from the "B"? I want to learn. As I love knives!

[@SMKWcom]

@@ralphu.7568 we love using knifesteelnerds.com/ for not only these videos but just for the love of knives and steel themselves

[@GabeItches2996]

can u do a quick video for the k25 RK-31825 knife? i bought it recently and i want to know some specs for its blade

[@knifelore1647]

TC, brother you can tell you love what you do! An we all enjoy you sharing with us! Thanks man!

[@SMKWcom]

Thanks for watching!

[@SucculentDoorbell]

Such a good podcast video. I had NO idea 440 steel had this kind of history at ALL

[@SMKWcom]

Once you start looking in to where the steel comes from, why it was made, and how it has been changed/adapted it can cover a lot of history very quickly

[@propblast82nd]

New doesn't always mean better , 440 is a good EDC steel.

[@SMKWcom]

we love 440!

[@allsomehow]

Timing of this video is perfect, just ordered a Tater Skin Rough Ryder small work knife. Excited to try it out and looking forward to checking out the reserve line after!

[@SMKWcom]

We are loving the Tater Skins!

[@franka9760]

Glad you got a laugh out of my comment about the microphone! 😁 Thanks for the info on the 440 series. One manufacturer that features 440C is Cutco, but of course they're the sole distributors of their knives. I always like to learn more about the steels used in knives. Keep it up!

[@SMKWcom]

We love interactions in the comments and it often gives us a great jumping-off point!

[@timb4425]

Great job explaining 440! Thanks TC and SMKW

[@SMKWcom]

Thanks for watching Tim!

[@jeanmorin3247]

This briefing was very informative and very well done. I have learned a great deal about a knife that I love, that I have used for 15 years, which is just stamped '440'. I now know that it is a 440A and I know the history and the characteristics, including the composition of 440 steels(I took notes of what you said). So... I'm subscribed to know more. Well done! Thank You!

[@SMKWcom]

Glad we could help and that you enjoyed the video! TC has shot more blade steel videos and they should be coming out soon 👍

[@jamesparker6383]

What is your opinion on the Puma White Hunter?

[@joehebert901]

I Like 440 steel. I remember in the 70's it was on all your good quality knives. I am still waiting on 52100 steel please.

[@SMKWcom]

Great suggestion and thanks for watching!

[@redastrachan8978]

Been beating on a 440c Ganzo. Edge has held up remarkably

[@SMKWcom]

440C is awesome!

[@alpine1600s]

BOTTOM LINE: If the heat treat isn't right, and the edge geometry not suited for the task, IT DOESN'T MATTER WHAT STEEL IT IS!🧐

[@SMKWcom]

very true on the heat treat

[@kjgas6945]

Love the video. Ar-rpm9 or d2. I carved a spoon with my ruffryder Reserve Barlow I bought from you guys. It carves in Cedarwood just fine. I love D2 now! And I think ARP-9 is fantastic! And 14c28n .👍👍🤠🤠🎯🎯🍻😎😎. That ruffryder Reserve Barlow is a beautifully built knife.

[@SMKWcom]

We love how versatile the RRR line is and thanks for watching!

[@TheHeat55]

All I know is I have a $20 440 steel copy of a $459.00 Benchmade that is of of D2 steel and it's easy to sharpen and just keeps working.

[@stephenbarabas6286]

The microphone in front of T.C'S face was awesome 👍 I complain about silly background music but I've never worried about mic placement

[@SMKWcom]

You have no idea how much fun TC has looking for songs to use

[@joshuahmoran]

I agree. For a great bushcraft knife that is under 100 dollars it's hard to beat 440c, or Swedish sandvic 14c28n.

[@EDCandLace]

Suggestion for the next show, S60v/440v

[@SMKWcom]

Thanks for watching and for the suggestions!

[@Robbie7441]

I love the steel series, very interesting and informative, thanks 👍🏻👍🏻, did Greg write that piece of music at the end? 🤔🤔

[@SMKWcom]

Thanks for watching Robbie! TC is the musician of the group while Greg is the comic relief 🤣

[@HollywoodTacticool]

i never mind getting a rough ryder with 440 cuz the value is unreal. 440c i know i'm getting some of the best bang for my buck (like OG ganzo knives)-

[@EDCandLace]

Facts, a two G brand knives in 440c in my edge retention testing out cut every s35vn I have tested. Takes a insanely sticky edge and sharpens up easy and on any abrasive you choose. I really personally like 440c.

[@SMKWcom]

Thanks for watching!

[@stephenbarabas6286]

I'd say the Gerber strongarm is a good 440 steel... Tested and tough

[@SMKWcom]

Thanks for watching Stephen!

[@jessr.2490]

Strongarm is 420HC.

[@kniceslice780]

I give you a 440A+ for yet another fantastic edge-a-cational video! How you know so much TC? I just purchased a Linder Bandolero with 440 on the blade. Now I know it is most likely 440A. Thanks again SMKW

[@SMKWcom]

Knife puns! love it 👍

[@darrellbroomhall7020]

How is the 440 spread related to D2 if at all?

[@SMKWcom]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/r5WYqZajjdFkfNE

[@darrellbroomhall7020]

@@SMKWcom Thanks, very informative.

[@krustysurfer]

Great video thank you

[@SMKWcom]

Thanks!

[@mikehook2835]

Awesome info thanks so very much

[@SMKWcom]

Thanks for watching Mike!

[@Max-ye9xg]

As a kid we were obsessed with the Guinness Book of World Records and surgical steel but it's so damn hard you can't sharpen it

[@skcamerican]

Interesting. And I hear the bolster lock half hawk is in, too. Woohoo! I’m not a steel nerd, so this steel video is probably the only one I’ll watch. If it isn’t on a Rough Ryder, I don’t need to know. Lol.

[@SMKWcom]

Thanks for watching and you never know what tricks RR and RRR might pull with knife steels

[@greatestever2451]

What grade is china 440 steel. It doesn't have a letter behide it

[@YahudiDestroyer]

440A.

[@abstractapproach634]

I just got my first 440A (chinesium M7 bayonet, had to after I got a midlength gas system 16" AR-15) I prefer 1095 for a work blade (like my shorty ka-bar) and 440C for a cutting knife, but I guess it *this may seem backwards, but I've pry'd quite hard on 1095, I think I am more likely to bend a knife.... like I've broken plenty of unmarked steel as a kid but yeah, and I like to be able to refinish an edge quickly for my cutting blade (if there's alot I have a good box-cutter)* Anyways, good to know it's not terribly inferior to 440C. *I'd love to try a powder steel someday, but my money goes to lead. Doesn't preform well in a Rockwell hardness test, but sure is a nice dense metal to propel through a rifled barrel!*

[@mikecurtis2585]

440 Always been a great steel for me! MagnaCut!!

[@SMKWcom]

Thanks for watching Mike and MagnaCut would be a fun one to do

[@4NdR3_K]

Great info, thanks.

[@SMKWcom]

Thanks for watching!

[@bobgj0905]

Is surgical stainless steel a 440 or when it just says stainless steel?

[@SMKWcom]

Surgical stainless is 316L

[@deving3370]

I work for a surgical tool manufacturer and most of the stainless cutting tools we make are 440a. So I would say it is.

[@shadowdancer8352]

I also follow you on Twitter. 440c is my favorite steel.

[@SMKWcom]

Thanks for the follow and watching SD!

[@Max-ye9xg]

1095 is probably good for tools impact or throwing knives but I hate the edge

[@nageeb96]

amen you got it right

[@SMKWcom]

Thanks for watching!

[@Logan-te3zj]

Great show loving the hat tc

[@SMKWcom]

Thanks Logan!

[@jamesthreader2270]

2:00 video starts

[@krisyoung447]

"My Angel is a centerfold" 😂

[@SMKWcom]

Those of a certain age know that song and music video very well lol

[@dhuhasya]

guys please review cpm3v

[@jonahpoe2394]

Where is my monthly catalog

[@SMKWcom]

www.smkw.com/catalog-signup

[@GromMolotok]

This was great info. I would like to see more on the powdered steels myself. I don't know much about metallurgy, so all these are great. Also, nice to seeing you respond to the comments so quickly.

[@SMKWcom]

Thanks Grom! We try to respond as quickly as possible, we love interacting with the knife community any chance we get 👍

[@warrenalbrecht]

Nice

[@jasonkerby9984]

Right on

[@grllaspeak]

440A or C ❤️👍

[@BX138]

@2:17 The video starts

[@BeezBlades]

#orange

[@funkfist1337]

Love

[@chadlkilmer]

Put the mic back! Shure is awesome...but then again you are too! But damn that's a nice mic!

[@SMKWcom]

Thanks for watching Chad

[@YahudiDestroyer]

Nice review sir!

[@SMKWcom]

Thank you for the kind words and for watching as well!

[@VincentKearney1967]

I want it

[@MittenStateEDC]

#nkd#thanks

[@austinkokomainiac7352]

#orange good luck y’all. Also 440 ain’t so bad if you know how to sharpen.

[@kjgas6945]

Big Orange

[@Justin-ho8xp]

👍🏻

[@SMKWcom]

🙌🙌🙌

[@jorelstaub2883]

#Orange

[@jeremycrowe4693]

Big Orange. Orange I'm in to win

[@jugglecrzy]

orange

[@clwilson6169]

#orange new black

[@Sarge2112]

Talk bout D2 and T10

[@SMKWcom]

thanks for the suggestions

[@alpine1600s]

Many of the mid-era steels 154cm etc. were developed for jet engine components.

[@SMKWcom]

Jets, space travel, and car innovations pushed steel technology

[@krisjackson2555]

#orange #orange #orange #orange

[@giantfatberg]

Haha. I remember seeing that comment on a previous video. Excellent video

[@SMKWcom]

Thanks for watching GF 👍

[@darwinsmachinegun1]

#orange

[@jeremyhollstrom7818]

#orange #orange #orange #orange

[@HOGDROG]

#orange

[@BolsteredBlades]

#orange

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[@TheLastRanger]

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[@EDCandLace]

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