Survival Lessons Tips for the survivalist, fisherman and hunter
Unlike a household knife, a hunting knife must perform several functions. With it, you can easily cut food, cut down thin branches or use it as a means of protection from an animal. Therefore, special requirements are imposed on the material of manufacture. It is important to find out which steel grade is best suited for a hunting knife, and what parameters should be used to choose the optimal model.
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Knife material requirements
The operating conditions of hunting equipment are often close to extreme. Constant exposure to moisture, high loads on the blade - all this places special demands on the material of manufacture. Ideally, a hunting knife should successfully perform the functions of a small ax, at the same time have a razor sharpening.
It must also meet the following requirements:
- Hardness value ( HRC ) . Optimal - 55-60 units. However, it should not adversely affect the increase in brittleness and decrease in ductility.
- Anti-corrosion properties . With prolonged exposure to moisture, materials of biological origin, rust should not appear on the surface of the blade.
- Preservation of the original sharpening. It directly depends on the hardness and configuration of the cutting part. To achieve this, two types of steels can be used in the manufacture - with high hardness for external protection, soft - for sharpening.
You also need to pay attention to the configuration of the blade and its shape. The working length of the blade, the place of sharpening are taken into account. If a hunting knife is used without a license, its parameters must comply with the current legislation. Read more about .
Analysis of the properties of steel for hunting knives
The use for the manufacture of a knife of complex steel grades is impractical. They differ from the standard high cost. Therefore, manufacturers prefer to use more affordable types. It is important to properly process the workpiece in order to improve its characteristics.
The following types of steels are most often used for the manufacture of blades:
- 95x18. Belongs to the category of stainless steel. It is used for the manufacture of load-bearing structures, bushings, roller bearings. Characterized by high strength. However, defects may occur if the technology is not followed - untimely vacation or burnout. In this case, the brittleness increases.
- X12mf. Alloy stamping steel with high warp density. Belongs to the category of instrumental. The latter becomes the reason for the complexity of sharpening - it is necessary to use special devices. The disadvantage is that the material is prone to corrosion.
- XB5. HRC strength index - 64 units. Once properly sharpened, the knife will cut well. The likelihood of corrosion on its surface is minimal. The disadvantages include the complexity of processing.
- P6M5K5. This is a high speed metal. It is characterized by wear resistance, mechanical strength, but has low impact strength. To improve the latter quality, secondary hardening or similar heat treatment can be used.
- M2. Designed for use in high temperature environments. Wear-resistant and hard enough, relatively easy to process. The disadvantage is that it rusts quickly.
What can you make a real hunting knife
The high cost of factory models and the personal requirements of the hunter have become the reason for the popularity of self-made knives. Usually improvised means are used for this, most often tools made from the above steel grades.
Possible preparation options:
- File. It is advisable to choose a model made back in the USSR. The steel of modern files is very different in composition from the norm.
- Wood knife for planing machine. It is well processed at home, you can select a workpiece of the desired thickness.
- Large diameter drills. A blacksmith tool is needed to give a certain shape.
When choosing, it is important to familiarize yourself with the composition of the workpiece material.
The video tells in detail about the steel grades suitable for the manufacture of a hunting knife:
Hello, I am Alexander, the mastermind behind the blog.
In terms of career and free time, I connected my life with the forest. How else, when you live in Karelia! In this blog, I am responsible for the hunting, hiking and equipment sections. Welcome to my world!
