Which would you get, stainless or carbon steel Abowyer?

[Matabele]

Hi all,

Just wondering what the practical differences and advantages are there to either the stainless steel or carbon steel screw-in Abowyer Brown Bear BH's? Is it worth paying the extra $5 for the stainless?

Thanks!

[Bjorn]

In these days of 90 dollar stainless BHs the Brown Bear for only 5 bucks more is a standout!
Stays sharper longer, not affected by the rubber in the quiver dulling the blade over time, no rust ever, and all for only 5 bucks more.

[Matabele]

Yep seems like a good deal...almost too good, wonder if the spec of SS is as good as the other SS heads out there? I'd assume so, Abowyer have got a really good rep as far as Im aware.

[Ragnarok Forge]

Bjorn,

I have to check with you on one point you made and that is staying sharp longer.  It is a rare day when stainless stays sharper longer than high carbon steel does.  I make a lot of knives out of high carbon steels for that reason.  If they cryo treat the stainless heads it helps but edge holding is high carbons forte.    

Most people buy stainless heads for the rust proof and lower maintenance.

[JimmyC]

I just checked Abowyer's web page;the stainless steel is 440C, which is FANTASTIC STEEL.  

I would say definitely go for the 440C over the carbon at only $5 more, it will do everything the carbon can do and then some , especially when you factor in the rust/moisture factor, IMO.

[snag]

I'm with you on this Ragnarok Forge. High carbon steel in my knives and in my broadheads...if I can get it.

[TRAD101]

I find stainless much harder to get scary sharp then the carbons.

[jhg]

Out here in colorado even the rain is dry, so I 'd probably use the carbon steels. And I agree with the observations that stainless does not take the same edge. At least its a lot harder to get it the same anyway.

Joshua

[Butch Speer]

I agree with Ragnorok Forge. Stainless can make a very good blade, if treated properly. If not, then you can have the best SS & it isn't worth anything.

[Matabele]

Thanks for the replies, a few things to think about.