Re: [Paddlewise] Stainless Hardware (was: Cleaning fibreglass kayaks)

Steve,

I don't know about that weaker/softer = more rust-resistant generalization.
I'm no metallurgist, so I'll have to plead ignorance.

Too many variables, I think.  Those URL's I posted might lead to better info
on that.  The generalization in the text you quote (that the higher the
number, the lower the grade of SS) is wrong on one count, at least:  304 is
not as corrosion-resistant as 316.  I'm not familiar with 420 SS.  Could be
the 400 series is a very different series than the 300 series.

I suspect if a person wants a truly rust-free knife, she has to get a
titanium one.

Bring lots of bucks!

--
Dave Kruger
Astoria, OR

----- Original Message -----
From: "Steve Scherrer" <flatpick_at_teleport.com>

Subject: Re: [Paddlewise] Stainless Hardware (was: Cleaning fibreglass
kayaks)


> Thanks Dave!  Seems like I read that the more rust resistant SS is the
> softer/ weaker the alloy.  es correcto?  hence the poor edge holding
> capabilities of this *rust proof* knife.  Just found this on
> http://divermag.com/archives/nov98/knives.html
> >>Blades can be made from a variety of metals but the most popular is
> stainless steel, either 304 or 420 grade of stainless steel alloy. The
> higher the number the lower the grade of stainless steel and the better
the
> blade will keep an edge. A lower number means a higher grade of stainless
> and the more resistant it is to rust. Some of Underwater Kinetics line of
> Blue Tang and Remora knives are made of 316 grade stainless which offers a
> good compromise. A few manufacturers, such as Ocean Master, make knives
from
> titanium which is light, very strong, keeps a good edge and is rustproof.
> The only drawback is that titanium is quite a bit more expensive than
> stainless steel. In any event, knives should always be rinsed thoroughly
in
> fresh water after every dive and dried separate from the sheath. <<

***************************************************************************
PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed
here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire
responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author.
Submissions:     PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net
Subscriptions:   PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net
Website:         http://www.paddlewise.net/
***************************************************************************