Knife Steel Question

[Cyrano]

I have a French Laguiole knife, Arbalete brand, by G. David (no photo yet). The blade is marked 12C27 Sandvik. I have another, by Fontenille-Pataud, with the blade marked 14C28N (top knife in the photo). Can anyone tell me anything about these steels. I've been told the 12C27 is Swedish and Sandvik is the maker, but I don't know whether this is right. 14C28N seems almost like it's a composite blade. Any information gratefully received.

[gonerydin]

Knife steel in stainless chromium steel grades — Sandvik Materials Technology


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[Milton]

See if they are here: Knife Steel FAQ

[Cyrano]

Thanks, guys, that's exactly what I wanted to know.

The two lockblades in the OP picture are identical. The one with the darker cowhorn scales is in my collection. The one with the lighter cowhorns is in the knife block in the kitchen. It gets almost daily use and my shorter J.A Henckels don't get much play nowadays. I hand wash it; don't want to put it through the dishwasher. Nevertheless, it's a good thing the steel is 14C28N as that is more corrosion resistant. Every month or so I put some CLP on the hinge but I don't know whether it needs it. A few strokes on a stone is enough to keep it sharp.

[shouldazagged]

Don't know if he still does, but Mike Stewart at Bark River Knife & Tool used to make some very fine knives with 12C27 steel.