Peter Eaton Knives

[Old tikka]

I have just bought my second Peter Eaton knife, a Secare as I wanted something for the smaller deer. Not that the Verum knife I already had from Pete was really too big but you know how it is when you want something!

Both the knives that I have from Pete are in the amazing Elmax steel that he uses. Not only did they arrive scarily sharp but the Verum has remained so despite doing many red and fallow with just a good stropping after each use. I’m astounded as to how well it retains an edge. The workmanship and quality of both knives is outstanding and the leather sheaths he supplies are surprisingly tight and a proper ‘snap’ fit.

I have many custom knives from most of the familiar makers out there but I have to say that Pete’s knives are outstanding and it won’t be long before I feel the “need” to buy one of his kitchen knives.

If you are looking for a new knife then please do look at Peter Eaton knives. You won’t be disappointed with one of his hard working creations!

 

[finnbear270]

I can attest to the above post, Pete also turns out some great culinary items, I could still shave with cleaver he made for me, never even been stropped as yet to date.

 

[Peter Eaton]

Thanks for the kind words.

Where steel is concerned steels such as Elmax, Vanax and others such as N690 (which I have yet to use) are quite simply in a league of their own. Such steels are 'super clean' complex steels with superb three dimensional stability. This means they can be ground to extremely thin edges before a edge is even put on the knife. This can only be achieved due to that stability, yes I use other steels but they just will not have the strength of a 'super steel'.

It is the reason these steels are used in industry for tooling situations such as injection moulds which run at extreme pressures 24hrs a day , 365 days a year for many years, they cost money and the user doesn't want them to wear. The same is true of the oil industry where powder steels are also used, a classic example which I have mentioned before would be pipe flanges in the North Sea. These flanges are on pipelines which pump hydrogen hexafluoride slurry, this is nasty abrasive stuff. My pal who is a senior engineer at BP told me that flanges were only lasting 8000 hrs, so BP approached Uddeholm who make powder steels and they recommended Vanax. The flanges were replaced and lasted 88,000 hrs!!! So where knife edges are concerned this translates to far longer lasting edges due to wear resistance and toughness.

You will read or hear comments that such steels cannot be sharpened, I am afraid this is nonsense, yes they have greater wear resistance but if you use grandads old oil stone they will laugh at it, diamond sharpening systems are the answer, they easily sharpen such steels, though saying that, as the edges are so fine regular stropping is the answer, this applies to ANY knife!

It is also important to remember that if these steels are ground incorrectly ie to too thick an edge or ground to the wrong profile such as a Scandi or a convex then they will be a nightmare to sharpen due to the huge bearing surface, such steel must be ground to thin full flats or hollow grinds with a micro bevel. Oh and don't even get me started on Scandi grinds, they are for bushcraft and splitting wood, I have not put one on a stalking knife in 20 years, after receiving an education by a South African knife maker of the guild there, I can still hear his roars of laughter.

 

[Old tikka]

Interesting to get a technical explanation for the superb edge holding

 

[Peter Eaton]

Interesting to get a technical explanation for the superb edge holding

I really should do a more in depth post sometime on advanced steels as although they are being used in South Africa and USA where there are knife makers guilds and in the case of South Africa, some of the best makers in the world who really know their craft, these steels just aren't being used in the UK, it is expensive to buy and expensive for the maker as the steel takes longer to grind and eats belts! . As I have mentioned above, its not just the steel, it is how such advanced steels are processed.

 

[Mike1979]

Please can you all stop talking about how fantastic these knives are...its not fair and adds to the temptation...and diminishes bank accounts

 

[Majki14]

You can't go wrong with elmax especially when you compare it to low carbide volume steels like aebl/sf100/14c28n, guessing you are talking about those saying "I have many custom knives from most of the familiar makers out there", you made a good choice of knife, in very same price range you got much better edge.
I think Pete is doing cryo treatment, unsure about your knife, but if yours is heat treated without cryo try 600 grit stone and feel the difference (carbide size)

 

[Yosemite Sam]

I bought the Fortis L, and can honestly say that if you appreciate unparalleled craftsmanship, superb materials, and attention to detail, treat yourself to a lifetime’ knife, they truly are things of beauty!

 

[Overlay]

Agree 100%. What we really need is another new deer species so I can justify another special tool
Peter’s knives are on my list, superb craftsmen

 

[Peter Eaton]

You can't go wrong with elmax especially when you compare it to low carbide volume steels like aebl/sf100/14c28n, guessing you are talking about those saying "I have many custom knives from most of the familiar makers out there", you made a good choice of knife, in very same price range you got much better edge.
I think Pete is doing cryo treatment, unsure about your knife, but if yours is heat treated without cryo try 600 grit stone and feel the difference (carbide size)

Yes thats correct , the steel is nitrogen soaked, this ensures three dimensional stability and so a strong edge, also achieves a point or two in hardness.