What do you guys know about his knifes made from 440C? How well do they compare to ATS 34, D2 or some of the other steels that these guys are using as far as holding a edge?

Tracy

440C is an excellent steel which will sharpen easily and take a really good edge. However it is noticeably softer that ATS 34, D2, S30V, etc. and will not hold an edge nearly as well. 440C is very rust resistant and can make up into a very useful knife that will do everything a knife would normally be asked to do.

Hendrix knows how to make a really good knife and his hunting patterns are extremely useful. I own and have used several, though not made with 440C.

RS

I agree with what RipSnort said, good steel but wont hold an edge as long as the fancy stuff. I wouldn't be afraid to buy a knife made from it.

Spyderco has been playing with cast 440C steel. It changes the equation for holding an edge.

440C is not my preferred material, I can't seem to get as sharp nor as long lasting an edge as with other materials.

With the right heat treat and cryo process 440C can be a very good steel. It will get pretty close to AUS8 or any of those middle layer blade steels. Maybe not quite as good as CPM154 and so on, but it is definitely an excellent steel. I don't know Wayne's process, but a custom maker will tend to use better practices that will move the performance level up considerably from production knives,. I wouldn't be afraid of Wayne's blade.

I just picked up a Hendrix knife from Vince about it week ago that's made with a 440 blade. Haven't really had a chance to do much with it but its a really nice little knife. Its his #14 and just a nicely made knife, has a wicked sharp blade on it thats for sure!!