Rob--

Not to divert the topic...

I think SS will spark a ferro rod. And maybe a true flint stone.

Larry

It depends on the stainless composition.

I'm pretty sure 440B is in the "not likely to work well" category but most testing is done with 440C which isn't as hard as 440B. I could be wrong.

You might have better luck with the stainless used in the model-10 (the name of that particular stainless escapes me at the moment).

I believe Rob is correct about the flint sparking.

I "think" the flint sparking question came up some years ago on here.

I don't remember what the outcome was.

Maybe somebody could volunteer to take a stainless RMK and a ferro rod, and a piece of natural flint, and run a test?

Of course, we don't want to damage a safe queen....

So maybe a heat-treated blade blank at the shop...?

Larry

O1 steel
NS hilt squared
All red Spacers
Bird's eye maple
Border Patrol
Wrist thong
Compass

Pap

I have/had already mentioned earlier, in this build, the advantage of O1 tool steel, vs. SS when sparking is called for. No question...Carbon wins!
Hope this helps,
Capt. Chris

That's a GREAT handle look, Captain!

Does the thin and rounded butt cap still allow a thong hole?

Absolutely!
C

It's time to "thin the herd". "ROLL CALL VOTE"...(& you "know" I don't care what we build. Majority rules:

A) Carbon
B) Stainless
Stay Sharp,
Capt. Chris