FAQ's
Our FAQ section is devised to enable you to find answers to commonly asked questions quickly and easily. If you do not find the answers you seek below, please contact us here.
What steels are used and where are these steels made?
Bohler K110 – Origin Austria
K110 more commonly known as D2, is a high-carbon, high-chromium, semi-stainless tool steel. Due to its outstanding hardness, strength, wear and abrasion resistance, K110 has excellent characteristics for making extremely rugged blades and hand tools. The presence of vanadium affords K110 a very fine grain structure during heat treatment, which improves overall toughness. The high chromium content also improves corrosion resistance. We use a proprietary heat treatment process to enhance the resilience of K110 to shock, yielding exceptional performance in our impact tools and fixed blade knives.
Bohler K340 ISODUR – Origin Austria
K340 is an extremely high-quality tool steel combining toughness, wear resistance, and corrosion resistance, making it an excellent choice for high-performance cutting tools. Specifically designed for use in industrial cutting applications, K340 is made utilizing a proprietary remelting technology resulting in material purity and homogeneity.
One of the key benefits of K340 over other tool steels is its high toughness, which yields extreme resistance to chipping and cracking under heavy use involving high-impact or shock loads. K340 tool steel is renowned for its remarkable wear resistance due to the vanadium carbides it contains. High levels of chromium and molybdenum, greatly enhance resistance to corrosion and oxidation making it exceptionally reliable and durable steel for use in harsh environments.
Bohler N690 – Origin Austria
N690 cobalt stainless steel is world renown for making extremely sharp knives and surgical instruments. Regarded as a high-end stainless steel, N690 exhibits excellent hardness, durability, corrosion and wear resistance. N690 is sometimes compared to Japanese 440C stainless steel. 440C is commonly used in the manufacture of dive knives and whilst this is a good steel for its price and performance, N690's overall performance and ability to hold an edge is superior.
CPM-3V – Origin USA
CPM 3V is a high-performance tool steel known for its exceptional toughness and wear resistance, produced using the Crucible Particle Metallurgy process. This steel is engineered to offer superior resistance to breakage and chipping while maintaining high wear resistance, making it ideal for applications that demand both durability and impact resistance.
Designed for situations where other tool steels might fail due to breakage or chipping, CPM 3V combines the necessary wear properties of a high alloy steel. Its unique balance of wear resistance and toughness makes it a great substitute for other shock-resistant steels, offering the highest impact toughness in its category.
CPM-S35VN – Origin USA
CPM S35VN steel is a slightly superior version of S30V. Due to its finer grain structure and the addition of niobium, this steel has improved toughness and edge retention whilst offering exceptional rust resistance. S35VN is generally regarded as a super steel, capable of being honed to a very fine edge and is typically used in hand crafted, superior quality cutting tools.
CPM-S30V – Origin USA
CPM S30V steel has excellent edge retention and resists rust extremely well. It was designed in the US and is typically used for high-end premium pocketknives and kitchen cutlery. The introduction of vanadium carbides brings extreme hardness into the steel alloy. S30V is generally regarded as one of the finest knife blade steels with its optimal balance of edge retention, hardness and toughness.
VG-10 – Origin Japan
VG-10 stainless steel was originally developed for the Japanese kitchen cutlery market. Due to its sheer durability and ability to hold an edge, VG-10 has become a highly prized steel amongst a variety of professionals, ranging from master chefs to tactical knife makers. By way of comparison, VG-10 steel is very similar to 154CM and ATS-34 with slightly more chromium for enhanced corrosion resistance, it also contains vanadium which makes it marginally tougher than these steels.
SAN-VG10 – Origin Japan
SAN-VG10, a remarkable specialty Japanese steel that showcases a fusion of three layers of meticulously forge-welded steel. What sets this steel apart is the innovative proprietary laminate process of diffusion bonding, which unites distinct properties from each steel layer, resulting in a knife blade of exceptional quality.
At its core lies VG10, renowned for its outstanding attributes, flanked by laminations of 420J2 on either side. This harmonious combination yields unparalleled strength and remarkable durability, far surpassing that of conventional steels. The result is a blade that offers superior cutting performance, and enhanced corrosion resistance, making it the perfect choice for any application that demands the utmost precision and cutting power.
Experience the unmatched craftsmanship and cutting-edge technology of SAN-VG10, a steel that elevates the art of knife-making.
TAMAHAGANE
We are delighted to present a selection of our fixed blade knife designs in Tamahagane commencing in 2024, skilfully forged by Zubeng under the expertise of Master Bladesmith Rich Chen.
The term Tamahagane translates to "precious steel," with "tama" meaning precious and "hagane" meaning steel. Utilizing iron sand known as Satetsu, Zubeng employs traditional Tatara clay furnace techniques used by Japanese swordsmiths. The intricate process involves classical smelting, folding, forging, heat treating, and meticulous hand-polishing, resulting in exceptionally unique and beautiful one-of-a-kind Tamahagane Satetsu blades.
What is the Rockwell hardness?
Our fixed blade knives and folding knives are typically in the range of 58-59 HRC and 59-60 HRC. This depends greatly on the steel used and intended application of the knife. Impact tools are in the range of 55-56 HRC, however there are some variations based on steel selection and intended purpose for the tool. For further details, please refer to the particular model for full specifications.
What mounting options are available and or supplied with the carry system?
We believe the carry systems supplied with our tools are as important as the tools they protect. Our kydex and injection molded sheaths and accessories afford the user a total carry solution and are supplied in most instances with both belt and PALS/Molle carry options. These are customizable to the individual and can typically be mounted to the sheath supplied with the tool via eyelets or direct mounted as part of a supplied injection molded assembly. Check individual products for full specifications.
All Halfbreed Blades kydex carry systems are intentionally a tight fit by design when new. Typically, there is a break-in period to ensure fail safe retention over prolonged usage. If at first the retention of your carry system feels tight, allow normal wear-in to occur, you’ll find the balance between reliable retention and efficient deployment with actual use.
What is the warranty on products purchased?
Halfbreed Blades offers a 100% money-back guarantee against material and structural failure. Some exclusions apply including gross negligence, intentional misuse, modification or alteration to the product, or failure to follow our prescribed care and maintenance instructions.
We require all warranty claims to be in writing. Please ensure you explain the circumstances in which a failure may have occurred and forward to us via our contact page.
Once we receive your detailed written warranty claim, have conducted our assessment and upon approval, we will issue you with a return authorization number (RAN).
Marine Exposure: If subjecting your knife/tool to saltwater, other marine environments, or prolonged exposure to perspiration we recommend you take the proper care to wash and dry your knife/tool after every use.
The following practices are not recommended and fall outside our warranty policy:
Do not use your knife as a screwdriver. Do not throw your knife. Do not modify or alter your knife/tool or any of its component parts. Any of these acts will void your warranty.
Hammering: Use the right tool for the job! Your knife is cutting tool, it is not a hammer nor is it an axe and was not designed to perform like a hard use impact tool. Activities including batoning or throwing your knife constitute tool abuse, these types of misuse are not covered by our warranty.
Heavy Prying: Your knife is not a lever designed to perform heavy-duty prying tasks. Use your knife for cutting, this is what it was designed to do.
*Disassembly of our G10/steel and titanium/steel laminated folder frames voids warranty.
In addition to Halfbreed Blades branded products, do you offer any other services?
Yes, we offer a range of services, these are summarized as follows:
Product Development: In addition to our own branded products, Halfbreed Blades also offers a product design and manufacturing service for other companies and Government agencies including emergency/rescue, military and law enforcement groups, wanting to develop their own branded knife and tool designs. Contact us here for further details.
Collaboration & Co-brand: Another service offered at Halfbreed Blades is our collaboration and co-brand capability. Here we design and develop new products together and bring to market via joint initiative. This service is extremely popular with established brands wanting to add knives and hand tools to their existing product range and identify with the Halfbreed Blades brand in connection with their own via joint alliance. Contact us here for further details.
Servicing & Repair: As part of Halfbreed Blades after sales service program, we offer full servicing, repair, and re-sharpening of our edged tool products. Contact us here for further details.
Laser Engraving: A fully customizable laser engraving service is available at Halfbreed Blades. We can custom serialize, personalize or engrave your Unit insignia on any of our branded products. This service is also available to our Product Development and Collaboration Clients. Contact us here for further details.
How do I become a dealer of Halfbreed Blades?
We welcome dealer and distributor enquiries, please contact us here for further details.
What is the return policy for retail purchases through the web store?
If you make a wrong decision, cannot use or do not like the product, you may return to us with authorization, and we will supply a product of your choice from our range of equal value. If we make an error in your shipping, you will not pay to return the incorrect product back to us. In the unlikely event of an error of this type, we will exchange and ship the correct product to you free of cost. We can only accept returns with a return authorization number (RAN). Where multiple orders are placed by the purchaser within a 48-hour period, we reserve the right to group these orders together and ship in one package, you will receive a single tracking notification in this circumstance. All authorized product returns must remain sealed in the original packaging supplied and must not have been used. If your order is returned to us for any reason, we do not offer a refund, you must ensure your delivery address is attended, charges apply for re-shipping in this circumstance.
What are the care and maintenance instructions?
All steels used in the manufacture of Halfbreed Blades knives and hand tools contain carbon, this makes them prone to light surface rust, if left in environments for extended periods where moisture is present. Salt water in particular will accelerate corrosion if proper care is not taken. If subjecting your folder to saltwater, other marine environments, or prolonged exposure to perspiration we recommend you take the proper care to wash and dry your knife or tool after every use. To reduce the effects of corrosion from aquatic environments, all Halfbreed Blades tools are supplied with an extremely robust coating, for example Teflon, Cerakote or PVD. These coatings are not applied to the cutting edge, so due care should be taken to keep these areas well lubricated at all times. Before storage for long periods, we recommend a light film of oil be applied to all metal surfaces to ensure long lasting protection. WD-40 cleans, protects, lubricates, penetrates and displaces moisture, we recommend this product as part of your care and maintenance regime. Remember, a little goes a long way, do not overlubricate.
Folding Knives: For general maintenance and cleaning, disassembly of the pivot mechanism is not required. Keep pivot area, blade housing and liner lock free of dirt and other debris. We recommend a drop of low viscosity oil on the mechanisms moving surfaces after cleaning and/or in the event the action becomes dry or tight. Disassembly of our G10/steel and titanium/steel laminated folder frames voids warranty.
Are there any safety warnings?
The wearing of proper hand and eye protection are mandatory when using Halfbreed Blades knives and hand tools. We do not assume responsibility for any injuries that may occur in the application of our products. All Halfbreed Blades knives and edged hand tools are razor sharp 'out of the box', it is your personal responsibility to take every precaution when using our products. We recommend you be aware of any local State and Federal laws that govern the ownership and or carry of edged tools, in particular knives and axes. It is your responsibility to act in a manner consistent with ensuring public safety, compliance with legislation in your State governing ownership and usage, safe and proper carry that mitigates lose of property, damage and possession by unauthorized persons.
What are your shipping policies?
Delivery lead times vary based on the destination address and shipping method chosen at checkout. Please ensure all requested data fields are completed in the shopping cart and are free from errors, mistakes can cause delays in delivering your order and may incur additional costs, if a re-shipping event occurs. Please ensure someone is available at your nominated address to receive your delivery. If this is not achievable you may request ‘driver release’ and accept all liability in the event of loss or damage. If your order is returned to us for any reason, we do not offer a refund, you must ensure your delivery address is attended, charges apply for re-shipping in this circumstance.
For international orders we do not accept responsibility for loss or damage in the event your order is seized by your port of entry Customs officials or left unattended at your delivery address for any reason. It is your responsibility to ensure your order complies with any applicable State and Federal laws. Please select the most appropriate shipping service to meet your requirements. All fees quoted for delivery include shipping and handling charges.
Where is it made?
Halfbreed Blades Australia is a production knife and tool company, comprising a fusion of Australia and Taiwan make. Our fixed blade and folding blade knives and hand tools are designed, developed, hand-finished, quality control checked and packed in Australia. CNC waterjet cutting, machining and grinding, together with our proprietary heat treatment and coating are completed at our production facilities in Taiwan. Machining and hand-finishing in Australia includes but is not limited to sharpening, polishing, fitting and assembly. Materials used in the manufacture of our products are sourced from Austria, Japan and the United States, this includes the steels utilized in the construction of our tools, G10 and Micarta® applied to handles and Kydex® molded in the fabrication of our sheaths.
Halfbreed Blades is proudly 100% Australian owned and operated.
Does Halfbreed Blades have a showroom?
Yes, we do have a showroom, visitation is by appointment only. For dealer, distributor and Government agency appointments please contact us here.
Showroom location and hours of operation:
244 Dorcas Street, South Melbourne, Victoria 3205, Australia
Mon-Fri: 9am-5pm EST
Sat: 10am-4pm EST
Sun: Closed
What is the relationship between Halfbreed Blades and Hardcore Hardware Australia?
Our story began in 2010, with the creation of our sister brand Hardcore Hardware Australia. Since this time our products have been in wide circulation with a focus on Military and Law Enforcement markets. Our brands are in service with the Australia Defence Force, other specialist units and Law Enforcement both foreign and domestic. Due to the performance of our brands, their design and build specifications, our products are recognized globally for their superior quality.
As separate companies in their own right, Halfbreed Blades Australia Pty Ltd and Hardcore Hardware Australia Pty Ltd, have unique ownership structures and their own registered Trademarks.
The principal product/tool designer, Director and Founder of Hardcore Hardware Australia is also the current acting Chief Operations Officer and Head of Design for Halfbreed Blades Australia.
For further details please contact us here.