3V in more productions?

S

Stoney26

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Jul 11, 2013
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From what ive read and seen, 3V seems like the ultimate knife steel. Excellent toughness, holds a keen edge, and relatively good corrosion resistantance. So why isnt it used in more production models? Other than the spyderco tuff(which ive heard has had more than a few lock issues) and some exclusive SMF's and SnG's, i havent seen or heard of any other production and sprint run blades sporting this steel. I realize that it costs more, but come on, im sure plenty of us would pay good money for a para-2 or a grip in 3v. Thoughts anyone?
 
The truth is only some knife nuts care to pay a premium for super steels. That means a fraction of a fraction - which is not where knife companies are making their money. There are limited editions of some knives available in exotic steels for our sake but I wouldn't expect a lot beyond that. I mean Buck 110's are still selling with 440 stainless so...
 
The extreme toughness is excellent in large knives like choppers or 8"+ Fixed blade knives, but isn't really practical in small folders, especially since you're giving up edge retention (compared to steels like CPM-M4, M390, S90V, ect) for the extra toughness.
 
There is no ultimate knife steel. Every steel has its advantages and disadvantages, and 3V is no exception. As others have stated, it is a steel for applications where toughness is a priority rather than edge retention.

It is a steel that doesn't make a heck of a lot of sense in folders, either. The lock (particularly if it is a frame lock) is going to fail way before any blade would.
 
Bugout Bill said:
There is no ultimate knife steel. Every steel has its advantages and disadvantages, and 3V is no exception. As others have stated, it is a steel for applications where toughness is a priority rather than edge retention.

It is a steel that doesn't make a heck of a lot of sense in folders, either. The lock (particularly if it is a frame lock) is going to fail way before any blade would.
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This is true for chopping, etc but not for prying with the tip or twisting the blade while cutting.
 
Makes no sense in a knife like the Para2. Although you're right it's decent all around, really ts sole claim to fame is impact toughness. Why is anything more than like S30v's impact toughness needed in a knife like the Para2? Surely if you're going to upgrade the steel, it'll benefit vastly many more users to go higher on corrosion resistance or edge retention than impact toughness. I agree with the other posters who say 3v makes sense for fixed blades mainly.

Also I didn't find 3v to be that good on corrosion resistance. It seems similar to D2, picking up that gray patina and I found small rust spots occurring between uses when it was put away dry (in Tennessee weather).
 
kreole said:
Makes no sense in a knife like the Para2. Although you're right it's decent all around, really ts sole claim to fame is impact toughness. Why is anything more than like S30v's impact toughness needed in a knife like the Para2? Surely if you're going to upgrade the steel, it'll benefit vastly many more users to go higher on corrosion resistance or edge retention than impact toughness. I agree with the other posters who say 3v makes sense for fixed blades mainly.

Also I didn't find 3v to be that good on corrosion resistance. It seems similar to D2, picking up that gray patina and I found small rust spots occurring between uses when it was put away dry (in Tennessee weather).
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It barely makes sense in "hard use" type knives either. If I need significant toughness in a folder, gimme low alloy steels like 440A or AUS-8.
 
I hope 3V rusts than pits. If you intend to get 3V blades, make sure they are coated.
 
Bugout Bill said:
It is a steel that doesn't make a heck of a lot of sense in folders, either. The lock (particularly if it is a frame lock) is going to fail way before any blade would.
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I've seen a couple of broken bladed SnG's, the locks didn't fail.
 
I'm willing to bet that out of 100 people that buy a knife, only 10% are enthusiasts.

The other 90% are shopping for price / value. 3V, D2, M4, 154CM, S30V - means nothing to the average buyer.

When I visit my local brick and mortar I am usually there for an hour talking to the owner. During that time I see many people come in looking at knives. Its been a rare occurrence when someone comes in who knows anything about knives.

I have several knives in 3V - some fixed, some folders. I've never used a knife hard enough to see the benefits of the steel.

Cruwear (from description) seems to be a notch better than 3V - but the jury is still out. I think steels will continue to evolve, but I agree with others - there is no such thing as a "perfect" steel.

Right now I am partial to M4 for all around general use, and either S90V or S110V for my cutters.
 
Toyz said:
When I visit my local brick and mortar I am usually there for an hour talking to the owner. During that time I see many people come in looking at knives. Its been a rare occurrence when someone comes in who knows anything about knives.
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What a coincidence! Same with the interwebs!
 
Yea... 3v is an awesome steel. I know INFI and 3V very well. (my busses and my Fehrman shadow scout) Its extremely tough. It does rust but what non stainless steel doesnt? AND I DONT WANT TO HEAR INFI! my TGLB has. I cant say whether 3v pits or not though. Never seen it happen.
 
TheKATON said:
Yea... 3v is an awesome steel. I know INFI and 3V very well. (my busses and my Fehrman shadow scout) Its extremely tough. It does rust but what non stainless steel doesnt? AND I DONT WANT TO HEAR INFI! my TGLB has. I cant say whether 3v pits or not though. Never seen it happen.
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Corrosion on stonewashed CPM-3V in Survive! knives GSO-10:

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[video=youtube;IZe4T50nrog]http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=IZe4T50nrog[/video]
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Survive! and Fehrman both use CPM-3V but market their tools for "hard use" expecting impacts even on small blades. Higher impact toughness is unlikely to be important in short, thin folding blades. For prying/twisting, strength counts, NOT impact toughness. Nevertheless, both INFI and CPM-3V feature respectable wear-resistance. Either in a folding knife would not be detrimental, it just might not be all that important.
 
3V steel is used in the Cold Steel Warcraft. It's a fixed blade.
Since 3V is not stainless, it will never be used a lot in a production setting.
 
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