Hello all. I have a custom lock back on order, and it should be done by the end of April. I still have the time to change the order. As of right now, I have the knife on order with 52100 blade steel. This knife will be an EDC carried in a sheath. Would you choose 52100 or 420V for the blade and why? I really need some input on this ladies and gents. Big D1
-
The BladeForums.com 2024 Traditional Knife is ready to order! See this thread for details: https://www.bladeforums.com/threads/bladeforums-2024-traditional-knife.2003187/
Price is$300$250 ea (shipped within CONUS). If you live outside the US, I will contact you after your order for extra shipping charges.
Order here: https://www.bladeforums.com/help/2024-traditional/ - Order as many as you like, we have plenty.
420V or 52100 blade steel for next custom.
- Thread starter Big D1
- Start date
- Joined
- Oct 16, 1998
- Messages
- 2,395
I would depend a great deal on which steel the maker preferred to use, but generally, for an EDC, I would choose S90V (formerly known as 420V). I would choose S90V because it is tough, stain resistant, and holds an edge a dam long time. I don't like to worry about rust in a folder with a low alloy steel blade.
If, on the other hand, the maker puts a beautiful temper line on the 52100 blades, likes grinding it a lot more, and you have another stainless knife to take fishing, then I might go with the 52100.
If, on the other hand, the maker puts a beautiful temper line on the 52100 blades, likes grinding it a lot more, and you have another stainless knife to take fishing, then I might go with the 52100.
- Joined
- Nov 3, 1999
- Messages
- 1,679
I also am interested in buying a folder in S90V. I have a Dunn in 52100 and it is an awesome blade. It is probably the sharpest knife in my drawer. I also have a Caffrey Progression II due in May (I hope) that will have a 52100 blade. I think a lot of folks kinda steer clear of all carbon blades for the "care" issue that's involved.
I'm actually looking for a new home for the Dunn because it doesn't fit my hand, but "if" I did carry it, it would be in a belt sheath, rather than in the pocket. I have had stainless knives rust (ATS-34) sitting in my back pocket, day after day. Good luck and tell us what you bought!
Regards,
Barry H
I'm actually looking for a new home for the Dunn because it doesn't fit my hand, but "if" I did carry it, it would be in a belt sheath, rather than in the pocket. I have had stainless knives rust (ATS-34) sitting in my back pocket, day after day. Good luck and tell us what you bought!
Regards,
Barry H
- Joined
- Feb 21, 2000
- Messages
- 377
Big D1,
This would depend on the knife maker. My first choice would be for a 52100 blade steel, if it was forged by a ABS Master, temper lines are perdee and that beauty knife will have a good home and be taken care of to prevent staining of the steel.
My 2 cents.
Jeff P
This would depend on the knife maker. My first choice would be for a 52100 blade steel, if it was forged by a ABS Master, temper lines are perdee and that beauty knife will have a good home and be taken care of to prevent staining of the steel.
My 2 cents.
Jeff P
- Joined
- Nov 6, 1999
- Messages
- 2,639
Tough choice. I'm guessing I even know the maker involved. 52100 will give you about the best push cutting edge that money can buy. It will hold it for a good long time. But it will rust fairly quickly if you don't do maintenance from time to time.
420V (now renamed to S90V) is a really fantastic small blade steel, taking a great acute edge, holding it for what seems like forever, and acting every bit like the 'stain-less' steel that it is (having more than 12% free chromium in the alloy mix). I have small folders from one maker in both 52100, 420V, and 12C27. They all work really well as cutting tools. Each steel has its advantages, and disadvantages, as well as cost differentials.
52100 will produce probably the best edge and is relatively easy to resharpen, with 420V running a close second in edge quality, but a clear first in edge holding. It is a little more trouble to sharpen and a lot more difficut to finish, which adds a lot of cost. But it acts like a carbon steel but has plenty enough chromium to be stainless, without compromising edge performance. So you can cut an orange and not worry about tarnish. That is a Very good thing for Some knives.
For me, if that daily carry folder is going to be a letter and fruit knife, with an occasional box cutting chore, go with 420V and don't look back. You won't ever need to worry about it discoloring or rusting provided reasonable care, and it will work very well.
If you want a really tough, really superior cutting tool, and are willing to pay a little less in manufacturing cost, but more in maintenance expenses, go with 52100 blade steel.
Either steel will serve you very well indeed. It's entirely a personal choice, and depends greatly on the knife in question. So I decline to state a preference based on a lack of information and the fact that I am not YOU.
Paracelsus
420V (now renamed to S90V) is a really fantastic small blade steel, taking a great acute edge, holding it for what seems like forever, and acting every bit like the 'stain-less' steel that it is (having more than 12% free chromium in the alloy mix). I have small folders from one maker in both 52100, 420V, and 12C27. They all work really well as cutting tools. Each steel has its advantages, and disadvantages, as well as cost differentials.
52100 will produce probably the best edge and is relatively easy to resharpen, with 420V running a close second in edge quality, but a clear first in edge holding. It is a little more trouble to sharpen and a lot more difficut to finish, which adds a lot of cost. But it acts like a carbon steel but has plenty enough chromium to be stainless, without compromising edge performance. So you can cut an orange and not worry about tarnish. That is a Very good thing for Some knives.
For me, if that daily carry folder is going to be a letter and fruit knife, with an occasional box cutting chore, go with 420V and don't look back. You won't ever need to worry about it discoloring or rusting provided reasonable care, and it will work very well.
If you want a really tough, really superior cutting tool, and are willing to pay a little less in manufacturing cost, but more in maintenance expenses, go with 52100 blade steel.
Either steel will serve you very well indeed. It's entirely a personal choice, and depends greatly on the knife in question. So I decline to state a preference based on a lack of information and the fact that I am not YOU.
Paracelsus
- Joined
- Nov 6, 1999
- Messages
- 2,639
An important point that I was reminded of by Jeff's post. Not all small 52100 blades are differentially tempered. Many are produced as 'all-hard' blades. There are even some ABS Mastersmiths who will argue that differential tempering (and the aesthetic result of temper lines) is a waste of time, effort, expense, AND functionality in small blades. Properly heat (and cold) treated 52100 does not need to display a temper line or be diff tempered to outperform most other blade steels. and it is a lot easier to make 'purty' compared to steels like 420V.
Para
Para
- Joined
- Jan 25, 2000
- Messages
- 4,492
Barry,
You are absolutely going to love that Caffrey folder! Currently my favorite folder, hands down.
If you can get by without the benefits of a stainless steel, by all means, do so IMO. Properly done 52100 is a wonder to use and with good care will last a very long time without problems.
You are absolutely going to love that Caffrey folder! Currently my favorite folder, hands down.
If you can get by without the benefits of a stainless steel, by all means, do so IMO. Properly done 52100 is a wonder to use and with good care will last a very long time without problems.
- Joined
- Jan 25, 2000
- Messages
- 4,492
I coat it with Renaissance Wax and use Tuf-Glide on the pivot. I have had it about 5 months with no problems at all.