8cr13mov: one of the best steels ever?

[Cynic2701]

Actually quite good is a generous description of 8cr when it does not out perform a range of other budget steels that are not made in abysmal labor markets that directly challenge domestic manufacturing by artificially lowering production prices by treating workers like animals.

8cr is popular right now not because of its qualities but because it is a cheap steel used in several popular folders. It is unfortunate because these folders could be made from similar priced Japanese, European, and American steels.

8Cr18MoV is popular because it sells at a price point that the average person is willing to pay. 8Cr13MoV is a great user steel because it has lower wear resistance and is easier to sharpen for the average person.

The objective properties of being a good choice for an average person are separate from the subjective properties of price--which, as you are so quick to blame, are due in a large part to the availability of cheap labor.

If 8Cr13MoV is popular, as you suggest, due to it being a cheap steel, then why aren't knives made with even cheaper steels more popular? In fact, with the plethora of cheap $5 gas station knives, it might actually be the case.

As with everything, 8Cr13Mov is popular because it is a good compromise of a variety of factors: cost, performance, and availability.

 

[Goosey]

I think 8Cr13MoV is pretty good for the average person, especially for the low cost. It's easy to sharpen, gets very sharp and holds an edge decently. Delica 3's were using AUS6 not too long ago...

 

[flarp]

It's a decent steel, and a great value at its price point. It does sharpen and maintain relatively easily. At that price point though, I slightly prefer AUS-8, just because it feels like it consistently takes a finer edge and retains it marginally longer.

In overall value and performance, CPM-D2 is way up there too. You can pick them up in Kershaw's composite-blade knives for relatively low price points, and it sharpens well and retains its edge very well. It's relatively easy to touch up as well, although a more extensive re-sharpening or re-profiling is going to take quite a bit of effort.