8Cr13MoV sucks!

N

NativeCraft

Joined
Oct 27, 2006
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I've got two different Kershaw knives, a Volt II and an Oso-Sweet, each with 8Cr13MoV steel. I love the ergonomics of both of them, but they dull just by looking at them.

What are some tougher steels that I should be looking for? I use my knives hard, doing carpentry work and other things like plumbing and auto repair.
 
Actually 8Cr13MoV is a really tough steel, it's the edge retention that it's lower on. Part of it might also have to do with a thicker edge geometry or a softer heat treat than is ideal.

First thing, what's your budget? The nicer steels usually come on higher end knives.
 
Tsujigiri said:
Actually 8Cr13MoV is a really tough steel, it's the edge retention that it's lower on. Part of it might also have to do with a thicker edge geometry or a softer heat treat than is ideal.

First thing, what's your budget? The nicer steels usually come on higher end knives.
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My budget is $100 or less. I can afford more, but I can't see spending a lot on a hard-user.
 
Tsujigiri said:
S35VN is a well rounded steel in that price range, Cold Steel has a few options that are particularly tough. If you're just seeing dulling and not chipping, M390 will hold an edge longer at the cost of toughness.
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S35VN would be a good choice for the OP's stated uses. It's a very well balanced steel, it's been out long enough for manufacturers to know how to handle it, and companies like CS, Buck, Spyderco, and Civivi all have models in the <$100 price range.
 
Magnacut is supposed to be very rust resistant and able to hold a good edge. I sounds like rust resistance may be something you would like.
 
NativeCraft said:
I've got two different Kershaw knives, a Volt II and an Oso-Sweet, each with 8Cr13MoV steel. I love the ergonomics of both of them, but they dull just by looking at them.

What are some tougher steels that I should be looking for? I use my knives hard, doing carpentry work and other things like plumbing and auto repair.
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Depends on what you are comparing it to,
Better than 420HC or 440A for edge retention. Not as good as 440C or any PM steel.,,

I've always had good luck with VG10, 440C, AUS10, 154CM for working knives. To go beyond those will significantly increase the price, because you'd be looking at a PM steel.
 
I once had a Volt II in 8cr.
I think my son has it in his car now.
I thought it was a great knife for the cheap $20 or so I paid for it.

If I needed a beater on a budget, I might keep the Kershaws and invest in a Sharpmaker or one of the cheaper Lansky equivalents.
I used to swipe my Volt II a few times on a Lansky and old leather belt every day or two. It was super easy to bring back a really sharp edge.
 
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I’m also of the mind set that you buy once cry once. I would look at cru-wear, 3v, m4, k390 if you want good edge retention and toughness. If you are worried about it being a stainless steel but still tough with good enough edge retention, then I would look at s35vn, aeb-l, magnacut, nitro-v.
 
NativeCraft said:
they dull just by looking at them
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What are you cutting through were the blade goes dull so fast?

Asking because a friend bought a Spyderco with S110V and complained the same thing. Asked what he was cutting and he said he was cutting open bags of gravel pouring in his backyard. I don't know any steel that will slice though anything with gravel behind it and not wear out with a quickness. He didn't see the issue and thought it was a trash knife.
 
You should try k390. It's my working knife steel. I use my knives pretty hard and it holds its edge really well. You can get it in pretty affordable knives too. Not my term but some more known folks termed it "m4 killer".
 
BD_01 said:
I once had a Volt II in 8cr.
I think my son has it in his car now.
I thought it was a great knife for the cheap $20 or so I paid for it.

If I needed a beater on a budget, I might keep the Kershaws and invest in a Sharpmaker or one of the cheaper Lansky equivalents.
I used to swipe my Volt II a few times on a Lansky and old leather belt every day or two. It was super easy to bring back a really sharp edge.
Click to expand...
I used to do the same. I got tired of having too. I like it staying sharp on its own better nowadays
 
NativeCraft said:
My budget is $100 or less. I can afford more, but I can't see spending a lot on a hard-user.
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Dont mean to pun on your username, but I recommend a Spyderco Native 5 in S35VN, fits your description, many in the secondary market for that price, spyderco does a decent job with heat treatment and i personally think the geometry of the blade and overall feel of the knife is perfect.
 
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