A KNIFE MADE WITH ATS34 vs CPM440V

[BACKUP21]

LOOKING AT THE BENCHMADE "STRYKER" & THE SPYDERCO "STARMATE". WHICH STEEL IS BETTER AND WHY?

 

[Sid Post]

Since Benchmade makes their ATS-34 so hard, it tends to be slightly brittle. That would make me lean to the CPM440V choice given your two examples.

Sid

 

[Samurai6]

But then the Stryker has a flat, saber ground blade while the Starmate is hollow ground, giving the strength advantage to the Stryker in terms of edge geometry. Plus, the Stryker is available in M-2.

Harv

 

[Corduroy]

But the Stryker's a tanto, which I still believe holds no cutting advantages over a knife with a "normal" belly. It's also has a remarkably thin point (though it's darn pretty), so I doubt its tip is any tougher than the Starmate's. I think given the heat-treatment we've seen from these two companies, the 440V holds every advantage over ATS-34. Much tougher, finer grain so sharper, and with at least as good edge holding. It as nearly twice the carbon content, after all.

But both steels are excellent on the larger scale, as are the knives in question. I haven't held a Starmate yet, but the ergonomics on the Stryker are really something special. I'd recommend if possible that you get both in your hand and make the decision that way. One or the other is bound to grab your heart in some way. Hopefully not both

For my preference, you can't beat the hole.

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-Corduroy
(Why else would a bear want a pocket?)