A2 is harder that S30V correct? But how much easier is A2 to rust?

ERdept

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Someone on the CR forum said to me, if I remember correctly, that A2 holds it's edge better than S30V, but is prone to rusting. How much more prone?

Please correct me if I recollect incorrectly, it may be an early start of Alzheimers cause I'm going downhill fast ;)

Cliff
 
It's tougher, but I don't believe that translates into longer edge holding. I had a CRK fixed blade in A2 and it was nice. A couple of times I used mine for some light yard work, it got little dark rust blotches on the edge before I could get it cleaned up later in the day. I'm not careful enough to own non stainless knives.
 
Cliff,

A2 contains about 5% chrome, so it will rust if you don’t look after it. It doesn’t rust as easily as 1095 or 52100, but you need to remember to keep it clean and dry when possible.

IMO, comparing A2 and S30V is like comparing apples and oranges.

A2 is easy to sharpen, whereas S30V requires good stones/diamond stones and more work.

DJ
 
S30V is a stainless steel , A2 is not stainless. So A2 will rust while S30V will not.
 
S30V will rust. I tuck a small S30V folder in my waistband when I go running. Small rust spots, probably from salty sweat. However, the rust spots rub off easily, and don't appear to leave pits. The problem is worse on surfaces with rougher finishes, but still not as bad as non-stainless steels. I imagine you'd have a similar problem living near the ocean, or boating on saltwater.

I haven't had trouble with my Mountaineer rusting, even when damp, but the coating is mostly intact and the only exposed steel is at the edge.
 
A2 is easier to sharpen and still holds the edge considerably longer. It's a tough, hard working steel! It can rust of course, but a bit of care it's not a problem at all. Last year I used my MK.IV for about 2 weeks when sailing on the lakes and I did not notice any problem. Maybe the edge was a bit darker, like gun-blue, but that was all. Go for A2, you won't be disapionted!
 
when i use my mountaineer 2 for kitchen type chorse camping, i just hit it 3 times on either side with a ceramic rod and it knocks all the rust off and hones the edge. keep one in your pocket and youre always good to go.
 
I wouldn't say A2 holds an edge longer than S30V.

S30V holds an edge as good as, if not better than, D2 and 154CM.

D2 is twice as wear resistant than A2, thus S30V should hold an edge longer than A2.

Reference:

http://crucibleservice.com/
 
I would tend to agree that S30V holds an edge longer than A2.
A2 is know for its toughness,thats why its used in hard use fixed blades.

D2 has shown to hold a better edge than A2 and there is no doubt in my mind that S30V takes and holds a better edge than D2 at the same hardness.
 
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