Recommendation? Another EDC blade steel question

RayseM

RayseM

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Bohler M390 or CPM-S35VN - all other knife considerations be equal are these comparable or is one better than the other? I'd appreciate your feedback.

Ray
 
you've been here much much longer than myself... you should know by now 'better' is very subjective...

s35vn is slightly better in toughness
m390 slightly better in edge retention

both are excellent, and both require good heat treats to be really top notch
 
What knives are offered in these steels, other than PM2?
Curious to hear comparisons, too.
 
I'm looking at a WE knife and a Viper Orso. I understand the very subjective nature of my question but I am curious as to others' experience with these two steal offerings.

I use my EDC for a variety of cutting tasks from the usual paper/cardboard stuff to wood - soft & hard, occasionally as a scraper, occasionally for ropes and lines of differing material, and some hard use in a pinch stuff, that might include drywall or plaster. The latter I avoid unless all other options are unavailable. My daily routine includes a few passes as needed, with my otherwise sharp knife, on a Sharpmaker. More serious sharpening, some rainy Saturday, every other month or so.

Just wonderin' is all, what you folks might have to say. ;) Serious inquiry and I expect some potentially contradictory opinions.

Thanks for any comments.

Ray
 
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I have both, I love both, both sharpen (w/diamonds) and strop easily. In my experience: M390 is the when was the last time I sharpened this steel. S35vn is the oh my god I didn’t think a knife could be this sharp steel. I have both steels in edc folders and hard use knives and see no down side to either. I am however personally drawn to M390 because of the incredible edge retention. I’d find a knife that appeals to you and if it’s in either one of these steels , you can’t go wrong.
 
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Certainly, they are both fine steels. I have several knives in each steel. I confess to give higher respect to M390, although primarily for its edge-holding.
My favorite steel, at the moment, is my Vanadis 4E Supersteel in the Bradford G3 fixed example.
 
RayseM said:
Bohler M390 or CPM-S35VN - all other knife considerations be equal are these comparable or is one better than the other? I'd appreciate your feedback.

Ray
Click to expand...
I’ll take M390/20CV all day, everyday over S35 (hello CRK???) given the choice from the same maker/heat treat. I would never turn my nose up at S35 though.
 
Thank you all. Great replies and you've given me comfort. It seems I can't go wrong with either choice, with a bit of a lean to the M390 that might get 2 days between passes over the Sharpmaker ;) :)

Now I have to decide on the other considerations.

Cheers, Ray
 
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