Any talk of a steel change?

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levs18

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Jun 25, 2000
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I'm jonesing for a large inkosi but am not the biggest fan of s35vn. I was wondering if there has been any talk of CRK switching over to M390, CPM-20cv, or any other new steels?
 
IIRC CPM-S35V was a created with input from Chris Reeve so in a way it is his steel so it is the brands signature steel I wouldn't expect a change too soon.
 
With Chris not exactly being around the company anymore according to public conjecture I wouldn't rule a future change out if it were in Tim or Anne's will.
 
I could have asked abt dozens of steel types. I just rcvd an email back from CRK.

Q: CRK,

I see the new blade steels and I'm eager as are many others in the community to see them in use. Have you tested the CTS-204P, S110V and Maxamet in 5 and 7 inch blades like the Pacific and Green Beret?

A: We've not tested those specifically but are working on new options on this front. We're equally concerned with edge retention, strength, and corrosion resistance and find that while there are new materials coming out all of the time, rarely do they have a significant performance improvement on all 3 of these fronts. Usually 1/3 will be better but at the loss of performance on the the other 2/3.

Lastly, as an American manufacturer, we're committed to using American made steels whenever possible, if/when you see a new option on this front it'll be with American steel.

Thanks!

Matt
 
I find no issue with S35VN and I echo the sentiment of Chris having his input on its makeup.

I like CRKs for what they are - one man’s design that’s guaranteed the for life of the tool.

Not that it hasn’t been mentioned, but CRK stands up and behind their product. If the blade fails, so what? Even if I misuse my knife - IMO, what it would take - new blades are cheap (I know that’s relative).

Without regard, I bought CRKs for what they are...not what they aren’t.
 
Has anyone had micro chipping on S35VN? I know CRK heat treats their stuff a little softer than some others, and it doesn't look like my sebenza has any chips but the blade on my ZT0450 has (rather) significant micro chipping.
 
I can't speak to all other companies, but CRK hardens S35VN to the same range as Spyderco, and no one says they run theirs soft.

Personally, I like S35VN. It has a very good balance of properties. I have not had chipping issues with it.
 
I would think CPM-20CV meets their criteria it is a better performer in Edge Retention and Corrosion resistance while giving up very little in any other aspect.
 
PirateSeulb said:
I would think CPM-20CV meets their criteria it is a better performer in Edge Retention and Corrosion resistance while giving up very little in any other aspect.
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CRK has mentioned in the past they also want it to remain relatively easy to sharpen. Would it be the same with 20CV? Never used it myself.
 
I suspect the company probably has a permanent discount or some other production advantage given that Chris Reeve was involved heavily in bringing about S35VN.

On top of there being no real functional reason for them to change their steel, I suspect they financially have very little reason to do a change anytime soon.
 
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The only reason for them to switch is that CRK always represented the pinnacle to me. I don't love s35vn, but that's a personal preference. S35vn is fine, but you can get it in knives for $130 now. Granted that steel is only one part of the equation in what makes a knife, but S35vn is no longer the top of the heap. I'd love for CRK to embrace other advances in steel, despite that Chris helped develop s35vn.

The take away here for me though is that if I want a CRK, there is no reason to hold out in hopes of a steel change soon.
 
According to my last conversation with Anne which was probably like 4-6 months ago or so (cannot recall). For the time being it will remain S35VN and if they do decide to change the steel it will most likely be Crucible Industry steel because of their relationship.

I would venture a guess and say the next one when it does happen would be 20CV. I am currently dreaming but would love S110V.

Speaking from every day use though anything S30V or above is more than sufficient.
 
blanco112 said:
CRK has mentioned in the past they also want it to remain relatively easy to sharpen. Would it be the same with 20CV? Never used it myself.
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20cv is an analog of m390 so if you have tried that it is quite similar. Personally I find the 20cv family of steels to be usually easier to sharpen than the s30v-s125v family because they do not form a stubborn burr. Also the 20cv family seems to be good with either a polished or a toothy edge.

That said of the s30v family I find s35vn to be the most pleasant when it comes to sharpening characteristics
 
Lapedog said:
20cv is an analog of m390 so if you have tried that it is quite similar. Personally I find the 20cv family of steels to be usually easier to sharpen than the s30v-s125v family because they do not form a stubborn burr. Also the 20cv family seems to be good with either a polished or a toothy edge.

That said of the s30v family I find s35vn to be the most pleasant when it comes to sharpening characteristics
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Cool. Good to know. I have sharpened m390 once and I had no trouble. I was initially concerned as the knife (Lionsteel Roundhead) came to me new rather dull and all I had was my sharpmaker but it wasn't a problem.
 
20cv could be a good replacement but... At 60 Rockwell not that optimal, so it won't be worth upgrading to for most, as edge retention won't be much more than s35vn at 60-61hrc. At 61-62 Rockwell 20cv would be too hard to sharpen for most of crk customers. I'm trying to think as crk here.

In any case... I think s35vn is fine for a crk. Sure the market will determine if they have to switch due to sales if no ones buying them cause the same steel is on 60$ knives.

But they are knives for collectors as well as users and edc. As a company they have to think about all of that. Will be some really sore folks if they change. They also have history and stubbornness.

I'd welcome a change to 20cv because I use diamond and SiC stones without issues to sharpen it. But even tho the rest of the market is going m390 and variants of it, I'd still buy a crk. Even 10 years from now if it still had s35vn.

For the price you'd expect the latest and greatest, but its not always about that. Blade steel does not always determine price and lots of knife nuts don't get that in today's market. Sadly people still love 440c and If that works for them great, I would still like to see the market evolve. At least evolve from 8cr13mov and aus8 or use a more optimized heat treatment for those steel types. But budget means half baked everything.
 
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I have no issue with S35VN. I think it strikes a good balance of performance and ease of maintenance. Any new "super" steels will also come with a price increase. If it ain't broke, don't fix it.
 
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I personally really like s35, it sharpens easily and holds and edge well. Back when they used s30 I was not a fan, but the upgrade to s35 was a huge improvement and I am perfectly happy:thumbsup:
 
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