Benifits of 52100?

T

These_Nutz

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What were the benefits of 52100 that made spyderco choose it for there first Mule.
Im just in the middle of putting a handle on the mule right now so i havent put it to any use yet.
I know it polishes up really good but what other benifits does it have?
Is it super tough compared to top satinless steels for example?.
How tough is this stuff?.
Im gonna use it hard soon but want to get an idea what this stuffs up too.
 
i do not own a mule and cannot find the reference for this but if its a tip: if i recall correctly, i read in another thread in this forum that the 52100 steal could be hardened to a higher that average RC (from 60-65?) to give it a much sharper edge. but like i said i cant find the post that said that i think i read
 
52100 is a high carbon ball bearing type steel that has a fine grain and can take excellent edges. It doesn't take diamonds to sharpen it either. It's tougher than some of the more brittle stainless steels, but not as tough as medium or low carbon "shock" type steels like S1, S7, or even 5160.

It also won't have pure wear resistance like some of the other kinds of steels designed for that such as D2, going up to Vascowear, S90V, 10V etc.

For those that have been using it do you like the way it takes edges, and cuts? I know I do. Almost a reference standard by know, and very popular with people who forge their knives it's a true, blue collar, hard working steel. BTW, Sal's choice on heat treat ( to around RC62) is around perfect to me. It's been a real treat and a heck of a way to begin the mule team program. Joe
 
I also read that in genral use it would be hard to tell the difrence between SR-101 and INFI thats as good a recomendation as any IMO.
 
I'll try to remember to look for this post and give you a response after Memorial Day. I'll be out in the woods from Wednesday through that Monday and I plan to put my Mule through it's paces. I've used it a little bit around the house and out on our patio, but not enough to really tell you much except that I like it.
 
I'm pretty sure the reasoning behind 52-100 for the first mule steel is that Sal wanted to use it. Partially to see how well it would work with the manufacturing process they have at the factory, but also because it's a steel he likes.

As mentioned, 52-100 is a fairly ordinary carbon steel, with a little alloy to bring out the best in it. A good benchmark to start off the Mule series.
 
52100 is one of my favourite steels. It is in my humble opinion as good as INFI in small blades but since it does not have quite the toughness (or stain resistance) is less suitable for big knives. Swamprat gets around that by differentially tempering it which is quite clever. It is also excellent for putting on and keeping a very fine edge.

One weakness is it rusts if you look at it funny because it has no chromium.
 
Haze said:
Cliff stamps opinions are of little interest to most people here to be honest.
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Most, not all. I like his reviews for the fact that they cover more ground than "The knife feels good in the hand and appears well made."
 
shangchi108 said:
Here's an opinion on 52100:

http://www.cutleryscience.com/reviews/blade_materials.html#C_52100

You all might be interested to read his opinions on other steels, too.
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Haze said:
Cliff stamps opinions are of little interest to most people here to be honest.
Click to expand...

teacher said:
Why is that ?
PM me if you want, I'm not trying to "start" anything, just curious..... :thumbup: :)
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shangchi108 said:
Good question, especially since he seems to speak highly of Spydercos.
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Vivi said:
Most, not all. I like his reviews for the fact that they cover more ground than "The knife feels good in the hand and appears well made."
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Hmmmmmmmm, no answer yet from Haze as to why that is.
In the meantime I had a chance to check out the link. :thumbup:
I guess the "key word" in ther post Haze made was" most "....... :confused::confused::confused:

But anyway. I guess I ain't "most" either.... cause I found it very interesting and informative....... :thumbup:
 
darthsoaker said:
Mr. Stamp was a fairly smart dude with a bad attitude.
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Yup, that summs it up.

Its more about his attitude of supremicy than what he actually sais that caused him to fall out of favour.

He was banned from here so have a look at what went on and you can come to your own conclusions.
 
I like cliff and think he has a lot of knowledge. At the same time he comes accross as blunt, rude and will argue points with knifemakers that have much, much more knowledge and experience than he has. They quote decades of experience, while cliff quotes books, and others studies.

Cliff will also demand exact, properly worded facts from others while cliff himself tries to get away with broad generalizations based on facts. His debate style infuriates some, others not so much.

He does have a lot to offer. I just cringe when he tries to bluntly correct, and talk down to master knifemakers with over 30 years experience who are icons in this industry, highly regarded by others.

As a guest here I like to learn and will take information where I can get it. That includes cliff. I do resent when he, by his lack of courtesy, runs off guys like goddard, Wilson, and others that also have much to offer in the way of knowledge, though they may not have a PHD. Joe
 
52100 is generally a very clean steel often the subject of multiple smelts. Its average grain can be very small in the neighborhood of the CPM steels. The CPM steels have a very homogenous grain structure. 52100 have grains much larger than CPM steel but also has grain much smaller. I believe that it will produce a finer edge that is very easy to service. In the kitchen with organic cutting tasks it is my favorite. Because it is a Carbon steel and I can play with the heat treatment I feel much more in control with 52100...Take Care...Ed
 
darthsoaker said:
Mr. Stamp was a fairly smart dude with a bad attitude.
Click to expand...

Haze said:
Yup, that summs it up.

Its more about his attitude of supremicy than what he actually sais that caused him to fall out of favour.

He was banned from here so have a look at what went on and you can come to your own conclusions.
Click to expand...

The Mastiff said:
I like cliff and think he has a lot of knowledge. At the same time he comes accross as blunt, rude and will argue points with knifemakers that have much, much more knowledge and experience than he has. They quote decades of experience, while cliff quotes books, and others studies.

Cliff will also demand exact, properly worded facts from others while cliff himself tries to get away with broad generalizations based on facts. His debate style infuriates some, others not so much.

He does have a lot to offer. I just cringe when he tries to bluntly correct, and talk down to master knifemakers with over 30 years experience who are icons in this industry, highly regarded by others.

As a guest here I like to learn and will take information where I can get it. That includes cliff. I do resent when he, by his lack of courtesy, runs off guys like goddard, Wilson, and others that also have much to offer in the way of knowledge, though they may not have a PHD. Joe
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Thankx guys..... this explains a whole lot more.......... :thumbup:
When I get a chance I'll do a search and check it out.........
But, if he got banned from here...... that in itself says a lot... ;)
 
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