BG-42 or S30V?

JediKnight86

JediKnight86

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Jul 9, 2003
Messages
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I'm looking to get a large regular sebenza. I know the BG-42 is harder, so which do you think is a better steel to have for EDC?
 
I have knives in both steels. I would choose S30v. As this continues to be a much debated topic, I'll just say that while typically hardened to around 59rc S30v is less prone to chipping. It shows tremendous resistance to lateral stress and even though the appearance is that is softer than many steels, on the Rockwell scale, it's resistance to abrasion allows it to hold a good edge.

In regards to a Sebenza this means if you want a new one you get S30v. If you want an older one you can get BG42.

Both steels are in my EDC rotation. I would choose S30v for a new knife however.

Please pass the popcorn while this gets going.

Thanks

Mike
 
You can't go wrong with either. I had a Large Classic in BG42, and it was awesome, but I wouldn't turn down an S30V sebenza. :)
 
I was a dyed in the wool BG-42 fan. It just didn't get any better, especially w/ a Paul Bos HT. Like many, I jumped on the S30V bandwagon over a year ago, and much to my dismay, was not pleased. The blade seemed to chip out while just poking it through thin soda cans. As a test, I proceeded to completely cut through the thicker, top portion of the can w/ a blade of AUS-8A. The blade wasn't as sharp as it had been, but the edge wasn't damaged one bit. That ended the S30V craze for me, and I went back to BG-42 and 6K.

It wasn't until I bought a Buck/Mayo that I really saw the potential in S30V. The blade is Bos HT, ground super thin, etc. I cut more cardboard than I cared to shake a stick at, and I used it in the kitchen quite a bit. My father claimed the knife as his own, and it's now "officially" his. It's cleaned out at least 10 squirrel, went on a pheasant hunt to South Dakota, and will see service this weekend hunting deer. I've only touched it up twice on fine Spyderco stones, and even then we're talking about maybe five strokes per side. This is with five months of use! The blade sharpness comes to life so quickly, it's really amazing. I think the heat treat is finally perfected, and with this, it's truly an amazing steel.
 
I love BG42, and feel it's one of the best stainless steels out there. S30V, at least the knives that I own and use(made by R.J. Martin) is right up there too. Of course, R.J. knows a thing or two about heat treating, and has these blades close to 60 Rockwell. Not a sign of chipping in these S30V blades.

Sorry, I just realized I'm being no help here with my indecisiveness. Toss a coin. Either steel will be great.
 
mumbleypeg, there "isn't" an issue with BG42 chipping. I have a couple of knives in S30V and it is good steel, but my Sebenza has cut some very hard things before, using lots of pressure, and not only hasn't chipped, it hasn't even appreciably dulled. The BG42 is proven.

Bruce
 
I'm with you on BG42 being proven, even desirable. I have knives in bg42 now and on order. I like it.

Please allow me to clarify. I don't believe that there is an "issue" with BG42 chipping.I believe that S30v is less prone to chipping. This may be a small point with a narrow margin of difference.

A Sebenza in either steel will perform great.
 
Hmmm, well... I think I'm going with S30V bc it's the only steel available for the new ones that I've seen, and I'm pretty sure I want a new one unless a nice used one comes along. Thanks for the imput guys!
 
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