BG42 vs S30V

S

SteelSnob

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Sep 7, 2009
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I'm thinking about getting a BG42 Sebbie.For those of you that have tried Sebbies with both steels. Which steel do you prefer and why?

Thanks.
 
I have a large reg in BG42, and a small classic in S30V. I prefer the BG42, but I like both knives. The BG42 is a little easier to sharpen and keeps it's edge a little longer. Mind you, the S30V is no slouch!

Besides, I really like the old style "oh-so-secure" clip on the large BG42...
 
In general, people have a tendency to crave things that are discontinued. In the case of S30V vs BG42, its mostly a placebo...
 
bg-42 is HRC 60-61 and s30v is HRC 58-59 take it for what is worth. IIRC S30v has higher vanadium and bg-42 has higher chromium
 
I prefer the BG42. It has a crisper more aggressive edge. Feels toothier and holds a nice edge a bit longer.
 
I don't have any experience with CRK's use of BG42 but I will say that their use of S30V leaves something to be desired. In my opinion they run it a little too soft. Nasty wire edge when sharpening. I've had to "learn" it. Now that I've mastered avoiding that rolled edge when sharpening I'm overall satisfied with the edge holding and performance. It just makes sharpening a real hassle. It would be nice if you could sit down to an old re-run of Cheers and give the ol' Seb a few strokes on the white stones. Not in the real world. You have to really pay attention to what you're doing and make those final strokes almost non-exsistant pressure.

I hate the recent developments with Crucible Steel going broke and being auctioned off. That makes the future of S30V uncertain. Which, in Spyderco's case is devastating to say the least. But in CRK's case is could almost be a blessing in disguise. It may force them to look at a new blade steel. And they may just heat treat it properly. :foot:
 
Harry Callahan said:
I hate the recent developments with Crucible Steel going broke and being auctioned off. That makes the future of S30V uncertain. Which, in Spyderco's case is devastating to say the least. But in CRK's case is could almost be a blessing in disguise. It may force them to look at a new blade steel. And they may just heat treat it properly. :foot:
Click to expand...

Unrelated to this thread, but to respond to your post, Spyderco does use steels not from Crucible. For example, they have been using Chinese steels.
 
Hey SteelSnob,

Thousands of Sebenza users who use S30V and you rarely hear a case about S30V chipping. I am sure BG42 chips too, just as any steel, but it is reported less because less people own and use BG42 Sebbies.

Unless an actual controlled experiment was done to compare these steels, the differences should not be noticeable. Placebo effect is in all other comparisons...we are not comparing S30V against 440A here.
 
I hear you BlazenGem. Thank you. I had a small chip a few days ago cutting a ziptie. It made me wonder so I took the ziptie and recut it using other areas of the blade and it did not chip again. It does chip but not too often.
 
BlazenGem said:
Unless an actual controlled experiment was done to compare these steels, the differences should not be noticeable. Placebo effect is in all other comparisons...we are not comparing S30V against 440A here.
Click to expand...

I'd love to know how much experience you have using a BG-42 sebenza or if this is just you bullshitting us again from what you have read.


I have both, I have used both a LOT, I have sharpened BOTH a LOT! I find the BG-42 holds a edge much longer... Also keeps that razor edge longer, you know the one where most steels lose it after one or two cardboard boxes. It is a tad harder to sharpen, well not really "harder," but it takes a little longer. It will take a better polish... No problems with either CRK's S30V or BG-42... but given a choice I would pick BG-42 everytime because it IS BETTER!!!

It's not placebo, it really is better ;)
 
Have both in a small sebbie. I don't think you could tell a bit of differance if you didn't know which was which.
Both tough, holds great edge, and easy to sharpen as long as you don't let it get very dull.
 
Don't have the bg42 for comparison, but I've had no problems with the s30v. After the initial sharpening, it is very easy to maintain the edge. A few swipes on a strop is usually enough to bring the edge back, and it holds it well.
 
If given the choice I would go for BG-42, I have had no problems with S30V and it is great stuff but I just personally prefer BG-42.
 
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