Blade Material

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LilLaz

Joined
Mar 11, 2012
Messages
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So still deciding what knife to purchase for my first knife. I'm looking at the Kershaw Skyline and some Spyderco knives (Persistence, Tenacious, ect..). My question is does the steel used really matter on the durability of the blade because some Kershaw knives and Spyderco's knives use different steels.
 
Those are all good picks and you won't be disappointed whichever you pick. On those kinds of knives at the price point performance and durability will be pretty good for a work knife, just touch them up often to keep sharp. I don't think they compare in say edge retention to zdp-189 but they are tough entry level steels that are a joy to use.
 
In that price-line, S30V is pretty common with Spyderco. A good stainless, used quite commonly also in expensive custom knives. Takes a good edge; sharpens fairly easily to a good edge.
As you add money, you may choose CPM M4 (tool steel, may rust without care), or super-steels such as S90V, CTS 20CP, M390, perhaps ZDP-189.
Sonny
 
Steel isn't as important as people make it seem nowadays. Caring or sharpening them isn't that hard either. Get the knife you want and cut the crap out of it. By the time it wears out, you'll probably be retired.
 
LilLaz said:
So still deciding what knife to purchase for my first knife. I'm looking at the Kershaw Skyline and some Spyderco knives (Persistence, Tenacious, ect..). My question is does the steel used really matter on the durability of the blade because some Kershaw knives and Spyderco's knives use different steels.
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The choice of alloy does make a difference in edge retention. However, in the overall choosing of of a knife, the choice of alloy is not of primary importance. Balance and ergonomics, geometry of the cutting edge, blade length and design, and overall fit and finish are all competing factors which are at least as important as blade alloy and heat treat.

My advice to all new knife folks is to buy from one of the top manufacturers (Both Kershaw and Spyderco fall into that category) and let the manufacturer choose an alloy which is appropriate for the design. Then trust them to give it a good heat treat.

BTW, Welcome to BladeForums! Enjoy your stay.
 
Thanks man! I think I'm going to buy a Kershaw knife (more than likely the Skyline but looking at the blur and the leek) and a Spyderco (looking at the persistence).
 
The skyline is the way to go if you are looking for a nice slim light carry knife with a very nicely sized blade for the size (much bigger than the leek).
 
Forget the Persistance, check out the Endura with VG10 excellent steel. You won't regret it.
 
Don't overstress yourself on blade steels. As long as it is from a quality manufacturer, it will be good. Spyderco and Kershaw are the best of the best, they will not disappoint. Find one that you like holding, you like in your pocket, and you like looking at :) (also, one you can afford)

Even though I'm a huge spyderco fan, and only have one Kershaw, which I never carry. I generally recommend Kershaw knives to beginners, as I feel the look of them is a bit nicer on the lower priced knives, and they generally have slim profiles. The skyline is one such knife, it really is a great knife.

I have the Spyderco Tenacious, and it's a tremendous knife for the price if you go that route. A bit thicker in pocket than the Kershaw.

when I was looking for my first quality knife, I spent months looking at people on forums talking about blade steel. Most of it was way over my head and made me put off purchasing anything for a long time. Ended up going with the spyderco Native in S30V for about $50, which is another great bargain. But I really couldn't sharpen that one at first. I'd recommend getting one less expensive than that, and investing on some good sharpening tools.
 
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