Blade Materials Question

R

RacerX

Joined
Jun 21, 2000
Messages
36
I've previously posted questions about blade materials, but would like to know why there's a difference between the blade materials used in the Zytel vs. stainless versions of various Spyderco knives.

For example, the Native and Native II; why does the Native II use the (apparently) more desireable CPM 440V, while the Native II (with a higher cost) uses the AUS-10. To a layperson like me, it would seem like the best fit would be to have the CPM 440-V on both the Zytel and the stainless versions of the knife. However, I must be missing something.

Also, why does the Calypso Jr use not only different blade material but different blade design (flat vs. hollow ground) in Zytel vs. in stainless?

Spyderco knives are, in my opinion, the best. However, I'm asking these questions because I'm not really a fan of Zytel, and it seems that, in certain cases, there are better options available in the Zytel vs. the stainless versions of the knives.
 
Racer - I wasn't always fond of FRN either, but the material has won me over by it's performance in the field.

Each of the models has an alternate for different reasons.

Native FRN = CPM
Native II (Stainless) = AUS-10

CPM is a US made steel and is very difficult to work with. The FRN native is made in Golden, we developed the production methods for CPM steels.

The Stainless Native is made in Seki and this maker (as most makers) has difficulty with production CPM. AUS-10 has excellent edge retention characteristics which is what we wanted in the Native design.

Endura/Delica FRN = ATS-55
Endura/Delica Stainless = AUS-6

Endura & Delica FRN are more performance oriented with the more expensive, higher carbon content steel.

The Stainless versions are less expensive versions in our stainless line, for those
that still want a stainless handle, but do not wish to spend for the higher carbon content steel.

Calypso jr FRN = VG-10 flat grind
Calypso jr Stainless = AUS-8 hollow grind

The FRN version is the latest variation. It is the result of the early tests done on this design.

The stainless version is still around from the test we did on the design with micarta & stainless handles. It seems that the general market prefers the hollow grind, especially with stainless handles. The more experienced knife aficianado prefers the VG-10 with flat grind. The FRN is how we could get a good knife to more people.

hope that helps.

Boy, this is tough question night...where's the Advil?

sal

[This message has been edited by Sal Glesser (edited 07-10-2000).]
 
Sal,

Thanks for taking the time to answer. You've helped me to understand a little bit better what I actually wanted to understand: the rationale behind why you put which blade type with which handle material. (I assumed, incorrectly, that the blades made in Seki city were just shipped to the Golden location to be assembled with the knives.)

Besides being movitated by a desire to better understand the reasoning behind the materials choices, my question was sparked by my awareness that there are so many excellent Spyderco knife designs I'd like to own (and my resources so limited), it seemed difficult to justify buying multiple versions of the same design. Perhaps I ought to rethink that logic.

At any rate, thanks again for the comprehensive answer. I'm sure you're answering a question (or multiple questions) on the minds of several Spyderco fans.

Thanks!
 
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