Blade steel for edc

dvldog5811

dvldog5811

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Sep 25, 2020
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Hey BFers, need some help picking a good, well-rounded steel for my edc. I’m torn between a para 2 and para 3 although I’m somewhat open to other good edc’s. My biggest problem is blade steel. I’m painfully novice as far as sharpening which I know should probably play the largest role in my decision. I’m looking for a blade that has a good balance or toughness, edge retention and doesn’t want to corrode or need more care than cleaning and occasional oiling. Also, coated blade or naked? I’m also having a hard time choosing between g-10 and micarta. I can always buy aftermarket scales later.
I’m not hard on knives, basic edc and light use, just want the best all-around edc for the money. Right now, price is at the bottom of my list for choosing.
Any help or suggestions from those on BF with more experience would be GREATLY appreciated. As I’m typing this, I’ve come to realize I’m sounding as indecisive as my wife.
Thanks all!
 
S45VN if your budget allow, no premium, but it is stainless has about the same cutting edge to S30V and toughness of S35VN. Most resin and fibre (both Micarta, G10 and Carbon fiber) based are about the same for me.
 
S35VN or S45VN would be my choice for the best current balance.

I would go 154CM/CPM154, but spyderco doesn't use it much.

I prefer G10 over micarta because I find it better at resisting impact, scratches/dings from pocket things, and doesn't turn into the color of your personal filth lol.

If you're really new, get the LW in SPY27.
 
Any thoughts on the para 2 crewcarta? I’ve had absolutely zero experience with that steel
 
CRUWEAR is on par with S35/45VN for sharpenability. CRUWEAR is very tough and hold an edge probably same if not better. It loses a noticeable amount of corrosion resistance and will stain (not rust) quick.
 
Dergyll said:
CRUWEAR is on par with S35/45VN for sharpenability. CRUWEAR is very tough and hold an edge probably same if not better. It loses a noticeable amount of corrosion resistance and will stain (not rust) quick.
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Thanks for the help. I’m not worried about staining, just rust. Thanks man
 
Any thoughts on dlc vs naked steel blades? I’m assuming it’s kinda just a preference thing.
 
I would get the Para 2 or 3, because they’re priced well. You do not need the best steel and I doubt you will notice too much of difference between steels. Besides high carbon or tool steels - you will not like those from what I read (patina, more maintenance). Learn to maintain its edge, because that is more key than blade steel. SpiderCo sells excellent steel that’s easy to keep an edge - you cannot go wrong.

IMO, go with the lightest of all those knives, so it melts in your pocket for daily use. Moreover, go with cheaper models to understand what you’ll want and like. Do not go all in or think this is your last knife.
 
HST said:
I would get the Para 2 or 3, because they’re priced well. You do not need the best steel and I doubt you will notice too much of difference between steels. Besides high carbon or tool steels - you will not like those from what I read (patina, more maintenance). Learn to maintain its edge, because that is more key than blade steel. SpiderCo sells excellent steel that’s easy to keep an edge - you cannot go wrong.

IMO, go with the lightest of all those knives, so it melts in your pocket for daily use. Moreover, go with cheaper models to understand what you’ll want and like. Do not go all in or think this is your last knife.
Click to expand...
I have no doubt that it won’t be my last! Thanks
 
S35Vn has a good balance of toughness, edge retention, and corrosion resistance. However, my recommendation would be the Spyderco Caribbean. I prefer it to the PM2 in terms of ergonomics, but LC200N steel would really fit well with your criteria too. It is super tough steel, holds a good edge, and is corrosion proof. Maybe best of all, it sharpens like a dream. Maybe the easiest steel to sharpen that I've used. The yellow/black scales may not be too appealing, but they are easy enough to dye.
 
I haven't used it yet but at least on paper, S45VN is similar to Elmax on properties. It is a small step up from S35VN in edge retention and corrosion resistance. It is a small step down in toughness but still tougher than M390/20CV. I would pick S45VN if I was shopping for one of these today.

LC200N is notable in being practically rust-proof. It might not have the edge retention of the above steels but it is very tough.

As far as coatings, I don't like the way they look. Sure, they might help a little on corrosion resistance (except along the edge) but that seems superfluous when your blade steel already has good corrosion resistance. Put it this way. The least stainless steel mentioned in this post is S35VN. Even on a fixed blade carried IWB in the summer, I've never had an issue with rust on S35VN. Getting a higher hedge with the other steels I mentioned is nice, but all of these are good.
 
I've carried a fixed blade in S35VN every day for over two years. Probably my favorite stainless alloy, for whatever that's worth. Don't get hung up on steels. Get something that YOU can sharpen, that holds an edge reasonably well. For folders, I like 14C28N and VG-10. Both get scary sharp without a lot of effort, or expensive sharpening supplies, hold that edge reasonably well, and are decently corrosion resistant. And, while many consider 14C28N a budget steel, it's one of a very few alloys designed specifically for cutlery. It's also one of the toughest stainless alloys. But it's not expensive, so people tend to overlook its overall performance.

I've been around knives for more than 40 years. In all that time, one thing has been shown true over and over: MOST people are actually paying extra for performance they'll never use. Same thing as with motorcycles and sports cars. Oh, some guys will ride/drive their 'baby', but only on good roads, on nice days, and they never stress the components. Never understood that...
 
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Maybe pick up a cheaper knife with a cheaper steel that will be easier to sharpen. Gain some sharpening knowledge with that one, and then work your way up to a higher end steel. Or if your budget allows, get a cheap one and one of the nicer ones PM2/3, and some sharpening items to practice with. Then practice with the cheap one and carry the higher end one. Or if chance allows, pick up a used one of the knives you are interested in and a new one. Practice sharpening on the used one, and carry that until you are comfortable, then carry the new one.
 
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