Hi Rick. Sorry for the confusion. The reasons for the different steels in the different models is not logical. In each case, it was done for a different reason. Sometimes economics, sometimes not.
examples:
The original Calypso jr was done with AUS-8. It was an experimental model and we needed to get a sample into the marketplace. AUS-8 is a good steel with many excellent properties and it permits us to get a "feel" for the ELU reaction to the design. Had we made it with ATS-34, the additional cost would have affected reaction (cost) and would not have told us if the ELU liked the design. At the time, we had just introduced the Moran with VG-10 and we needed some history on VG-10 in the field before putting it into more than one model. (We were the first company to use VG-10 in production). Once the design was received well, we had some hsitory on VG-10 and used it in the production model. Why FRN instead of micarta? It provides a better performing knife with a lower price and provides about 4 times the sales as the micarta version.
In the case of the Endura and Delica, the market was asking for a steel model (a la Police), at a lower price point. So the Endura and Delica, already proven designs, seemed like the way to go with a less expensive AUS-6 steel. Still a good steel, though not exotic.
Also please keep in mind that Spyderco is "fussy" about our heat treat so you can expect to get maximum performance from any steel we select. Putting an exotic steel in a knife offers attractive sales, but if the heat treat is not up to spec, the performance is not there despite the exotic steel.
I hope that makes more sense to you now.
sal
