Carpenter BD1 steel or CTS BD1 your thoughts and or experience

onojoe

onojoe

Joined
Aug 4, 2013
Messages
1,487
I got a Spyderco Manix 2 lightweight with the CTS BD1 steel as a gift about a year ago. When I first handled it, I was not impressed. I had heard so many great things said about the Manix2, but honestly when I got it in hand I was underwhelmed. I think it was the fact that it was the lightweight models and the handles were plastic feeling and the finish on the blade was odd to me. It looked almost as though it was cast, there were no grind marks and even though it was stone washed it looked shiny. Something just looked off to me. Into the drawer it went, thinking that a USA made spyderco must have skimped on the steel to have a street price of around $80.

Recently I pulled it out, gave it a polished edge and started to carry it again. WOW this thing took a really fine edge, I am not the best sharpener, but this may be my sharpest knife. Seems to be holding the edge well too. My first impression seems to have been way off.

What's your experience or thoughts on this steel, you don't hear too much about it.
 
I personally really like most carpenter steels and am a big fan of the BD's (BD1, BD1N, BDZ1, BD4) In my opinion BD1 is a great steel, it takes a very very fine edge and is very easy to sharpen, doesn't hold it as long as some of the "super" steels but holds it better then the Chinese Cr series or Aus 8. This is all from experience not any scientific or metallurgical facts. I can't say much on toughness as I only have these in folders or kitchen knives (Ken Onion Rain,) and I'm not hard on either.
 
I carry my Manix 2 Lightweight in CTS-BD1 almost every day, I hit it on the steel once a week to keep her popping sharp. I regularly cut sisal twine, bailing twine, cardboard, duct tape and packing tape and it's been a great performer and its solid. Its easier to sharpen than the 154CM on my BM grip, but I can get a better edge on it at the cost of sharpening it more often.
 
It's not a steel I bother to seek out but that's because a long lasting working edge fits my EDC needs. If, however, I placed more value on keeping a hair-popping edge BD1 would be one of my top choices due to the quick edge restoration that you mentioned.
 
Not sure how close BD1 and BDZ1 are but Kershaw did a sprint run of Blurs with BDZ1. There was a theory floated that they were looking at it to replace 14c28n. Obviously that didn't happen.
 
For edge holding, I feel bd1 is slightly better than 8cr or aus8 based on my experience of cutting cardboard boxes.
 
Scurvy, the folding knife i have in BDZ1 actually is one of the sprint run blurs you mentioned, funny i am carrying it today. That knife is my favorite to sharpen and takes a razor hair popping edge! :D
 
I got a great deal on a blur with bdz-1. I really couldn't find much info on the steel prior to getting the knife. So far I really like it. it take and holds a razor edge really well. I haven't pushed it really hard but I use it daily as my work knife in the oil and gas field. It glides through hard plastic/rubber conduit, cardboard, zip ties, wire insulation etc... Of course the profile of the blur is really conducive to good slicing ability, but I haven't noticed any edge damage like I was used to performing the same tasks with aus 8, cr, or 14c28n. Seems like a winner in the blur. I wouldn't hesitate to get another knife in this steel.
 
I own a couple Ligtweights, one in blue and one black, both BD1 and can't complain much. Keep them sharp and I've had no issues with them...although I don't really hard use either one. I think for the $$ they are a good deal and enjoy using them.
 
I've got a Manix 2 LW and have really grown to love this steel. It takes a great edge and holds it fairly well.

I use it daily at my warehouse gig and it only takes a few swipes on the ceramic rod to get it back to sharp!

I have one of the BDZ-1 Blurs as well and think it's a great knife.
 
It is similar to Hitachi gin 1. I have used that in a few kitchen knives and it takes a zinging edge. Fairly fine grain, low alloy steel.
Russ
 
Many of the new Cold Steel folding knives now use BD1, but I've never tried one. They've also upgraded many of their other knives to XHP, which is about another two steps up steel-wise. And, with G10 scales they go for about $80 (with 4-inch blades). The company made a video comparing its previous AUS-8A steel with a CTS-XHP, and the latter left the former in the dust. But I'm still waiting for the comparison video on the AUS-8A versus BD1, and there's no indication that one is forthcoming. I'd like to hear from someone who's tried both.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top