Cat in BD-1

Uncle Timbo

Uncle Timbo

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I tried researching to no avail. Could any of you fine knife nuts help this knife nut out and tell me where this steel fits in with the other steels in its class? Where is it in the pecking order? (I'm a hillbilly from WV)
Thank you my fine brothers in Spydie steel!
 
I guess it's a decent tool steel. My manic holds an edge decent ,but I've had some chipping issues . Sorry I can't elaborate more
 
Maybe Mr. Sal could explicate, but BD-1 is in the same genre of Gin-1 and 8Cr13MoV. That is, a good, basic steel that sharpens easily and holds a decent edge. Not up there with VG-10 and the "higher" steels in terms of edge retention. So maybe lower third of the steel continuum, but a good, decent steel.
 
Here's a good thread on spyderco's website from a few years ago talking about the BD-1 steel. It's an entry level US steel for spyderco but is a good all-around steel per Sal Glesser.

https://www.spyderco.com/forumII/viewtopic.php?t=60118

Here's a BF post about it stating it's similar to AUS-8 or 8cr13mov
http://www.bladeforums.com/threads/bd1-steel.914455/

And a cut test vid against VG-10 (I do not know the youtube poster to know how credible it is but it is a data point for your research at least).
 
Thanks everybody. You know, I bought the Cat, just because I wanted a Cat. Then I noticed the steel AFTERWARDS. I thought, heck yea, Spyderco upgraded the steel from 440c. But now. I don't think so. Is BD-1 a lateral move or maybe 1 notch up from 440?
I'm not as excited as I was at first. :(
 
Kootaga13 said:
Thanks everybody. You know, I bought the Cat, just because I wanted a Cat. Then I noticed the steel AFTERWARDS. I thought, heck yea, Spyderco upgraded the steel from 440c. But now. I don't think so. Is BD-1 a lateral move or maybe 1 notch up from 440?
I'm not as excited as I was at first. :(
Click to expand...

I wouldn't feel so deflated about it. There's nothing wrong with BD1 for an EDC steel, unless you cut cardboard 24/7 you'll be fine. I've been beating on Cold Steels new BD1 in their voyagers and i've been impressed to be honest. They've got their heat treat down pat on it, seems to be VERY corrosion resistant and easy to touch up. I imagine Spyderco's BD1 is just as good.
 
Based on the video I posted, BD-1 should be good stuff. Generally, I think VG-10 is considered better than 440c and the BD-1 performed nearly as well as VG-10 so it might not be far off from 440c but it is likely slightly below 440c. I wouldn't worry about the BD-1 not meeting expectations if it's a knife that will be used often, you don't hate sharpening knives (should sharpen easy), and you don't need it razor sharp for a lot of cutting.

I've been considering a Cat for a while but after hearing about the chaparral FRN from shot show, I decided to wait. The steel shouldn't be much to worry about but I'm curious on the ergo's of the cat, feel free to share your experiences once it arrives.
 
Bd1 cat is very easy to sharpen, takes a very fine edge, and so far very corrosion resistant. I like mine.
 
Bikerector, are you saying that 440 is better than VG10? Because I was on the hunt for a second hand Al Mar mini Sere???
 
It is not "below" 440C, which, when heat treated right is a great steel. But it is not a "super" steel like S30V or even VG-10. I would say it is a bit better than 440C in some ways, as it is the same as Gin-1. It is good stuff. It is also not as hard to sharpen, either. You can sharpen it on a coffee mug and it will hold an edge very well. I carry a Cat in 440C and am real happy with it.
 
No. In my opinion, VG-10 is very nice stuff and I'm quite fond of it as an EDC steel.
 
Thanks Doc and BE.
You all have given me an education in 440 that I never had before. I always thought it was a "bottom of the barrel" steel. As in, couldn't get much worse. But as always, I guess I'm wrong. I get these preconceived notions about things sometimes, and I had one about 440.
Duh.
BTW - I Don't have a big collection like a lot of you but I do have, two, Sage I's, one Sage II, one Chicago and the Cat.
 
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