Cold Steel Magnum Tanto types of steel?

[corwise]

I've always liked the look for Cold Steel Tantos, and with the recent news was thinking of asking for one for Christmas. Looking at the 9" or 12" versions, had a questions on their steel choice. My limited memory of their steel versions is that their San Mai wasn't always the best? I've seen a few versions online with CMP 3V for significant more.
This isn't going to be a hard use knife, lots of Busses for that. But figured I'd ask some opinions as all I remember is people saying their San Mai depended on the batch or something. Thanks.

 

[JParanee]

When it comes to cold steel the older the better imho

 

[knarfeng]

I've always liked the look for Cold Steel Tantos, and with the recent news was thinking of asking for one for Christmas. Looking at the 9" or 12" versions, had a questions on their steel choice. My limited memory of their steel versions is that their San Mai wasn't always the best? I've seen a few versions online with CMP 3V for significant more.
This isn't going to be a hard use knife, lots of Busses for that. But figured I'd ask some opinions as all I remember is people saying their San Mai depended on the batch or something. Thanks.

CPM 3V is the current champ with the "tough knives" crowd.

There's nothing wrong with San Mai. It's very tough. I think the current version is with VG10. So you get the edge holding of VG10 in a much tougher blade. VG10 in my usage gives edge holding about on a par with AT34 or 154CM, which I consider adequate. YMMV.

 

[jlauffer]

Haven't heard of any issues with San Mai. Originally the core was AUS 8, then VG-1, and now VG-10. If it's from Japan and says "San Mai III", it has the AUS 8 core. VG-1's are also from Japan and clearly marked. The VG-10's are from Taiwan and just say "San Mai".