Cowry x VS. SGPS

myung-gwan · Nov 25, 2005

Fallkniven uses Cowry x for their top of the line model, NL5 Idun. As I understand, SGPS has the edge retention of CPM s30v or better. I want to know how it compares to Cowry x, which as far as I know, is similar to ZDP-189, if not the same. Anyone has experience on both steels?

myung-gwan · Nov 25, 2005

Anyone?

Cliff Stamp · Nov 25, 2005

Neither of these steels are commonly used compared to other steels so the bulk of user reports are otherwise. I compared SGPS to AUS-8A and it was a significant improvement (many to one edge retentionon normal materials) but this wasn't a very high standard of reference. I will be getting it back soon and can run it against ZDP-189 and S30V. Fallkniven also has a forum on Knifeforums.com where many more people who own the U2 and other SGPS hang out. SGPS and S30V are very similar in composition, S30V has less Mo and double the Vanadium so it should have significantly higher wear resistance, but SGPS is generally ran harder which can be more significant on some cutting.

-Cliff

myung-gwan · Nov 26, 2005

Thank you for your input, Cliff

From what I read in this forum, I feel that SGPS performs better than CPM s30v in term of edge retention and toughness. My growing interest in ZDP steel makes me be more curious as to how these premium stainless steels compare. I don't have any first hand experience in these steels except for CPM s30v. In terms of edge holding, I feel ZDP-189 and Cowry x are the best. SGPS being the second place followed closely by CPM s30v. Well... I may be wrong.

Habeas Corpus · Nov 26, 2005

Cliff Stamp said:
I compared SGPS to AUS-8A and it was a significant improvement (many to one edge retentionon normal materials) but this wasn't a very high standard of reference. I will be getting it back soon and can run it against ZDP-189 and S30V.

That's going to be a very interesting comparison. I've got a U2, a Calypso Jr. and several knives in S30V, and I'm still undecided which steel I like best. My favourite at the moment is ZDP-189, because it's the first steel I've used that is getting close to a decent carbon steel when it comes to sharpening.

It might be quite interesting to include a steel like VG-10 in that comparison. VG-10 set a very high standard in stainless steels, and in some ways I prefer it to S30V.

Hans

Cliff Stamp · Nov 26, 2005

myung-gwan said:
From what I read in this forum, I feel that SGPS performs better than CPM s30v in term of edge retention and toughness.

A lot of S30V depends on the heat treat, specifically if there is a significant secondary hardening phase which demands a very hot soak to get the vanadium dissolved. Wilson is doing this on his customs with full deep cryo and ending up with blades at 60+ hrc and more importantly secondary vanadium carbides, without this effect the wear resistance will not be optimal. Plus a lot of the S30V blades are just getting odd results with burnt edges and other effects really skewing its perception. I have a handful that I'll compare to the U2 and see how they hold up, ideally I'll have Wilson redo some of the S30V blades and see how much of an effect that makes as well.

Habeas Corpus said:
My favourite at the moment is ZDP-189, because it's the first steel I've used that is getting close to a decent carbon steel when it comes to sharpening.

Yes it is very nice in many respects, it is nice to see SPyderco bring in such steels as well now moving to the tool steels.

It might be quite interesting to include a steel like VG-10 in that comparison. VG-10 set a very high standard in stainless steels, and in some ways I prefer it to S30V.

Yes plus the more benchmarks the more informative. VG-10 in many ways is an ideal upper level standard as many recogonize it and it is solid in many respects.

-Cliff