cpm 3V compared to SR101/52100

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wildmike

Joined
Nov 17, 2007
Messages
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A question for all you other Rats out there.

How do cpm 3v (as used in Fehrman knives) compare to SR101/52100 as used in the RMD. especialy in terms of edge quality and crispness, and overall toughness.
 
edge quality and ease of sharpening goes to 52100, toughness and corrosion resistance got to 3v but keep in mind 52100 is more than tough enough to do anything you need it to so for me personally the main difference is the corrosion resistance of 3V, it is comparable to INFI in that department.
 
I have both and have used, abused and tested them extensively and posted testing results on the Ratmandu and Fehrman's Shadow Scout (do a BF search)... similar knives. The biggest difference is that 52100 is more prone to rust.

As far as edge quality, crispness and toughness... they are so similar that I can notice no difference when using either steel. Both are supurb knife steels. Swamp rat's are less expensive so they are the better buy in my opinion.
 
I have to agree, and in a way it is funny but I live in an area of the country where I do not have to really worry about rust on my blades, very minor maintenance and they are good to go yet I find myself buying the more expensive steels because of their corrosion resistance properties like INFI or 3V when I could have a swamp rat at half the cost of the Busse or Fehrman... go figure, maybe I should go talk to someone about my issues :D
 
come to think of it I buy both anyway, crap I have issues. Hey Eric, when is the new release getting announced :eek::D
 
Thanks folks!!!

I love 52100/SR101. So much so that i had a chopper forged for me from it.

I have put myself on the pre-order for the RatManDeux LE, but Fehrmans Shadow scout is similar in size, and price, and doesn't have the top guard.

I'm not overly concerned with rust, as I maintain all my equipment in the field anyway. Old habits from the Corps die hard, or never do so it seems.

I think I'll stick with the SR101/52100.
 
something else to keep in mind and this is no way a knock on Fehrman as I love their knives but the shadow scout has a small handle, really out of proportion with the rest of the knife where as the RMD and RMDeaux has a handle that fits like a glove. I was reluctant to use my M9LE because of the rust issue and ended up selling it, this one I will give a beating
 
I had better stick with the RatManDeux and RMD then as the RMD ahndle is actualy just a little small diameter wise.

I looked for about forever before I finaly gave up and had a chopper made for me. But man did Tad Lynch ever do a fine job!

I'll just apply a forced patina to the RatManDeux when it gets here.

I'm nuts about how this steel takes and holds an edge.
 
if the RMD is a tad small then I would certainly stay away from the Fehrman, now their bigger blades fit my hands perfectly
 
The handle on my chopper I had fits like a glove and I'm pretty sure that if I had been lucky enough to pick up an M9 or a Ratmastiff that the handle would have been ideal.

As it is the RMD is one of my all time favorite blades. The only thing i'm not real happy with is the choil. I'd rather have the edge go all the way back. But it's not a deal breaker for me.
 
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