CPM S35VN questions?

salmonkiller

salmonkiller

Joined
Dec 9, 2006
Messages
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What is the hardness of the Native 5 S35vn?
How does S35vn compare to M390 ?
Does anyone have a chart that compares the latest stainless steels that Spyderco uses that includes not only harness but toughness side by side?
How does S35vn stack up against other super steels Spyderco offers including the sprint runs regarding the hardness/ toughness trade off?
What is the heat treat hardness spyderco hardens S30v vrs S35vn vrs m390 to?
Thanks very much to all!!!
Best regards,
Josh
 
I believe S35VN has similar edge retention as S30V. It is supposed to be easier to machine than S30V, and also marginally tougher. In real world use though, it sounds to be the same as S30V. Spyderco runs that S30V at 59-60, and I imagine S35VN would be similar.

M390 holds an edge for longer than S30V in my experience, but I haven't seen any numbers for their HRC.

Neither steels are known for being exceptionally tough (like most stainless). And those bar graphs are just a generalization, nothing that is based on incredibly accurate scientific data.
 
I haven't directly compared them yet, but Crucible says the edge retention of S35VN is similar to that of S30V, which would put it quite a bit below that of M390.

I measured the hardness of my Native5 blade. It was 59.46. This puts it about dead nuts in the center of the hardness range recommended by Crucible.

I'm off this work this week and plan on doing a side by side comparison of S35VN and S30V. I should have it posted in the Testing and Review Forum by next weekend.
 
The recommended hardness for M390 is ~59-62 if cryo-treated. Its vastly superior edge retention is not due to higher hardness. I've compared the edge retention of an M390 blade vs. a harder D2 blade. The M390 was far superior in edge retention. (And the D2 blade had better edge retention than an S30V blade.)

edited to add: all that being said, I am quite satisfied with the S35VN so far. Seems to take a finer edge than S30V.
 
Thanks for the education!
I am a hunter and and a Spyderco collector. My manix 1 S30v has processed many animals in the field and chipping has never been an issue so far.The native 5 is my current EDC, but have not put it to the test in the real world and time will tell.I understand there is always a trade off between edge retention and toughness.Edge retention tests that cut through cardboard or rope in my opinion don't address the toughness of the steel such as cutting through bone in a game animal. I am considering both M390 and S35vn Para 2 sprints and real world information is hard to find as they are both newer steels.M390 seems to be the hottest stainless, but how hard is it and will it be prone to chipping in a real world senerio?
Thanks,
Josh
 
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I have a friend who has a carpet cleaning business. He uses an M390 blade as his daily carry at work. He tells me he cuts all sorts of nasty stuff with it without suffering any chipping. I trust his word.
 
This might be one of those scenarios where you might have break new ground, try it yourself, and then find the answer firsthand through your own experiences.
 
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salmonkiller said:
This is one of the best real world senerio reviews and would be my current choice on a non stainless steel
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/846386-Spyderco-Manix-2-in-CPM-M4-Tan-G10-%28Pic-heavy-minor-gore.%29?highlight=manix+review
Spyderco Manix 2 in CPM M4, Tan G10

Maybee myself or someone else on this forum can do a similar review of the Native 5, S35vn Para 2 sprint , or a mili or para 2 M390 sprint when they are released?
Thanks ,
Josh
Click to expand...

Perhaps this will do for now:
Comparison of CPM M4 HC, ZDP-189, M390, and S30V edge retention

Among other things there, I compared a Benchmade 710 in M390 to a Gayle Bradley in CPM M4
 
salmonkiller said:
This is one of the best real world senerio reviews and would be my current choice on a non stainless steel
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/846386-Spyderco-Manix-2-in-CPM-M4-Tan-G10-%28Pic-heavy-minor-gore.%29?highlight=manix+review
Spyderco Manix 2 in CPM M4, Tan G10

Maybee myself or someone else on this forum can do a similar review of the Native 5, S35vn Para 2 sprint , or a mili or para 2 M390 sprint when they are released?
Thanks ,
Josh
Click to expand...

Thanks for the kind words- you reminded me to update my review. As a scientist (of sorts) I must point out that my reviews are of "the knife" and have no validity when it comes to comparison with eg. other steels or knives.

Ankerson, Frank (Knifeng) and CATRA results are your best available evidence for comparison purposes.

With Mules, I try and standardise a bit and do a side-by-side comparison of steels in real world use. However, it takes time to gather the experience as I don't shoot a deer-a-day (for example.)

So far, I've been impressed with the M390 mule; will post pics and review when it has done more work (it's done a fair bit already.)
 
M390 has no chipping or any other general toughness issues. Its only downside so far is price. I love the way it cuts too. Very aggressive edge. It's easily my favorite steel for folders.

Since you're new here & nerding out on steels:
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/s...based-on-Edge-Retention-cutting-5-8-quot-rope
What I wouldn't have given for that thread in the days before I found Bladeforums...

How do you like that Native 5? I haven't handled one yet & I'm real curious about it. They sounded real proud of the updates they did on an already excellent design.
 
I've had a Native III for a few years. I've always liked the Native design. This version takes it to the next level. It's like Spyderco took everything they have ever learned about knife making and applied it to this knife.

My opinion has not changed from what I posted before.

knarfeng said:
Got mine in this afternoon.
First assessment is pretty much what the others said
  • Built like a brick outhouse, a really really solid feel to it.
  • Excellent fit and finish
  • Zero blade play in any direction
  • grippy, but not rough, G10
  • mine would shave out of the box
  • very smooth action
  • so far the clip is working out well for me
Click to expand...
 
That's what I was hoping to hear. Just like they did with the Para. All those little tweaks added up. Their attention to those little details is on it's own level at this point. I'm looking for an excuse to buy one for someone.
 
knarfeng said:
I haven't directly compared them yet, but Crucible says the edge retention of S35VN is similar to that of S30V, which would put it quite a bit below that of M390.

I measured the hardness of my Native5 blade. It was 59.46. This puts it about dead nuts in the center of the hardness range recommended by Crucible.

I'm off this work this week and plan on doing a side by side comparison of S35VN and S30V. I should have it posted in the Testing and Review Forum by next weekend.
Click to expand...

Gents, I did the tests, haven't written them up. I may later. But I will say I was unable to differentiate between S30V and S35VN when it came to edge retention cutting manila rope. I am reasonably certain that in real world use, no one can tell the difference in edge retention between those two alloys. My opinion regarding the performance of S35VN vs. M390 remain as above.
Frank R.
 
knarfeng said:
Gents, I did the tests, haven't written them up. I may later. But I will say I was unable to differentiate between S30V and S35VN when it came to edge retention cutting manila rope. I am reasonably certain that in real world use, no one can tell the difference in edge retention between those two alloys. My opinion regarding the performance of S35VN vs. M390 remain as above.
Frank R.
Click to expand...

Thanks, Frank. That certainly fits with my experience so far.
 
knarfeng said:
Gents, I did the tests, haven't written them up. I may later. But I will say I was unable to differentiate between S30V and S35VN when it came to edge retention cutting manila rope. I am reasonably certain that in real world use, no one can tell the difference in edge retention between those two alloys. My opinion regarding the performance of S35VN vs. M390 remain as above.
Frank R.
Click to expand...

I found the same to be true also. :)
 
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