Custom makers who utilize the SUPER-est of the super steels

Jestersinthemoon

Jestersinthemoon

Joined
Apr 6, 2008
Messages
252
Hello gents,

Got a question for you. The custom bug has bit me and I have reached that point where I would like to trim down my collection some and focus on particular knives or certain attributes of knives, as opposed to buying up everything that catches my eye. I've got a few customs on order right now, but I started thinking about something and decided that I need to come to the experts to help find some answers to this question.

Bascially, I'm a super-steel junkie. I actually enjoy having examples of a variety of different types of steel in my collection. I enjoy using them and noticing subtle differences in how they cut and how they sharpen. I've found that I'm very fond of ZDP-189, Vanax 75, and B75P, and I have knives in M390, CPM-M4, 3V, S35VN, CTS-XHP, 20CV, and others. I'm also looking forward to getting my pre-ordered ZT 888Max with the Micromelt Maxamet blade at 68-70 HRC.

Recently, I happened across some articles about Talonite which really sparked my interest, and I've seen some info in the past about 10V, 15V, as well as some other high hardness alloys that are being used here and there. My question is, first off, what are the super steels that are sparking interest besides 10V, 15V, etc.

Secondly, I know that Talonite has been around for a little while, so are there any makers who still produce knives from Talonite or what are some knives that have been produced in the past that one might be able to find if one takes the time.

Last, which makers do you recommend for getting knives made of some of the high HRC super-steels that you rarely see in production blades? I'm not looking for anything with natural stag handles, friction folders, or slipjoints, but everything else is fair game.

Thanks for any info you can offer! Have a good one!

W
 
Last edited:
David Williamson of Ozark Tradition Knifeworks. He tries to get in stuff that most people have not even worked with.
 
Farid uses CPM 121 at Rc70. I have handled his knives and they are state of the art.
 
OK, so what are the steels that the steel junkies are clamoring for?

CPM-10V, CPM-15V, CPM-REX121................what else?
 
Jestersinthemoon said:
OK, so what are the steels that the steel junkies are clamoring for?

CPM-10V, CPM-15V, CPM-REX121................what else?
Click to expand...

M390, S110V, K390, K294 (both Bohler's versions of 10V and 15V). Vanax, Cruwear, S690. There is alot out there. David works with most of the stuff I have listed, or will try and get it if you request.
 
Hello!

Imho, Farid Mehr is the one you would want to talk to. I have several of his knives (from CPM-15V, REX-121 to T1, D3, D6...) and have only good things to say about them. Also, Farid is a great guy to talk to.

Best regards,
Alex
 
Talonite is a form of Stellite (6-BH). David Boye pours Stellite blades. Tom Mayo has offered blades in Talonite and, I believe, Stellite 6-K. You might want to add CPM S-90-V and CPM S-125-V to your list.
 
Phil wilson is one of the best heat treaters in the business. He grinds his blades to complement the steel choice for edge holding and cutting ability. He works with new stuff all the time and does real world tests on hunting trips. The knife below is a south fork with birds head butt, CPM S110V blade @63 rc and black canvas micarta handle with green and black G-10 spacer.
 
Another knife maker I would recommend is Big Chris. This knife is a CPM S90v blade @60 with natural canvas micata handle and red G-10 spacer. He is a great guy to work with and will grind the blades to your intended uses.
 
I have a Phil Wison Fillet knife in CPM S90V and a Phil Wilson Chef's knife in CPM10V, both are great users and stay sharp longer than most.
 
Thanks for all of the excellent help guys. That is exactly what I was looking for.

Ironically, I've been talking to Farid on the bay because he teamed up with David Boye to do some of his Cobalt 3 models. Apparently David poured them and Farid ground them..........large and small sizes.

Love the two knives pictured above and will definitely have to talk to the makers mentioned. There's no doubt that I have a few "pretty" knives, but I would much rather spend my money on a knife thats not a looker, but that will take an edge that you could shave Superman's ass with and still have plenty of hair popping edge left for a dozen camping/survival trips.

Thanks again!!

W
 
Jester, PM me if you need more information on the knife makers I mentioned.
Big Chris once again!
 
Last edited:
Salve

Search for Boehler K 190 microclean( Din 1.2380 ) with 2,3 % carbon in the matrix. It is a sinter steel. Very good cutting properties . This steel is also used for making coins.

Wim
 
Last edited:
Can someone email me Farid's contact info? Also any other makers who do high RC supersteel folders would be great.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top