Decided on a PM2, now what steel

I haven’t taken the time to read through here, but the obvious answer is: All.
 
Tarheelpwr said:
The more I really think about it, the more I’m leaning that way. I REALLY want the M390, but having s30V to hone my sharpening skills might be a good thing.
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And you can always sell the S30V version when the M390 becomes more easily available again, recoup some of your cost and by then you know how much you like the PM2 platform to begin with.
 
Misthailin said:
No, you didn’t say the 551-1701, I did. You mentioned the laughable plastic handles of the 551, so I mentioned the nice carbon fiber handles of the -1701. While I don’t have one, I do like the look of the 555-1 I just got. Nice little knife ;)
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Sweet recap.

I'm happy that you're happy :p
 
I have the s35vn w brown g10. S35vn should perform a little better than s30v and still be easy to sharpen. Some say it's actually easier to sharpen than s30v. I think this may be the best steel for you, it will be a vast improvement over 8cr13mov and you'll have something a little different than the standard s30v/black g10 pm2.
 
PWatkins said:
I have the s35vn w brown g10. S35vn should perform a little better than s30v and still be easy to sharpen. Some say it's actually easier to sharpen than s30v. I think this may be the best steel for you, it will be a vast improvement over 8cr13mov and you'll have something a little different than the standard s30v/black g10 pm2.
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Are those still available w/o a premium? I like the idea of S35V, but it too similar to S30V to justify a huge price jump for me.
 
Tarheelpwr said:
Are those still available w/o a premium? I like the idea of S35V, but it too similar to S30V to justify a huge price jump for me.
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They are $155.97 at BBS.

I believe the shipping is pretty high... like $15. So it may be close to $180.
 
Tarheelpwr said:
Are those still available w/o a premium? I like the idea of S35V, but it too similar to S30V to justify a huge price jump for me.
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Mine was $150 from knifecenter, but that was before the map price increase. I think the s30v pm2's are about $136 now so it shouldn't be much more.
 
I've seen the s35v pm2 go for $140-$150 shipped here on the exchange. I just checked my usual sites and bento box still has them but like misthailin said your looking at $180 ish. They are available for pre-order at knifecenter. If you don't need it right away keep an eye on the exchange.
I wouldn't have paid $180 for mine.
 
I have the S30V and the S110V. Both are really nice knives. I use a Wicked Edge Pro (Pro Pack 1) to sharpen and it's quite easy to get really great edges on either knife with it. I use 16dps for the PM2's. I previously used a Lansky diamond model, but it isn't as easy or as accurate as the WEP.
 
Boy, it's a shame you've excluded 52100. I just purchased one, and it's a folding razor blade, and it's super easy to keep it that way. I've been sharpening for decades, and I'm new to the techno stainless steels. Although I know many have learned how to sharpen them, I finally gave up and returned to high carbon, or at least, what someone here referred to as "classic stainless" steels.

From what little I did learn about them is that they seem to like diamonds over the natural stones, so when you've made your decision, purchase a few of the finer diamond hones from your chosen purveyor.
 
My only concern is someone developing their sharpening skills, starting off with one of these really high end super steels may actually discourage them.
 
I love the idea of 52100 and carbon Steel’s, but I’d rather have the peace of mind knowing I don’t have to wipe it down CONSTANTLY.
 
skyhorse said:
My only concern is someone developing their sharpening skills, starting off with one of these really high end super steels may actually discourage them.
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I see myself staring in the s30, s35, XHP area the more I think about it. I like the idea of testing the platform out more cheaply as well.
 
skyhorse said:
My only concern is someone developing their sharpening skills, starting off with one of these really high end super steels may actually discourage them.
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I have a ZT 0456 sitting in a drawer that lies in testament to this. Sharpening these high end steels is obviously something that many here have not only embraced, but mastered.

But I've been sharpening, quite successfully, for a very long time, but the thought of yet another hour or five trying to get that ZT sharp almost nauseates me. It'll likely be for sale very soon.

I REALLY like my PM2 in 52100.
 
Any of the offerings are likely to keep you happy. However, some, like the S110V and Maxament need special skills and equipment to sharpen. I love the color of the S110V scales, however.

You can still find the orange G10 with black blade CTS-XHP for sale, probably here on the forum. That is a sweet looking knife in a steel that is very corrosion resistant. I like this steel better than S30V or S35VN just a bit.
 
Wow, trade forums here go FAST. Just checked and saw the Camo PM2 lasted all of 20 min. I can’t imagine how fast old sprint runs go.

I think I’m better off just buying one new. Seems like trying to grab one off here is going to be a frustrating task.

I appreciate all the feedback and Input. Once I factor in everything, I’m going to give it a week to see if I can grab a deal on an S35V or ideally an XHP PM2. If not, I’ll pick up an S30V normal one.

At the end of the day, S30V is a good balanced steel. In my mind, EDC is all about balance. Tasks vary and conditions vary. I think that’s the beauty of the PM2 as well. It’s not really BEST at anything, but it’s good at pretty much everything.

I need to keep my current skill level in mind. Not long ago, I opted for a 154C Leatherman Blade over S30V partly due to ease of sharpening. Fast forward to now and I got caught up on all the internet hype. Now I’m talking about Steel’s exponentially tougher to sharpen.
 
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