Different blades....

[Johnnyboy]

Hey guys...

I am sort of new to this and I would appreciate it, if someone could say, give me a the top 5 blades steeles to look out for when choosing a knife...

Oh and I have also got my eye on a Al Mar Payara is it any good? or could you advise on something similiar or better...

Cheers!!!

 

[orca8589]

Welcome to the forums. Asking a question like that is gonna open up a can of worms. Here's a link to a good write-up about knife steels. That's where I'd start. From there, you can ask here about different opinions.

Generally, just start with a good carbon steel, like 1095, with a good heat-treat, and build your collection from there.

http://www.knifeart.com/steelfaqbyjo.html

Good luck -

thx -cpr

 

[T.K.C.]

Welcome to BF!

Oy, what a question! It ALL depends on what you are going to use the knife for, folder or fixed bladse? What is your price range? Your question is waaaaaay toooo general.

 

[Ben Dover]

You should probably start with the lower end steels until you learn to sharpen well. (Unless you have the skills and tools already.)

Then move up to the better steels like D-2, CPM D-2, S30V, S90V, CPM M-4, 3V, ZDP 189, etc.

There are a few decent knives made out of even the lower end steels, depending on what you intend to use the knife for.

Benchmade, Spyderco, and Kershaw all make knives from a variety of steels ranging from the very low end to the very top end. (and the prices usually reflect the steel pretty well!)

But I would avoid the "Blue Light" specials at K-Mart and lower end Wally World stuff.