EDC Spyderco help

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Razor_Ramone

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Aug 14, 2019
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Hi, I'm interested in a Spyderco folder for EDC. I was searching knifeworks and they use 31 different types of steel, is there one in particular I should look for or stay away from? I was thinking ZDP 189 because it's very hard, but does it chip easily? Their H1 won't corrode but is it good as far as edge holding? Basically, what in your opinion is Spyderco's best steel for a EDC folder if the criteria is taking and holding a very sharp edge without being prone to chipping or corrosion?
 
I'm not a steel snob, but for EDC use I think Spyderco offers some awesome steels in knives that are great users. I'd prioritize corrosion resistance > edge retention > toughness for the steel in a folder, but if you want stellar performance at edge retention but still great corrosion resistance, you won't go too far wrong with something like a Manix 2 Lightweight in S110V (or S90V if you like the color orange better than blue).
 
That sounds like a description of my Delica in M390.

I think Spyderco does a lot of steels very well, but since I've been carrying it for the last couple of months, its done very well in the areas you mention.

Honestly tho, I usually get by great with a Delica in VG10. What do you cut a lot of? That may influence your ultimate decision.
 
I’ll start off by saying that you made a good choice by choosing Spyderco. If you want a good blade that’s corrosion resistant, tough, and has decent edge retention, then go with the Native 5 with a CPM S35VN blade. The Native 5 is small enough to comfortably carry, yet big enough to handle about any cutting task you encounter. Another plus with S35VN is it easily takes a nice razor sharp edge.
 
If you want a small slicer, I recommend Chaparral.

Chap5.jpg
 
Razor_Ramone said:
Hi, I'm interested in a Spyderco folder for EDC. I was searching knifeworks and they use 31 different types of steel, is there one in particular I should look for or stay away from? I was thinking ZDP 189 because it's very hard, but does it chip easily? Their H1 won't corrode but is it good as far as edge holding? Basically, what in your opinion is Spyderco's best steel for a EDC folder if the criteria is taking and holding a very sharp edge without being prone to chipping or corrosion?
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I carry a ZDP-189 Endura or Delica almost every day and have done for nearly 2 years now. It's my favorite steel from Spyderco.

That said, you won't be left wanting if you go with any of the following:

S110v
S90v
CTS-XHP
S35vn
S30v
Zdp-189

They're all phenomenal performers. Others like Maxamet, M4, etc. are equally great, but will require some care to prevent corrosion.

Find a model that you like and then snag one in whatever performance steel is being offered.
 
I have EDC'd a Gayle Bradley, tough M4 steel, I clean it occasionally and have not had any corrosion issues. It does a great job for me around the shop and yard.

I can't say it is the best knife ever, because I haven't handled all the many knives out there. I don't think anyone can say that, but it has been a very good knife for me for many years of work.

Here is a video about the Gayle Bradley that might be of interest. I have never seen anyone put a polished edge on a knife like this guy does. I am impressed. I don't spend that much time on mine, just using the Sharpmaker and getting a very good working edge that lasts a good while.

 
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Spyderco has awesome blade steels. They’re all heat treated properly. Their vg 10 and s30v are really good for edc.
 
115Italian said:
Spyderco has awesome blade steels. They’re all heat treated properly. Their vg 10 and s30v are really good for edc.
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To be honest, I don't have a very high opinion of s30v. I have a Benchmark I bought close to fifteen years ago and it goes dull just riding around in my pocket.
 
M390 has been my favorite stainless steel for quite some time. If you want a tough stainless that can hold an edge, M390/20CV/204P are all excellent choices, mostly because they’re basically the same steel. I don’t know of too many production M390 models out there, though.


My second choice, and one that Spyderco does have a few production models with, would be CTS-XHP. It acts very much like a carbon steel, it sharpens easily, keeps a razor thin edge well, and is stainless. I much prefer XHP to S30V, but both steels would be plenty fine for your criteria. S30V holds an edge longer than XHP, but XHP is easier to sharpen and a bit tougher as well.

If you actually mean Benchmark and not Benchmade, give Spyderco’s S30V a chance. They do it well, but Benchmade does a pretty dang good S30V too.
 
Razor_Ramone said:
To be honest, I don't have a very high opinion of s30v. I have a Benchmark I bought close to fifteen years ago and it goes dull just riding around in my pocket.
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I have a couple Benchmade Bugouts so I totally get what you're saying, I have experienced much the same edge retention, but have had much better luck with Spyderco's S30V.

I should say I still prefer VG10 to it for the ease of sharpening.
 
Razor_Ramone said:
To be honest, I don't have a very high opinion of s30v. I have a Benchmark I bought close to fifteen years ago and it goes dull just riding around in my pocket.
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There’s s the problem. Benchmade. Spyderco s30v is heat treated right. I use a manix 2 everyday. I have no issues.
 
Ah, the old what knife is going to be best for me question. First, you have to be honest with yourself about just how much you’re going to be using that particular knife and for what tasks, how much you’re willing to spend in the cool vs. practical debate.... and quite honestly, that you’re not going to fall into the trap of wanting to own, or at least try, every knife there is out there like the rest of us. The quest truly is never ending. That said, I think we can all agree there’s never been one knife to rule them all, as evidenced by this very forum.

That said, if you’re looking for a “first”, Spyderco, having carried a folding knife of some ilk for over 30 years, I gotta say Spyderco’s VG10, while not the newest bestest super steel, is still pretty darn good for EDC, and a great value. It takes a keen edge, has been very rust resistant in my experience over several models, and is really easy to bring back when (notice I did not say “if”) you dull it with use. All blades are going to require maintenance and sharpening with use. If you’re not experienced or willing to get real patient with sharpening, it’s very easy to manage VG10 with basic stones, where many of the harder steels certainly are not.

It’s certainly not in the “upper echelon” in the steel game anymore, but I’ve personally never felt VG10 inadequate for my everyday needs. Heck, I remember as a younger lad when It came out and it was the shizz. Have technologies and formulations improved since then? Sure. Yet, general everyday cutting tasks really haven’t, at least in my estimation, but you could be needing to fillet cinder blocks for all I know.

I have many knives of many brands and steels, but still carry my über basic VG10 Endura FFG quite a bit, especially if I’m outdoorsing it. It’s light, thin, with a large blade for its slim package, and it’s pretty versatile. Due to its reasonable cost, I don’t worry too much about beating it up, wet environments, or losing it.

I think VG10 will serve you perfectly well in whatever model you choose, if you’re just looking to feel out the Spyderco game, without frustrating you at the sharpening bench or the bank. If you like the brand ergos and manufacture and end up needing something more robust, move on up. They’ve got plenty of great models with all kinds of options to choose from.
 
Mostly carry my Delica. But I really like the new Para 3 lightweight. That's what I would get hands down.

Rich K.
 
And, to add to what many others have said whilst I was typing my, sorry, very long winded post... I really do like their S30v, too.
 
I'd pick the knife I want then see what steel it is available in. That said, I have a ZDP-189 Delica and a HAP-40 Manbug on me this morning.

My Spyderco collection is comprised of the following steels:

Hap-40 1
V-Toku2 1
CTS-XHP 1
CPM-S30V 1
CPM-S35VN 1
ZDP-189 1
H-1 3
VG-10 13 (+ a VG-10 Police 4 LW on pre-order)

Of the 22 Spydercos I currently own, 13 are VG-10. The last knife I purchased was a VG-10 Endela. The next knife that I will purchase is a VG-10 Police 4. I like VG-10. It's a very well rounded blade steel... rust resistant, easily takes a screaming sharp edge with the basic SharpMaker system, and it will roll instead of chip when it receives an a boo-boo.

I like H-1, but consider it a specialty rust resistant steel best suited for serrated edges. If your EDC exposes your knife to saltwater everyday, H-1 is the way to go. The H-1 knives I have, I bought because I liked the knife design and have been known to take fishing and or scuba trips.

The other steels also have great attributes. Some may be difficult to sharpen if you only have basic sharpening skills and tools. I have re-profiled my ZDP-189 Delica and S30V Positron to 15 degrees per side using my KME system. They are very impressive slicers, but I can get VG-10 very close to the slicing ability with my Sharpmaker.

Pick the Spyderco design you like. That will limit your blade steel options. Then toss out the blade steel issue to the group. Most likely any of the steel options Spyderco offers will be great for the knife design you select.
 
How much do you want to spend? What size blade do you want? What type of lock? What will it used for? I have had several S30V from Spyderco and no issues.
 
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