EDC Which steel is the best

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Glockhead

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Jan 28, 2011
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I'm a newbie here. I love this site. I am looking for a new edc knife. I have a Kershaw Blur tanto now. I really like it, but got the fever for something new.
Looking at benchmades mostly since I dont have one, but another suggestions would also be helpfull. My main question is which steel is the best for a edc 154cm,S30v,D2,etc... looking for a plain style blade about 3".
Do you prefer thumb stud,thumb hole,flicker or auto. And why is your kinife choice the best.I'm sorry that this question has probably been answered a thousand times before, but I'm to lazy to look through all of them:) Thanks a lot.
 
Glockhead said:
I'm a newbie here. I love this site. I am looking for a new edc knife. I have a Kershaw Blur tanto now. I really like it, but got the fever for something new.
Looking at benchmades mostly since I dont have one, but another suggestions would also be helpfull. My main question is which steel is the best for a edc 154cm,S30v,D2,etc... looking for a plain style blade about 3".
Do you prefer thumb stud,thumb hole,flicker or auto. And why is your kinife choice the best.I'm sorry that this question has probably been answered a thousand times before, but I'm to lazy to look through all of them:) Thanks a lot.
Click to expand...

I'm too lazy to answer this question again. ;)
 
154CM & S30V will likely both suit you just fine. You probably don't want D2, unless you know you want D2 (it is a great steel, but must be taken care of a bit more and can be a bear for some folkms to sharpen.
Thumbstud, thumbhole or flipper is all personal choice. I like all 3 just fine, if built well.
 
it kinda depends on your views toward sharpening your knives.

A lot of people love s30v because they don't really have to sharpen it very often. 154cm takes a bit more care though.
 
Thanks guys so are you saying s30v holds an edge longer? What do you think is the best Benchmade for edc?
 
I think A2 when it comes to EDC steel. But then, nothing tops 1095. Number one on the list goes to O-1. Today, I'm thinking first place has to go to 440C. But what beats them all is probably 154CM. However, nothing, I mean nothing, is better than S30v. Except A2....or maybe 1095, or.......

(((:D)))

Really, I think they're all good. I know that doesn't help, but.....
 
As far as steel goes it depends on what is most important to you, edge holding (S90V, M390, M4)? rust resistance(H1, N680, 420)? Toughness(3V, carbon steels)? Ease of sharpening (Aus-8, 8cr13mov, 440, etc)? some of the classic/popular benchmades for edc often mentioned around here are the 710, 950, 940/943, mini-grip/grip.
 
For an EDC folder my favorites would be 154cm, ats34, 14c28n, 440C (from a reputable maker), Buck's 420HC, Don't much care for other stainless steels for all around use.


Carbon steels are a whole other animal though, personally I love 1095, but really want some 5160 sometime too.

I'm surprised no one has recommended a talonite smatchet yet. ;)
 
Glockhead said:
I'm a newbie here. I love this site. I am looking for a new edc knife. I have a Kershaw Blur tanto now. I really like it, but got the fever for something new.
Looking at benchmades mostly since I dont have one, but another suggestions would also be helpfull. My main question is which steel is the best for a edc 154cm,S30v,D2,etc... looking for a plain style blade about 3".
Do you prefer thumb stud,thumb hole,flicker or auto. And why is your kinife choice the best.I'm sorry that this question has probably been answered a thousand times before, but I'm to lazy to look through all of them:) Thanks a lot.
Click to expand...

it's all about how you plan on sharpening it and what you are going to use the knife for.
 
Glockhead said:
EDC Which steel is the best
I'm a newbie here. I love this site. I am looking for a new edc knife. I have a Kershaw Blur tanto now. I really like it, but got the fever for something new.
Looking at benchmades mostly since I dont have one, but another suggestions would also be helpfull. My main question is which steel is the best for a edc 154cm,S30v,D2,etc... looking for a plain style blade about 3".
Do you prefer thumb stud,thumb hole,flicker or auto. And why is your kinife choice the best.I'm sorry that this question has probably been answered a thousand times before, but I'm to lazy to look through all of them:) Thanks a lot.
Click to expand...

There is no best EDC steel.
Even if you could figure out what you really want the blade to do, for any one purpose there's likely a half dozen alloys with pretty much equivalent properties.

My advice for a "newbie" would be to buy a knife from (in no particular order) Spyderco, Benchmade, Kershaw, or Boker and trust their knowledge in picking an appropriate alloy and heat treat. As much as we knuts fuss about alloys, in point of fact it's really not the top determiner of knife performance. Go with a good brand and you'll be satisfied.
 
S30V. It does everything pretty well and isn't too hard to find. When your interest is piqued for more specialized steels, look through some of the information Ankerson and Knarfeng have posted and you'll find there are different steels that are much better in each criterion for steel performance.
 
As usual, Knarfeng is offering some sage advice. Without getting into a score of reasons, I would suggest you try out a Spyderco 154CM, Manix 2. Outstanding build, design and value.
 
A Buck #347 Vantage Pro is a great flipper-deployed/liner lock with an S30V blade. American made, it carries a great warranty, too. The 3.2" bladed knife lists for $95 - street price $65 or so. Top, below.

IMG_3380.jpg


Stainz
 
Glockhead said:
I'm a newbie here. I love this site. I am looking for a new edc knife. I have a Kershaw Blur tanto now. I really like it, but got the fever for something new.
Looking at benchmades mostly since I dont have one, but another suggestions would also be helpfull. My main question is which steel is the best for a edc 154cm,S30v,D2,etc... looking for a plain style blade about 3".
Do you prefer thumb stud,thumb hole,flicker or auto. And why is your kinife choice the best.I'm sorry that this question has probably been answered a thousand times before, but I'm to lazy to look through all of them:) Thanks a lot.
Click to expand...

Get a Benchmade 940 S30V or a Benchmade 710 D2 - probably should get them both and get it over with. That should cover your Benchmades for now. :)
 
If you're looking at just Benchmades, I consider the 943 to be one of the best. As for the steel, S30v or D2 will be fine. Just be prepared to spend some extra time on sharpening the D2 blade.

Since you asked about blade steels, that question depends on specific qualities you are looking for in the knife. What is the most important factor for you?

Edge-holding
Corrosion resistance
Ease of sharpening
Toughness

The chemical make up of specific steel in combination with heat-treat will determine the final characteristic. The only thing you as an end user can change is the edge geometry. My personal opinion regarding BM's blade steel choices is that they are a bit behind. Not bad, mind you, but just not as innovative as some other brands.

My personal favorite right now is the Spyderco Paramilitary 2. :) This changes quite often.
 
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