Edge Retention Choice

ChiefTJS

ChiefTJS

Gold Member
Joined
Nov 22, 2012
Messages
137
Here’s one for you steel junkies. Edge retention above all else. This knife will rarely cut anything, it’s an emergency blade only but occasionally maybe a quick zip tie or open a package. I don’t want to sharpen this knife. Ever. If needs be it will be sent in to Golden for sharpening. What do I want? Thanks to all.
 
If the knife will rarely cut anything...
I doubt steel will matter, why would edge retention matter?

And if you rarely use it you won't have to worry about sharpening it

In what you have stated just find a model you like
 
Yeah I'm with yoko yoko . I carry a Dragonfly Salt in my wallet for the same reason and don't want the edge dulling from moisture, so H1 (or H2 now) made the most sense to me for that. If it's not going to be used or used rarely, the concern is more moisture over time killing that fine edge than abrasion resistance.
 
I think you misunderstand or I suck at explaining. I have plenty of knives (trust me) and even knives I’ve used in this role and I’ve pulled them out of my pocket only to find them not as sharp as they once were. I want an edge holding BEAST!
 
What knives have you rarely used that have been dull?

As kreole kreole mentioned did they go dull because of the moisture?

Do you need a tougher knife for zip ties, do you need a stainless knife with other good properties

What is your intention for a rarely used knife (I'm a bit confused)

S30V can do all of what you have stated if rarely used
 
I pulled an S110v Para3 the other day that rarely ever cuts anything and had to saw through a zip tie and I swear it was hair popping sharp 3 months ago. No it isn’t in a salt environment. I usually carry two knives, one for hard use and one that I want to remain sharp and ready. Kind of defeats the purpose when your ready knife isn’t.
 
So I just educated myself and I think that knife may not have had the edge I thought it had on it. And all zip ties are not created equal. I watched a Michael Christy YouTube on sharpening a pm2 with the same steel and I think I’m going to resharpen that knife and try again.
 
ChiefTJS said:
Edge retention above all else.
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To answer your question Maxamet, Rex 121, and 15V in theory. That being said serrated blades from Spyderco are the real deal. Try a SE Chaparral for pure slicer that should last forever in your stated use. Its back lock is silky smooth, ergos are fantastic, And it’s only 2.1 ounces. Small footprint in pocket too.
IMG_7512.jpegIMG_7513.jpeg
 
ChiefTJS ChiefTJS you looking for a folder or a fixed blade?

I have a waterway that is just phenomenal. I use it for all kinds of stuff. Ide suggest it for a fixie.

For a folder that is almost an emergency cutter, Ide go with one of the serrated hawkbills or reverse S
 
Definitely a folder. I think after some research, I’m gonna play with the edge on my S110v a bit and then maybe go for a Maxamet Para3 if I’m still wanting more. Hell, probably buy it anyway.
 
ChiefTJS said:
I pulled an S110v Para3 the other day that rarely ever cuts anything and had to saw through a zip tie and I swear it was hair popping sharp 3 months ago. No it isn’t in a salt environment. I usually carry two knives, one for hard use and one that I want to remain sharp and ready. Kind of defeats the purpose when your ready knife isn’t.
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S110V is a serious steel and still has good performance even when compared to the latest and greatest steel of the day. People say different things about the factory edge but for any knife the last few percentages of sharpness come off pretty fast and the edge you are left with might be sharp but won't feel as sharp as it could right after sharpening. Also you didn't say if the Para3 had been sharpened or not. If a knife is sharpened and a small burr is left on it the edge will feel sharp but the edge will come off pretty easily and you will end up with an edge that is a lot less sharp.
 
bdmicarta said:
S110V is a serious steel and still has good performance even when compared to the latest and greatest steel of the day. People say different things about the factory edge but for any knife the last few percentages of sharpness come off pretty fast and the edge you are left with might be sharp but won't feel as sharp as it could right after sharpening. Also you didn't say if the Para3 had been sharpened or not. If a knife is sharpened and a small burr is left on it the edge will feel sharp but the edge will come off pretty easily and you will end up with an edge that is a lot less sharp.
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No doubt it’s a good steel. I now believe it was a poor sharpening that was at fault. I used to be much more serious about knife sharpening and I think I’ve slipped. I’m going to get back in practice and see if that doesn’t take care of things.
 
ChiefTJS said:
No doubt it’s a good steel. I now believe it was a poor sharpening that was at fault. I used to be much more serious about knife sharpening and I think I’ve slipped. I’m going to get back in practice and see if that doesn’t take care of things.
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So you're saying your Para 3 was in fact NOT sharp 3 months ago now? Sorry, I'm just trying to fully understand here.
 
Higher edge retention means a less tough (chippier) steel. You should look at something that is more moderate in both fields and since it will be sitting most of the time corrosion resistance should come into play. For your parameters i would look at CRU-WEAR or magnacut.
 
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