Favorite folding knife steel?

Q

Quy4n8

Joined
Nov 27, 2002
Messages
659
So what is your favorite steel for folders? I know that heat treat and geometry are as or more important than steel, but within reason, I can fix geometry and I have no control over heat treat. So lets say you like VG10, from whom. At this point, I don’t have a definitive answer, but I would venture to guess S30V from Reeve. So far, this has worked well for me in a Mnandi, but for my uses, I honestly can’t tell much difference between the better steels. My concern in a folder is more rust resistance than edge holding, since I use my knives for all sorts of things. I usually wash them well and blow them off with compressed air. I am sure some moisture could accumulate at the pivot. Lubricant may get rid of some of it, but maybe not all. What are your opinions?
 
VG10. I wish it was available for export so manufacturers here could use it.
 
For me, it's a coin toss between VG10 and BG42, with a slight edge towards BG42.
 
Well I still love S30V but Sandvik13 is running a close second. Haven't tried BG or VG yet. D2 gets wicked sharp but doesn't seem to hold it as well on my Dozier for some reason. Maybe thickness?
 
I like several, my absolute favorite being Case CV, then old fashioned 1095.
Also in the running are (in no particular order, and for various reasons):
D2
154CM/ATS34
440C (if properly heat-treated)

Peace.
Alex.
 
So far, it is S30V from Buck, and heat treating from Paul Bos.

But I am also having great success with my Spyderco H-1 Atlantic Salt.
 
Gotta say, Spyderco's VG-10 is damn tough to beat. S30V might hold an edge a bit longer, but VG-10 is easier to sharpen, and has a natural toothiness that cuts like bejesus.
 
VG-10 and AUS-8A for me so far. I am still working on getting a newer folder with S30V.
 
I don't really have a problem with 1095, 154CM, D2, VG10 or ATS 34 but I REALLY like M2!
 
VG-10 or S30V. Both are my favorite! I may change my mind once I get my hands on some CPM 125V or ZDP-189.
 
Well ive only had experience with Aus-8, 440c, and s30v when it comes to folders. Id say my favorite would have to be the s30v.
 
Easyrider said:
I don't really have a problem with 1095, 154CM, D2, VG10 or ATS 34 but I REALLY like M2!
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Easy said it so I wouldn't have to. :D

Sticking to available production steels, rather than custom stuff, honestly, once you get of the junk (AUS4, 420J2 etc), I pretty much go

440A, AUS6, 425 - not if I can help it, but they work.

440B, either Sandvik, 420HC - OK if I really want that knife for some reason.

440C, ATS-34, 154CM, VG10, S30V, D2, BG42 - far from identical, different strengths and weaknesses, but all excellent. That said, I listed in my least to most favorite order, more or less - some knives I want in VG10, some I want in D2, some I want in 440C.

1095, Case Chrome Vanadium, Carbon V - a completely different set of tradeoffs, but still excellent

SR101, A2, M2, ZDP-189 - we enter the realm of steels that are simply in a better grade. They certainly each have weaknesses, but the trade offs involved for their chosen strengths simply make them, in my opinion, ahead of the pack of the merely 'excellent'. :)
 
Richard Sommer said:
My concern in a folder is more rust resistance than edge holding,?
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If rust resistance is one of your major criteria, Spyderco do a few knives in H1, a super rust proof steel - however I have no first hand experience with this one. From most accounts i've read, seems to be very good.

I like good old 440C for a good balance between rust resistance, ease of sharpening and edge retention.
 
Considering rust resistance only, I'd give a nod to H1, Boye BDC, and Talonite.

The Boye BDC is nifty stuff, just a bit pricey. The talonite in the Cam. CUDA EDC can still be found around on the secondary market.
 
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