Favorite Knife Steel?

Charr said:
Well actually that's a combination of edge geometry and hardness, because CRK S35VN is super easy to sharpen by design, and the edge geometry is designs to make it easier to sharpen free-handed as well.
Most other knives are sharpened in a much more "exact" V grind instead of the slight covex edge that CRK uses, and you have to line up the angles just right to hit the apex. If you're sharpening free-handed, then it's actually easier to sharpen something that is convex because all free-handed edged naturally end up conceded anyway.

That, combined with the fact that CRK runs their steel softer, makes it super easy to sharpen.

And yeah, Shirogorov has a magnificent heat treat on M390 and takes it a little higher in hardness where it should be to truly perform well.
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I completely agree that geometry has a huge impact, but my Thorburns in N690 are thinner behind the edge than my CRK's; same thing goes for my Dunlaps.

I also dont think hardness is an issue either. I can sharpen my Rockstead as fast as my CRK's, and the Rocky is way harder than a CRK.

I should also add that my CRK's have been reprofiled to 30 degree inclusive on paper wheels, so anything that was convex is now gone.

My mini grip is reprofiled very similar to my Sebenza/Zaan, and I still find the grips 154cm to take longer to sharpen than the CRK's S35VN. Maybe I'm just weird lol!
 
For my fixed blades I like CPM 3V and also the stainless that Mora uses.
Most of my edc folders are 1095 carbon or Vic stainless.

I do have a few fancy steeled knives but lately I am prefering thinner blades and they are mostly found in 1095 or similar carbon steels.
 
My favorite steels for modern folders are M390/CTS 204P, although I do have some in CPM S110V and CPM S90V.
For traditional folders, I like D2 best.
In fixed blades less than 4 1/2 ", 52100 (SR-101) and O1 get the nod.
For larger fixed blades (from 4 1/2 " to 6"), 1095 CRO-VAN works best for me.
I don't have any fixed blade knives over 6", because I've never found it necessary to chop or baton with knives. I have other tools better suited to perform those tasks.
 
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I really do like different steels for different uses. For instance, I don't need corrosion resistance in my big camp knife and I don't need toughness in a paring knife. As far as a jack of all trades steel goes, my fav. steel is easily s35vn. It's just soooo versatile. It has been my experience that it holds an edge very well and is not a huge bear to sharpen. Cpm154 is close, but IMO not enough especially since s35 is supposedly tougher and more corrosion resistant. Cpm20cv is nice, but the edge holding does not justify the difficulty in sharpening.
 
The last one I used. Seriously. There are so many fantastic steels out there right now, I could cover my eyes, point to one of my knives, and be happy with it for the rest of my life. I guess that means I'm spoiled. Guilty.
 
sodak said:
The last one I used. Seriously. There are so many fantastic steels out there right now, I could cover my eyes, point to one of my knives, and be happy with it for the rest of my life. I guess that means I'm spoiled. Guilty.
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I hear ya. I don't own any steel that I don't like.
 
I have to say, I like all of the steels I listed but at different heat treated to different hardness levels based on anticipated use. Also, I don't relegate intended use based on Fixed Blade or Folder design (see Phil Wilson for Fine Cutting and Spyderco Schempp Tuff for Hard Use). I'm pretty happy with the results seen from powered metallurgy steels. I do have to say, I am biased to the following steels though: (CPM M4, CPM 3V, M390/20CV/204P, and CPM 154). These have worked very well for me.

Hard Use (folder or fixed):
CPM 3V @ 60 RHC
CPM M4 @ 63 RHC
CPM 154CM @ 62 RHC
CTS 20CV @ 60 RHC
CTS 204P @ 60 RHC
M390 @ 60 RHC

Fine Cutting Tasks (folder or fixed):
CPM M4 @ 65 RHC
CPM S110V @ 62
CPM 3V @ 62 RHC
CPM M4 @ 65 RHC
CPM 154CM @ 64 RHC
CTS 20CV @ 63 RHC
CTS 204P @ 63 RHC
M390 @ 63 RHC
Cowry X @ 67 RHC
ZCP-189 @ 67 RHC
YXR7 @ 66 RHC
 
Have come to be a big fan of Lam CoS steel being used in Fallkniven knives. Also quite impressed with niolox done by lion steel for dpx gear.
 
For stainless I like Cpm 154 very much. Also S35vn and 12c27. For non stainless I like Infi and would like to try 3v.
 
I bought a Blur in Elmax about a month ago to basically check out the steel. Now I'm an old retired guy and don't use my knives for much hard use. Usually opening mail, breaking down thin cardboard like pizza boxes, breaking down plastic jugs like tea comes in that type thing. I have yet been able to dull the blade on that thing enough to have to sharpen it. I don't know but it sure seems to have great edge retention so far guess I'll just have to wait and see.
 
SBaker34 said:
What do you consider for yourself the best knife steel and why you can do top favorite, or list one each for fixed and folding blades. Doesn't need to be the "best" steel, just what you prefer.


For me it has to be m390 and variations, relatively tough, takes a polished razor edge, top level edge retention, extremely stainless.
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Over the years I have used good knives of various knife steels. Currently I EDC a Gayle Bradley with M4 steel. I have a Spydie with a composite ZDP-189 that has been of great service for a long time.

Here is a good post from my favorite knife Guru, Mr. Joe Talmadge, Master Bladesmith. He explains not only the types of steels used in knives but also just as importantly how to sharpen the knife to get the most out of good steel blade.

http://www.zknives.com/knives/articles/knifesteelfaq.shtml
 
I have enjoyed H1 steel, it is great because if I get it dirty cutting bait or other dirty chores I can throw it in the dishwasher and its good to go again. Hard to beat that for easy cleanup
 
At this point, my favorite budget steel is Sandvik 14C27N. I think that is what it is called. 14C something. What ever Kershaw has been using. I have found that steel easy to sharpen and reasonably priced. Takes a very fine edge too.

I would guess that the best steel I have ever owned is S30v but I have not used it much. I read all the time about how it is a poor steel because it chips and yet it is marketed as a steep up from 440C and 154 CM. I can tell, I still have much to learn about steels and blade design.
 
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