These are my main steels:
S30V - Chippy for rough use. Once it chips, it takes a lot of work to put a razor’s edge back on it. I prefer S35V.
CPM 3V - This is one of my favorite steels for dry weather because it can take a beating and sharpens very easily. I touch it up quickly with a leather strop and compound and it holds a scary sharp edge for a long time. However, 3V rusts too easily for my usage. I take trips all around North America and I often get stuck in the rain, high humidity, snow, and salt water. Sometimes I get drenched and don’t want to think about taking my knife out of the sheath to dry it. 3V is considered “semi-stainless” and I know that the heat treat plays a big role in its corrosion resistance.
Laminated CoS - This is stainless steel is used in some Spyderco and Fallkniven’s Pro series. Holds an edge very well, but slightly worse than 3V, but it’s easier to sharpen and it’s a no maintenance steel. That means I can swim with it and it won’t corrode, rust, or pit. One of the most balanced steels I’ve used. One of my favorites and the one I carry the most.
A2 - Decent tool steel, but rusts way too quickly for me.
Elmax - Great steel, but can be chippy if I bushcraft with it all day or if it comes into contact with bone.
I’ve used O1, D2, 1095, and 420HC too, but they lose an edge faster than my other choices. So I don’t take them on long trips if I can’t sharpen in the field.
I can’t fall in love with any high carbon steel knife. I don’t like to constantly worry about rust and I don’t want to constantly wipe and apply mineral oil. I know people love their steels and this will definitely offend people. People will always just say that I don’t know how to properly care for a knife or that the heat treat makes all of the difference. YMMV.
