Favorite steel.

Mine is currently S30V, got 4 or 5 Spyderco knives all with s30v and they never let me down. But I think M390 is becoming more popular these days, haven't tried yet, heard from other people that it performs much better than S30V
 
ATS-34. Can't really explain other than to say I just like it! N690 is another one that may not appeal to a lot of folks but I like it quite a bit and would like to see more blades offered in it.
 
1095 because its so solid, predictable and easy to sharpen. Holds an edge well and is often overlooked by fancy stuff but IMO its a really excellent steel.

52100 because its like 1095 but a little tougher to sharpen, it holds an edge longer.
 
I really only have two folders right now. On is an original Benchmade plain edge AFCK in ATS 34 and the other is a Mark Sentz Bill Moran style custom lock back in 1084and African blackwood. I like them both, but if I have to pick one of the two steels, I would go with the 1084.
 
CTS-XHP and ELMAX would be my current choice for a slicer. S30V works great for beater knives.
 
CLE said:
1095 because its so solid, predictable and easy to sharpen. Holds an edge well and is often overlooked by fancy stuff but IMO its a really excellent steel.

52100 because its like 1095 but a little tougher to sharpen, it holds an edge longer.
Click to expand...
.......What CLE said......................FES
 
154cm and VG10 are long time favorites. They hold an edge, yet are easy to sharpen, and stainless.

Have had good experiences with M390, S30V, INFI, and D2.

Trying A2 soon. Not stainless by a long shot but should be hard!
 
M4, M390, D2 Have all been good to me.

I would like to play with a s30v or S35vn that's been hardened over 60, but haven't got to do that yet.

N680 is pretty nice if you're looking for a knife to leave submerged in saltwater for awhile.
 
s90v, because I've been trying to buy a Spydie para2 in that blade-steel for about a year, and just managed to today.
It is one of the longest-lasting cutting blade-steels around. And I keep on buying knives and never a SharpMaker, so I really need a blade that will last. I'm not that cheap; I'm just kinda broke and when I get a few bucks, I like to buy a nice knife.
I send in dull knives to BenchMade and Spyderco when they need sharpening, which isn't very often. I'm awfully easy on my EDC's.
Sonny
 
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As someone who uses their knives quite lightly (I don't even come close to encountering anything considered "hard use" in my daily life), I love lower end steels like AUS-8, 14C28N, and 8Cr13Mov simply because they sharpen up so easily and take such a keen edge. When you're around your sharpening equipment 50% of the day, there's no big worry about edge retention.
 
I'm digging everthing upwards (and including) 420HC & AUS8-A. But carbon steels are "special" to me. I dig the ease of maintenance, the character they take on and the affordability. They get wicked sharp too.
 
The "Best" Steel I have experienced is S30V on my ZT 0301. It's my first S30V blade and keeps a crazy edge for me. Can't wait to get my hands on some ELMAX and M390.
 
154cm, its on my manix 2. I think I like this steel because I can put a good polished edge capable of shaving hairs. Plus I find it can hold and edge quite good too.
 
I got spoiled very early into my knife collecting with K390. At 64rc it can hold a 25deg inclusive edge with .010 behind it with no chipping or rolling. It just cuts and cuts and cuts some more. Right behind K390 would be M4 as it is just a fun steel to get stupid sharp.
 
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