Finish on CPM-440V

pfain

pfain

Joined
Mar 2, 2000
Messages
26
Been henpicking my Military today, and had a question about the blade finish (it's the newer Military model with CPM-440V steel). On mine, the metal has fine lines in it (it's kinda hard to describe, but you'll know what it is if you see it) reminiscent of wood grain. Compared to my Calypso, Jr in VG-10, which has a mirror finish on it. I don't have another knife in 440V to compare it to, and it's hard to pick this out of the pictures I've seen online. Just want to make sure that this is either a) normal for this steel or b) normal for the finish with this knife.

Thanks much,
AB
 
Normal for this steel. CPM-440V doesn't take as fine a finish as many other steels. It is very resistant to polishing.
 
I would counter that and say that while 440-v will take a very fine finish (even a somewhat high polish) the level of work needed to get it there would probably price it out of where Spyderco feels the knife should be.

I have had customs with very fine hand rubbed finishes in 440v but those are customs.

I am more than willing to sacrifice a little finish work to have a steel as good as 440v in a knife costing less than $150.
 
Yes, all my CPM-440V blades have the fine lines that you speak of.
It's hard to polish (as mentioned) because, after all, it's a wear resistant steel.
 
My Lil' Temperance has the same steel and same lines. I really like it, plus, I'm sure it will hide a scratch easier.
 
My SERE2K has VG-10 and a high polish and has those lines to it. I actually like the look.
 
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