Folder Chat: Since we can't have INFI, what's the next best option?

BePrepared

BePrepared

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Aug 26, 2010
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I want a Busse folder, but 2 weeks seems like such a very LONG time to wait. Since we can't get INFI, what do you think is the best steel out there for folder production? IMHO, toughness has to take a back seat to edge holding in folders, since they're not as likely to be used for general chopping

M390 and M4 seem to be the big ticket items, but i know SRKW had a pretty cool folder too, so i'm a bit curious how that steel compares
 
going with sr-101for toughness. it get's really sharp as well. M4 and M390 are good steel's, as is SV90. busse already has the sr-101 on hand. so if no infi is going to be used. you might as well go with something you have on hand. anyway's it will keep the cost down some.
 
S90V or SR-101. Would love to try S90V after hearing so many good things, and 101 is the best carbon steel I have ever used, not a huge fan of stainless.
 
I have one in CPM S30V that I'm not very impressed with. The blade chips very easily. I don't use it for anything heavy. Just normal chores around the farm like cutting twine on hay bale and opened bags of feed. The tip actually chipped off when I cut the tape on the box my TGLB came in.
 
zthunderstick said:
I have one in CPM S30V that I'm not very impressed with. The blade chips very easily. I don't use it for anything heavy. Just normal chores around the farm like cutting twine on hay bale and opened bags of feed. The tip actually chipped off when I cut the tape on the box my TGLB came in.
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As we all know, a lot goes into what makes a quality blade. Geometry, heat treat, etc.... Mind telling us what knife it is? If you can break the tip of an S30V blade by cutting tape, something is seriously wrong. That's obviously not normal for that steel. My VG10 Endura 4 has a hell of a time keeping an edge but then again it's a super thin edge. Makes a great slicer though if I keep it sharp.
 
zthunderstick said:
It is a spyderco native
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That's...odd. I've got a serrated native in s30v that I smacked pretty hard against a counter top and there was no more than some slight edge damage that I took care of with ye olde sharpmaker. Perhaps you got a rare lemon? Either that or I got stupid lucky, lol.

On topic, most of my folders have been in s30v, though I've been trying to branch out to different steels when my wallet permits. I've grown pretty fond of CTS-204P as of late, and I'd love to try out some 3V or s90v at some point.
 
If edge retention is what you want these are the top four..... CPM-S90V, CTS-20CP, M390, CTS - 204P.

Followed closely by these.... CPM M4, CPM-S60V, VANAX 75.
 
Or, take a Busse, send it to a knife maker, and have them cut it into a folder.

It's what the cool kids are doing these days.

But honestly, there are so many great choices for steel on a folder, already mentioned in this thread.

Even Elmax would be a good choice, and they already have the heat treat dialed in for that (otherwise the Yard would not be using it).


I came close a few times with donor blades. Then I got a broken BWM, and had spare pieces. But I never got around to it, and sold the pieces to another member. I wonder what he ended up using it for.
 
I can't talk folder because I have about 10 favorite ones.
One of my best cutters in my SnG. Strider's HT is down-pat!
 
Whatever I get, stainless is a MUST for me and folders. There's just too many hiding places for rust to find on regular folders.
One of my favorite, and most annoying folders is a Camillus Dominator. The steel is s30v, and it's a GREAT.
HOWEVER, the hardware (screws, pivot material) that was used seems to be really great for attracting rust.
I know I'm not the only person with this issue, as a lot people complained, back when it was popular.
 
For me I love my zt0560. It's Elmax and I love it. Because I have issues with my thumb, for me to consider a folder it has to be a flipper so ergonomics is top priority. I've tried Spyderco "wave" openers, but couldn't get it to work consistently.
I had a Kershaw (Leek I believe) assisted opening sprint run in s110v and wasn't impressed with the steel. .
 
I've always thought the perfect folder would be a collaboration knife between two great Ohio knife makers. Rick Hinderer Knives and Busse Combat. Hinderer produces the frame lock, Busse does the INFI blade. That would give us all of the great benefits of INFI steel in a folder in a rock solid frame lock design. I would love to see a forum folder offered from these two makers.
 
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