So I'm relatively new to folding knives and what steel is best for me. I'm currently looking into a Spyderco( PM2 or Manix 2). I'd prefer a blade steel that isn't prone to chipping. If anyone has another knife suggestion I'm.o pen to it. I've got a budget of around $150 and would like to avoid any knives coming from China even if they're Spyderco. So I guess my main concern is blade steel.
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Folding knife steel.
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The PM2 and Manix 2 both use S30v blade steel. It holds a good edge, but can chip. The Manix 2 Lightweight uses CTSBD1 steel that doesn't hold an edge as long but is very easy to sharpen and won't chip. I would recommend looking at the exchange here for a Zero Tolerance in S35VN. S35VN has the best of both worlds with edge holding of S30v but less likely to chip. I would look for ZT 900, ZT 450, ZT 808 as a good folder with S35vn steel. 154cm is also a good choice and you could find something from Benchmade or Emerson in that, but S35vn is better.
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I've only held a PM2 and I did like it in hand. I was just looking at ZT too. I'm not very good at sharpening so I think S30v isn't something I should practice on. I've sharpened 1095 and have done alright, but nothing to write home about. The knife will be EDC mostly. I'd like the ability to use it for maybe whittling on a hike or cleaning catfish after fishing.
ATJ999
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Might be able to find a knife in the CPM 20CV/ CTS-204P/ M390 family. Or maybe Elmax, Cru Wear, s35vn, D2. Look around here for a ZT, Spyderco, benchmade, or a Microtech LUDT. Might be able to find one in your price range.
Do you want stainless? Does it matter?
Do you want stainless? Does it matter?
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In the range of 150$ you may find some S30vn and S35vn.
They are standard good steels and not too difficult to sharpen.
I have not been very convinced by S30vn on my PM2 but I like the black coating.... so I deal with it.
Should I not have already a PM2 I think I would have given a try to the S110v version...
When it come to steels, M390 and Elmax are the ones I prefer.... I like those steels on my ZT and BM.
They are standard good steels and not too difficult to sharpen.
I have not been very convinced by S30vn on my PM2 but I like the black coating.... so I deal with it.
Should I not have already a PM2 I think I would have given a try to the S110v version...
When it come to steels, M390 and Elmax are the ones I prefer.... I like those steels on my ZT and BM.
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As it is a hand tool you will be buying, pay some attention to how it feels in your hand.
As not all knives made of the same steel have the same quality, the maker may be at least as important as -- or far more important than -- the raw materials.
As not all knives made of the same steel have the same quality, the maker may be at least as important as -- or far more important than -- the raw materials.
Doesn't matter too much. I'm only concerned with blade chipping and somewhat ease of sharpening when needed.
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^This.
So many knives in S30V that I just won't buy because of the issues I have had with chipping.
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Some good steels that should be found on folders in your price range:
VG-10 (Easy to sharpen to a very fine edge)
CPM154/154CM (This is my favorite "all around" steel)
S35Vn (Best of the three at 60+ HRC for edge retention)
I think you should take a look at a BM grip (many variations) in 154CM.
Wonderful EDC knife, made in the USA.
SALTY
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Can't disagree much with the above but it really sounds like you are a carbon steel guy; maybe look into D2 which is stainless but not very much so.
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Agreed.
How did I miss D2?!
Also a great steel, and it has enough Cr (12%) to be "stainless" enough to not have to really worry about it.
A lot of people find it hard to sharpen, I have never had any issues with getting a great edge on it...
The ZT 0450 is the closet to my price range just a little smaller than I'd like but it nice. So is 154CM brittle? It just looks like s30v isn't what is like. Something a little corrosion resistance would be nice too since I may use in while fishing. Does the BM griptilian have steel liners?
ATJ999
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I have found D2 fairly easy to sharpen. I am a huge fan of 3V, Cru Wear, CTS PD1, z wear, etc. Might have to do some looking around to find one, but it would be worth it. They are very tough, easy to sharpen, and have some corrosion resistance(for a carbon steel). Great stuff!
You'll be happy with D2, S35vn, VG10, N690, N690co, 154CM, 440C, CPM 154CM, (maybe H1 or LC200). Stuff like that you'll be happy with.
You'll be happy with D2, S35vn, VG10, N690, N690co, 154CM, 440C, CPM 154CM, (maybe H1 or LC200). Stuff like that you'll be happy with.
I may have missed it but i didn't see anyone suggest CTS XHP. IMHO its a wonderful beginner steel. Very easy to sharpen ridiculously low maintenance and really holds a nice edge and tuff. It has a very impressive set of properties and anything with that steel is a great choice. If you could swing it and like flippers you would love the domino and if the crazy pattern is too much check out the bento exclusive i think its still avail.