GS0 4.1 - Which steel?

L

levs18

Joined
Jun 25, 2000
Messages
643
So, I think I have a problem. I'm pretty much obsessed with Survive! Knives. I find myself in this forum everyday and watching videos every night. Looking at picture with jealousy just like when I was a kid and all my friends got Nintendo before I did. There may have even been a couple of dreams involving a GSO, but I'll keep that private...this is a family forum after all. Did I mention that I do not own a single Survive! yet? I know if anyone can understand the situation, it's you all!

I already have a 7/7 pre-ordered but I am thinking very strongly about pre-ordering a 4.1 as well. I know that time to pre-order is running out, so here's the question for the experts: do I get it in CPM-3v or CPM-20cv? I wouldn't say that Maryland is particularly humid but we certainly have some during the Spring and Summer. The 7/7 is 3v, so part of me thinks I should try the CPM-20cv for the variety. I know 3v is tougher, but I don't think that really applies for the 4.1's size? I guess what I want to know is, which steel do you think really embodies Survive! ?

Thanks everyone!
 
Welcome Levs!!! and you are right we do understand. I would say get both, I had the same dilemma and ended up with 3 last gen: 3V, 20CV, and M390...

I would then ask you what you want to use it for, if its mostly for processing food, and softer meats veggies etc...go for stainless. If you want to baton with it go for 3v. As for which steel embodies survive, I'd say its 3V by a nose..
 
Last edited:
Thank you for the welcome!

Should have known I would get the "get em both!" Sadly, I'm going to have to pick one or the other. I'll using it for anything and everything, something I'm really looking forward to.

Redwood, between the 3v and 20CV, which one have you noticed to have bette edge retention?
 
Thanks Silver Needle! I gotta tell you man, I feel like I know you from all of your posts that I've read!

That only sound mildly creepy...
 
I use my 3V the most, m390 less so, and the 20cv remains unused ( i actually tried to sell it) I agree that you should get one and make it the end all be all. If you are getting one of the new spec models, my understanding is that they have the 3V dialed in both with the finish and the heat treat making them almost stainless, my 2 cents would be to go with that as its likely the more forgiving. I will leave the edge retention question to someone with more experience.
 
levs18 said:
So, I think I have a problem. I'm pretty much obsessed with Survive! Knives. I find myself in this forum everyday and watching videos every night. Looking at picture with jealousy just like when I was a kid and all my friends got Nintendo before I did. There may have even been a couple of dreams involving a GSO, but I'll keep that private...this is a family forum after all. Did I mention that I do not own a single Survive! yet? I know if anyone can understand the situation, it's you all!
Click to expand...

Understand you? This is like reading one of my own posts from a year ago. I've been there! Great Nintendo analogy :)
The wait is most definitely worth all the longing!

Check out this thread I started. I'm sure you'll get some new responses, but this old thread still had a lot of good insight.

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/1310203-GSO-4-1-Steel-Type-Poll

Knowing what I know now, especially with all the new information on the corrosion benefits of the new heat treat, I'd say go with 3v. My 3v has been really easy to take care of here in the midwest over a summer with 40-60 dew points. Also, SURVIVE! was the first company I ever heard of using 3v, so I think of 3v when I think of SURVIVE!

Please allow us to continue to enable and corrupt you as you make your journey as a SURVIVE! customer!
 
Last edited:
I'm not going anywhere. I've been here for a while too, just now deciding to come out of the shadows!

3V is really looking like the winner here.

Of course, now I started looking at the 4.5.... I feel like the the 4.1 is the way to go though. Right?
 
Welcome!!
Go with 3v! Better edge retention and Redwood22 was spot on about the new finish.
 
levs18 said:
Thanks Silver Needle! I gotta tell you man, I feel like I know you from all of your posts that I've read!

That only sound mildly creepy...
Click to expand...

Haha! I'm on here enough obsessing or stressing over one thing or another. If you look hard enough you could probably find my favorite color and shoe size :D
 
levs18 said:
I'm not going anywhere. I've been here for a while too, just now deciding to come out of the shadows!

3V is really looking like the winner here.

Of course, now I started looking at the 4.5.... I feel like the the 4.1 is the way to go though. Right?
Click to expand...

If you want a do all work horse go with the 4.1....its my favorite survive knife!! I'm sure the 4.5 will also be great though :p
 
Redwood is right again! ^^^

For general use I'd say 4.1. If you really like the idea of the thin profile for food or fine woodwork then the 4.5 could be more appealing. I vote for 4.1. I'm reeeaaaally looking forward to my starter 4.1.
 
Yea, I think you guys have sold me. 4.1 in 3V seems to be the ticket!

I'm sure I'm done now...
 
Welcome levs I would agree with the majority and say 3v. Here's my wife's 3v 4.1 she loves it. I do too. (I play with it when she's not around, shhh don't tell)

 
4.1 is a great all arounder' its not to thick for most camp kitchen chores and its still heavy enough to build a small shelter. You can't go wrong. Especially paired with a 7/7.
 
I love my 3V, much more so than 20CV. For me it feels like a huge difference in edge retention and toughness, and with the new HT I don't see the corrosion as any problem. I haven't had any issues with my old 3V and the new one is even nicer!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top