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Highest edge retention Para 2/3

H

hmbleservant

Joined
Oct 28, 2013
Messages
10
On the topic of edge retention (cutting paper/cardboard/plastic), I have learned that blade material is not the only important factor, but also how it is heat treated which can vary based on runs (sprint/changes in production over time/etc).

Question:
What are some of the exact models/runs of pm2/3/3LW are known to hold the highest edge retention regardless of other steel qualities. I'd like to have a few options to choose from and try to find/price etc. Just want to be in the top echelon.

I will be responsible for choosing the steel based on toughness/corrosion resistance/etc. within the options listed. Not sure I care about anything else for this application anyway.

I assuming much of what I'm trying to ask can be translated to:
What exact model/runs of the "supersteel" pm2/3's have the highest Rockwell hardness ratings out of the factory?

Looking for amazing edge retention.

Edit: to be clear. I might not want maxamet I might prefer a well done, high Rockwell steel that is more balanced. Just want to know which exact knives spyderco is doing "right" in heat treat (favoring edge retention).

Edit: also, I'd be willing to track down a discontinued run (think k390 pm2, or p3 lw s90v) perhaps, so don't hold back on recommendations.

Edit:
If there is a source where I can go and look up the Rockwell hardness ratings of various runs, that would be very helpful. Does this information exist in one place?


Thanks,
Colby
 
Last edited:
HP2114B said:
The Maxamet PM2 and Para 3 have the highest hardness and edge retention.
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This. If you are looking to maximize edge retention above all else the maxamet models are going to be what you are aiming for. I believe these are the ones that come with the orange scales.
 
Yep familiar with those. That's what I figured will be the answer. I appreciate the responses. Is anybody aware of other runs of pm2/3 with high Rockwell offerings regardless of steel?

for example: I might prefer a high Rockwell run of k390 over the maxamet for example just to avoid some if the issues with maxamet.
 
Just a note that "Toughness" is usually not spoken in the same sentence as "High Hardness". You have to go one way or the other.

What's in the middleish? How about Cruwear.
 
I thought some of the m4 in gayle bradley spydercos was 65

And bento box m390 pm2s were in the 62s

I could definitely be wrong though lol
 
yoko said:
I thought some of the m4 in gayle bradley spydercos was 65

And bento box m390 pm2s were in the 62s

I could definitely be wrong though lol
Click to expand...
This is exactly the kind of info that I am looking for. Thank you for sharing!
Can anybody add to this!?
 
The hardest Spyderco steels other than Maxamet are Rex 45, K390, M4, 10V, Cruwear and S110V. Seki K390 is run around 65-66HRC, but Golden K390 (the Bento Box PM2 specifically) is quite a bit softer, around 63HRC.
 
Danke42 said:
Just a note that "Toughness" is usually not spoken in the same sentence as "High Hardness". You have to go one way or the other.

What's in the middleish? How about Cruwear.
Click to expand...
Yes, I understand. Thank you. This actually leads to the spirit of my question. I would like to obtain my edge retention as much as possible through the proper high hardness heat treat rather than defaulting to maxamet.
 
HP2114B said:
The hardest Spyderco steels other than Maxamet are Rex 45, K390, M4, 10V, Cruwear and S110V. Seki K390 is run around 65-66HRC, but Golden K390 (the Bento Box PM2 specifically) is quite a bit softer, around 63HRC.
Click to expand...
Is great info I really appreciate that! It's specifically good to know about the PM2K390 I was eyeballing
 
If there is a source where I can go and look up the Rockwell hardness ratings of various runs, that would be very helpful. Does this information exist in one place?
 
HP2114B said:
The hardest Spyderco steels other than Maxamet are Rex 45, K390, M4, 10V, Cruwear and S110V. Seki K390 is run around 65-66HRC, but Golden K390 (the Bento Box PM2 specifically) is quite a bit softer, around 63HRC.
Click to expand...

Add 4V.
 
Doubtful you'd find any significant variation in Rockwell hardness in any particular steel. S110V is outstanding for edge holding, corrosion resistance and toughness -- good balance all around, speaking of my Military.
 
I use s110v a lot agree with above statements but will chip quicker than rex 45

Rex 45 will lose razor edge quicker but touches up way quicker than s110v and I've had less chips


S110v is easy more corrosion resistant than rex 45. But i don't mind the patina (no rust issues)


I get to cut a lot of thin paper, thin plastic and foam and cardboard all day ;)
 
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