How much do you care about steel?

I'm not a steel snob, either. I can and do notice the differences in edge retention between different knives used for the same tasks. My highest end steels get used the most often. Stainless steels are so much more convenient that I have stayed away from M4, even though the reports intrigue me. I use ZDP-189 (Spyderco) and keep it clean to prevent corrosion, and it has behaved very well in EDC and carpentry uses. Aus-8 (Rat-1 folder by Ontario) is strong and reliable but the edge holding leaves a lot to be desired.
 
The Mastiff said:
Some of my favorite steels are Super Blue, 52100, O-1, W2, White steel, Vascowear, 3V, 10V, and a few others.

The edges I get with these may last forever but my real favorites are the Tungsten containing steels. Super blue and vascowear are two examples. They seem to sharpen up to a savage, tearing edge very easily. They last pretty well too.

Joe
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im loving hitachi blue steel. i have three kitchen knives that are clad blue steel hardened to about 62 HRC and im loving their performance.

i have to order handles for my 52100 mule next week, then i can put that bad boy to use.
 
im loving hitachi blue steel.
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Jimnolimit, you do know about the upcoming sprint run of Caly 3.5 with Super blue steel, and blue G10 grips right?

I'd preorder fast if interested. They won't last long. :) I don't think there will be that many to be honest. IIRC, the steel is left over from the mule run minimum order.

Joe
 
It never used to be a huge factor for me. Lock design was pretty high on the preference scale. But, all that changed when I heard about BM's last run of M2 steel being used in the Ritter Grips. I had to have one. After very little time I realized how good M2 steel was. So, I ordered another. I continue to favor M2 even though I got two M4 Ritters last year. I can definitely tell the difference between ATS34, AUS8, AUS6, 154CM or D2 verses M2. So, since that happened yes steel does make a big difference to me. I still like other steels but I won't be doing AUS8 or AUS6 anytime soon.
 
assuming a decent base-line of steel, the exact steel doesn't concern me as much as the heat-treat process.

for example, 1095 is about as basic as knife steel gets. properly heat-treated 1095 is simply awesome stuff (ESEE comes to mind).

badly heat-treated 1095 is a joke.

personally, i tend to look at the whole package: steel, design, fit'n'finish, ergos etc.
 
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