I just ordered a cheap knife in 20 CV

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Vlade

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Feb 8, 2020
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I already have one of these knives but it's a 420hc steel
it's a cheap Kershaw link that I've had for years. So I was browsing through my favorite vendor KC and came across a new link with 20 CV steel. I have no experience with this steel. Is it considered a super steel? I do have trouble sharpening I'm still learning I have a work sharp system that I haven't perfected yet. Will the diamond Stones be able to sharpen this type of steel?
I got it really cheap it was $99. And it's made in the USA so I figured what the hay. I'm just not sure about this steel and if I'm going to be able to sharpen it and how it's going to perform. The only other steel I have on my knives are carbon, 10A, CTS bd1, sandvik, 420hc, 8a,440c I may have missed one,
how does 20 CV stand up to the above steels I have mentioned? Any inputs or advice or opinions will be appreciated, thank you gentlemen
 
Isn't that the end-all/be-all of "stainless" steels?

I think they make "dive" knives outta' that stuff.
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A quick search shows that it's a Crucible steel, has good wear resistance and edge retention (*and straight-up stupid corrosion resistance), but is a bit of a b!tch to sharpen. (*Go figure)

Good on ya' for finding that for $99. I betcha' a comparable Benchmade or Spyderco would be 2.5X to 3X that much.


I don't have too many Kershaws, but enjoy the few that I have.
 
Thanks alone it beats the hell out of me what and how I'm going to sharpen this thing when it needs it. If the diamond Stones don't do it nothing will I guess. I don't really know much about metal. But I've never had 20 CV at least it sounds interesting.
 
Diamond stones will sharpen it just fine. For sharpening tips see the maintenance tinkering etc subforum here!
 
Vlade said:
Thanks alone it beats the hell out of me what and how I'm going to sharpen this thing when it needs it. If the diamond Stones don't do it nothing will I guess. I don't really know much about metal. But I've never had 20 CV at least it sounds interesting.
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Man, you're definitely talking to the wrong guy. When it comes to "stainless" steels, I'm an "old school" Buck 420HC guy. I pretty-much judge EVERY stainless steel by that.

I have MagnaCut, AEB-L, N690, and all the other "modern" nonsense (*just because those were what the particular Manufacturer offered), but still just love me some good ol' 420HC.
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It’s basically m390. Diamonds will be fine.it’s a great knife for $100 and I even had the exact knife (was green? I gave it away).
It did not perform as well as a pm2 in 20cv but it may be because of geometry and/or heat treatment difference from the makers.
It won’t be as tough as sandvik or comparable steels but it will hold an edge better.
 
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