Is 420MOV a good steel?

[Jeff Michaud]

Howdy. I was wondering two things, actually, and hoping some pros here in the shoptalk could enlighten my dim bulb. One, I just got a knife made of 420MOV, and realized after I got it that I don't know if it's really a durable steel or not. I know it's common in commercial knives, but not much more than that. The other thing I was wondering was if anyone knew of a good quick reference link about steels that I can go to and check when looking at blades in the future. There are so many steels being used by the myriad of makers out there, that you almost have to assume it's a good one. Is there a best all around one? I have a couple made of D2, and the maker feels it's the best. Then others say you can't get a good edge on it. How's one to know? (I guess that turned into 4 things) Thanks in advance.

 

[flatgrinder]

1. Sorry to burst your bubble, 420MOV is just crappy compared to the decent steels available today. Usually used in imported junk. I wouldn't recommend it.

2. Try this: http://www.zknives.com/knives/articles/knifesteelfaq.shtml

3. Good all round steel -try CPM S30V, D2, ATS-34 for stainless steels. O1, 1095, 52100 for non-stainless steels. I use D2, and I can get it sharper than O1 and it cuts longer.

4. Testing. Try cutting Manila rope, compare one knife to another. Blade geometry and thickness also play a part -basically many factors are involved. However, after a while you'll know what you like. Also, heat treat is vital. My Benchmade Griptilian in D2 is easily outcut by a knife I made from D2 (heat treated by Paul Bos to HRC 61).

Hope this helps.