Junction? PSF-27

J

JD Spydo

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Nov 20, 2004
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I just got through reading a very interesting article in "Knives Illustrated" magazine. It was a review on Spyderco's new "JUNCTION" model. It looks like an outdoor/sporting version of the STREETBEAT but also looks to have a very ergonomic handle. Anyone here used one yet?

Also I see that they have a blade steel that I've not used or even heard of as of this time. The blade steel is PSF-27. Has anyone here had any experience with this new blade steel? What current blade steel would you all compare it to? How would it compare to the S90V they use on the SOUTHFORK fixed blade model?

I must say that Spyderco has really raised the bar on their fixed blade models in the past 3 to 4 years.
 
From what I've read, PSF-27 is the powder spray form of D2.

~Chip
 
WValtakis said:
From what I've read, PSF-27 is the powder spray form of D2.

~Chip
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With the addition of <1% nitrogen for some added corrosion resistance.
Spray forming distributes carbides more evenly than ingot D2 adding durability.
 
I do not have the Junction but it is based on a custom of his called the Packer. I believe it is meant to be a lightweight knife for backpacking. The most interesting thing for me is that it is 2mm blade stock with a 4 inch blade. That is thin and slicey. I really really want one. It looks like a good hunting knife too. I am surprised we haven't heard more about it.

PSF27 is spray formed D2. I have the Bradley Bowie which is also PSF27 and I have used it a ton. I like it a lot. It can take a beating. It is however twice as thick as the Junction. The Junction may not take as much abuse. Edge retention and corrosion resistance both seem good too.

I believe spray forming produces carbides that are in between ingot and powdered metallurgy in size.

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PSF27 is made by a process called spray forming. Spray forming is different than particle metallurgy. To spray form steel is melted and sprayed to form a billet. The result is D2 with better edge holding and toughness than cast D2.

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its still not stainless, but has more corrosion resistance.

its a great steel.
 
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Mo2 said:
PSF27 is made by a process called spray forming. Spray forming is different than particle metallurgy. To spray form steel is melted and sprayed to form a billet. The result is D2 with better edge holding and toughness than cast D2.
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This is actually good news for me because I've personally always kind of liked the few folders I have with D-2 blade steel. I've also heard in the past that CTS-XHP is sort of an improved version of D-2 as well. And I sure like my two XHP Spyders.

Custom Knifemaker Bob Dozier has preferred using D-2 on most (if not all) of his creations and I've heard nothing but good about his custom blades. This PSF-27 sounds like it's going to be a good blade steel for fixed blades and it might just be good for folders too.

Spyderco is really getting quite a nice selection of fixed blades but I do hope they eventually do more fixed blades in full Spyderedge.
 
JD Spydo said:
This is actually good news for me because I've personally always kind of liked the few folders I have with D-2 blade steel. I've also heard in the past that CTS-XHP is sort of an improved version of D-2 as well. And I sure like my two XHP Spyders.

Custom Knifemaker Bob Dozier has preferred using D-2 on most (if not all) of his creations and I've heard nothing but good about his custom blades. This PSF-27 sounds like it's going to be a good blade steel for fixed blades and it might just be good for folders too.

Spyderco is really getting quite a nice selection of fixed blades but I do hope they eventually do more fixed blades in full Spyderedge.
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XHP, imho is not like D2. i find it to be way different.

Dozier and CPK and a few others do great heat treating D2. but not everyone does it well.
 
XHP is D2 with but with a lot more Chromium. I would say that the addition of the Chromium changes the characteristics for the better. I do like XHP better than D2. However, PSF27 is highly interesting and I am interested in the knife, anyway.
 
Mo2 said:
XHP, imho is not like D2. i find it to be way different.

Dozier and CPK and a few others do great heat treating D2. but not everyone does it well.
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That's a great point you make "Mo2" because for years I've heard that D-2, S-7 and a couple of other tool steels that I can't readily recall at the moment were comparatively difficult to heat treat to it's optimum hardness and to attain it's other desirable properties>> compared to dozens of other commercial cutlery steels. Yeah I've heard that they call Bob Dozier "Dr. D-2" and I'm sure for good reason. I've only ever tested one of Bob Dozier's fixed blade hunter type knives and it did have a very durable edge to it. I've heard nothing but good about Bob Dozier over the years.

The two knives I have with D-2 ( Spyderco Military) and the one Queen Steel D-2 folder ( which I no longer have) both were very good cutters. I'm sure that not all commercial knife companies do an adequate job because of it's difficulty to work with. Yeah I've heard from many sources that D-2 is very difficult to heat treat comparatively.
 
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Spyderco is such an innovative company , always trying new things for us adult kids. :)
 
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