Kershaw Link in M390

tyyreaun said:
The Ankerson thread shows that geometry may have an affect:
https://www.bladeforums.com/threads...ed-on-edge-retention-cutting-5-8-rope.793481/

The Manix 2 in S110V went from 720 cuts to 1120 (55% increase) after a massive regrind. Obviously other variables may be in play as well, and I'd be hard pressed to believe that geometry alone makes that big of a difference, but it looks like it does do something.
Click to expand...
The thing is geometry does make a difference but he is using one specific grind from the work sharp. If you see this grind you can see it puts about the same edge on just about most knives. The geometry of the blade means less. So it could be thicker or thinner stock but the grind itself is about the same along most of the knives tested.

He does absolutely get different results using v grinds and mirror finished edges and on some steel a more course edge. But generally the results from Cedric Ada are consistent and do come some what close to Catra testing. It's clear as day tho how the results are very close to what I've observed in real world cutting without data. For instance my maxamet mule seems toast far longer than my m390 knives. My A11 vs maxamet is a different story its hard to differ since they both cut so much before getting dull.

In any case Ankersons tests are different and so is Catra and etc. But one things certain, it's all data points and they do all give a general idea how much the 'steel' cuts.
 
Hmmm. I have a link but I find it's not super grippy. I like the geometry and slicing but it just doesn't feel as secure in the hand as, say, a Manix.
 
palonej said:
Just saw that! Great price for that knife also.
Seems like a great idea on Kershaw's part.......kinda Spydie like.
Joe
Click to expand...

Oddly the M390/20CV/204P family is the one group of steels Spyderco seems to avoid. They only ever seem to come up in dealer exclusives and the occasional sprint run. Sucks, cause that's my favorite steel.
 
IMG_3034.JPG Comparing it to a Manix doesn't seem fair.
The Manix is one of the 'grippiest' in hand knives out there.
The flipper tab gives me a confident in hand feel with the Link though, and I've used it as a work knife for almost a year.....no problems at all.
Joe

lieferung said:
Hmmm. I have a link but I find it's not super grippy. I like the geometry and slicing but it just doesn't feel as secure in the hand as, say, a Manix.
Click to expand...
 
If Spyderco uses more M390, CTS 204p, and cpm 20cv, I would be interested in seeing what the price increases will be on its production knives?
 
IMG_1568.JPG Very true brother!
When you do see it, they're expensive.
Check out the PM2 in M390. Price is up there.
One that is production is the all black Southard.
Joe

tyyreaun said:
Oddly the M390/20CV/204P family is the one group of steels Spyderco seems to avoid. They only ever seem to come up in dealer exclusives and the occasional sprint run. Sucks, cause that's my favorite steel.
Click to expand...
 
sharp_edge said:
If Spyderco uses more M390, CTS 204p, and cpm 20cv, I would be interested in seeing what the price increases will be on its production knives?
Click to expand...

palonej said:
View attachment 776260 Very true brother!
When you do see it, they're expensive.
Click to expand...

I think their sprint runs (e.g., M390 PM2 for Bento Box, 204P Military for KW) are expensive due to lower production numbers, and probably dealer markup due to exclusivity. The Southard is expensive cause it's a Southard collab :p. I can't imagine the material and manufacturing cost for M390 are higher than S110V or Maxamet, so I don't think true production runs would cost more than those versions currently cost.

On the other hand, Spyderco is one of the few places where you can score S110V or Maxamet, while M390 et al. are becoming relatively common amongst higher end production knives and midtechs. I'm guessing Spyderco is going with the steels they choose due to the relative rarity - i.e., you've got tons of options for M390, but where else will you get Maxamet?
 
BTW are the link and Dividend models here in m390 sprint runs or regular production?
 
Mo2 said:
BTW are the link and Dividend models here in m390 sprint runs or regular production?
Click to expand...
I'm assuming by the model numbers that it's regular production - i.e., 1776BLK vs 1776BLSWHOB.

EDIT: GPKnives posted that these are both limited edition. Gotta stock up, I guess :)
 
Last edited:
palonej said:
View attachment 776258 Comparing it to a Manix doesn't seem fair.
The Manix is one of the 'grippiest' in hand knives out there.
The flipper tab gives me a confident in hand feel with the Link though, and I've used it as a work knife for almost a year.....no problems at all.
Joe
Click to expand...

I was just thinking of a similarly sized and shaped knife. I admit it's hard to beat the grippy handle with G-10. The link just feels too smooth for me. The one I have I bought off TLE so it's razor sharp, I occasionally use it as a backup at work and it does perform.

palonej said:
View attachment 776260 Very true brother!
When you do see it, they're expensive.
Check out the PM2 in M390. Price is up there.
One that is production is the all black Southard.
Joe
Click to expand...

Man that is one sexy Southard... Months go by and I still regret moving mine.
 
tyyreaun said:
I'm assuming by the model numbers that it's regular production - i.e., 1776BLK vs 1776BLSWHOB.
Click to expand...
Nope, those are a Blue Ridge distributor exclusive..pretty limited numbers of each from what I understand.

At that price gonna have to pick one up before they are all sold out.
 
Life can be full of irony. I was tired of Speedsafe knives, and happy that I could now legally buy autos in Illinois, but now I see the Link and Dividend in M390 for under $80, and I am tempted to let an auto or two go!:rolleyes:
 
If you had to choose between the Link or Dividend in m390, which would you choose but more importantly, why?
 
Mo2 said:
If you had to choose between the Link or Dividend in m390, which would you choose but more importantly, why?
Click to expand...

I have both regular versions, and while the Dividend is a great little knife, I much prefer how the Link fills my hand. The blade shape and grind is also perfection on the link IMO, other than the stupid swedge. The Dividend feels like a novelty compared to the Link, if that makes sense.

I never carry either because SpeedSafe, but I'm having a tough time not jumping on this deal.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Mo2
I’ve been carrying my M390 Link for about 3 months now, I absolutely love this knife. It has pushed all others (ZT’s and BM’s) out of my pocket and back into the drawer. SUCH a well made knife and SUCH good steel, this is an incredible value.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top