Large Survival Knife Steel Choice? Most important characteristic?

Which steel would you rather see a large wilderness survival knife made from?

  • A8 Mod

    Votes: 9 9.6%

  • S7

    Votes: 4 4.3%

  • 3V

    Votes: 44 46.8%

  • 80crv2

    Votes: 11 11.7%

  • 15N20

    Votes: 6 6.4%

  • 8670

    Votes: 4 4.3%

  • 5160

    Votes: 16 17.0%
  • Total voters
    94
I voted A8Mod because in a survival situation a chipped blade is not an option. A8Mod is easy to sharpen, tends lose its edge through rolling instead of chipping, and has the most stain resistance of any of the steels listed. Now if you had stipulated the best steel for an OUTDOORS knife, I would have voted 3V. I think resistance to chipping is the #1 concern, followed by ease of sharpening and then stain resistance. I think stain resistance is important because I don't want to be fussing too much with keeping my cutting edge dry in a true survival situation. A8Mod meets all those requirements.
 
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I use A2 and Carbon V for this role. I also like to use 420HC as it is tough and very easy to touch up with just a belt (not for a blade longer than 6" though), but I don't beat on my knives too much...except for my Gurkha Kukri. I've beat the hell out of that thing. I'm definitely a "just get an axe, bro" kind of guy, unless we're talking kukris.
 
I’m going with Aeb-L. Even though it’s not listed. Just as tough as those listed and stainless which for me is the biggest part. I just can’t stand a stained or rusting blade. At this point in my life not buying anymore non-stainless blades.
 
adluginb said:
I’m going with Aeb-L. Even though it’s not listed. Just as tough as those listed and stainless which for me is the biggest part. I just can’t stand a stained or rusting blade. At this point in my life not buying anymore non-stainless blades.
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I'm sometimes the opposite..... I LOVE AEB-L too, but when i look at a stainless blade it's like looking into the Void.... and all those forgotten memories.

Who doesn't Love the blue and purple hues ya get from cutting into a good pieces of cooked meat.... I'd miss that too much.

and giving up Cruwwear (and 8670, Wolfram, D2, 15n20, 80crv2, A8mod, 3v, M2) is asking Too Much. Hahah!
 
AEB-L is really fantastic stuff
I wish it was used more, but it seems like companies are utilizing more expensive steels, if anything it certainly helps to justify the higher asking price for the finished product
 
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W.E.S.T said:
Hello,

Just trying to gauge popularity and opinions on what type of steel people here prefer in large knives (8”+ blades) intended to be used in a wilderness living/survival type role.

Should certain steels have been included or not included in the poll/what am I missing when it comes to steel choice for this type of knife?

In this role, what’s most important to you:

Toughness?

Edge holding?

Ease of sharpening in the field?

Overall cost of the knife?

Combination of these factors/Something else?
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Toughness and edge retention would top the list for me. Thats what I look for in moat of my knives. I like and have 1095CV, 154CM and CPM M4 blades.
 
I was using a 15N20 machete to clear out my back yard, over swung and hit a sidewalk paver, the only damage was a slight roll, I have become a big fan of 15N20, at my age don’t think I can swing much harder without crippling myself. Lotta good options out there, half the fun is the hunt
 
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