looking for folders in "tough" steels, any suggestions?

K

kraftzion

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Nov 7, 2009
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I've got a 810 on the way, I know about the Gayle Bradley-don't think I didn't agonize over that decision! The Tuff is out of my price range. Looking for suggestions in 3v,4v,a2,etc. coated/laminated carbon any suggestions would be appreciated. How do the fine grain steels like sandvik hold up?
 
Just ordered a Fallkniven TK4, its supposed to have a really tough steel, 3G
1265301987-Fallkniven_tk4.jpg
 
Spyderco did a sprint of both the Manix and Military in cruwear. They both still pop up regularly on the exchange for reasonable prices. Also the upcoming Gayle Bradley 2...looks like it will be priced even lower than the original which is already one of the best values around in production folders.
 
Surfingringo said:
Spyderco did a sprint of both the Manix and Military in cruwear. They both still pop up regularly on the exchange for reasonable prices. Also the upcoming Gayle Bradley 2...looks like it will be priced even lower than the original which is already one of the best values around in production folders.
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Just bought A military in cruwear, thanks!
 
The 3G steel is a high carbide stainless in the class of S30V so it's high wear but not particularly tough. The Cruwear or CPM M4 should be considerably more tough and have a higher strength ( not exactly the same).

All steels will fail at some point so it's a matter of finding the correct geometry if you are very hard on edges. Thin enough to still cut while enough steel for the strength and support needed. Factory edges won't always be suited to your needs so don't get discouraged or angry if you need to tune the edge yourself.

High strength steels aren't that common in folders. It's easier to find corrosion resistance or very high wear than high strength because of market demands.

The Tuff is discoed but still available. Boker now has a 3V folder but I have no experience with that. Can't recommend things I have no experience with.

There are still 1095 lock backs being made. Some better than others.

Good luck. Please let us know how things work out for you.

Joe
 
I think you should try H1 steel. Tough as nails, ductile, fun to learn from and experiment with!

20150801_084617_zpswhaiemed.jpg
 
Zt has an offering in m4 through knivesshipfree. Zt0770cfm4, I have one and I like it quite a bit. My only complaint is that the detent on my personal one is a little light, so I can't switch it to a manual like some of the others that have.
Benchmade has produced a grip, mini grip, 710 and 810 in m4 (all non gold class).

There is also m390 which has been called a stainless approximation of m4 in production on the benchmade 710-1401, 810-140, spyderco pm2 sprint, mili sprint and some others I can't recall off of the top of my head.

There have been folders in 3v, but they are both hard to come by and expensive, some say prohibitively so, but that would be subjective.
 
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TheGearGuy said:
The Spyderco Stretch 2 in ZDP-189 is one to consider too. Just ask Sal.
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Isn't it hardened pretty high though? Like 64-66? I know ZDP is great for wear resistance, but I thought it was pretty easy to chip.
 
ejames13 said:
Isn't it hardened pretty high though? Like 64-66? I know ZDP is great for wear resistance, but I thought it was pretty easy to chip.
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I wouldn't lump ZDP with the tough steels...high hardness steels aren't particularly tough...

I think what Sal said was that the stretch is a tough hombre but not specifically referring to the steel...
 
A2 is an excellent steel. Closer in toughness to 3V than the specs show.
 
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