MASTER TANTO - san mai III or the 3V version???

evolution80 · Jul 11, 2015

hello everyone,

ever since i saw the san mai III tanto series back in 1989 i always dreamed of a master tanto - as a kid i could not afford one of course... i did not buy many fixed blades since then - but the more i look at those tantos the more i want one...

so my question is:

will the san mai master tanto fit in the securex sheath from the 3v version?

should i generally get the san mai or the 3v version (since i absolutely love the DLC coating and the securex sheath)

anyone got both?

thank you!

KenHash · Jul 11, 2015

I would get the Sanmai version. These models are being produced in limited numbers and may very well become
hard to obtain in the near future. Read: They will probably become more expensive.
Then there is the aesthetics. The Tanto design, albeit not accurate, is really something
to look at and admire. Unless you have an operational need for a blacked out stealthy combat knife, you might enjoy
the polished blade. Your taste may vary.

bravodelta · Jul 13, 2015

If you plan on using it hard, I would get the 3v. The San Mai can be a little chippy when used hard. I had a San Mai Trail Master and San Mai Kuk. I wish they would bring both of those out in 3v even though the price would go up.

If you are going for collectibility or a show piece, get the San Mai.

beanb142002 · Jul 13, 2015

For general use which steel is superior? 3V or San Mai III

kerberosWXIV · Jul 13, 2015

Might want to go with SMIII version for general use, less worry of rust and potentially easier to resharpen. Plus definitely looked better. Wonder if the fittings (hilt, bolster and pommel) of the 3V version will be DLC coated like the blade as well? Or just spray painted? A 3V Trail Master will be very expensive though, just think how much a 8mm piece of 3V steel is going to cost before any work is done (eg. CR Impofu...)?

Jonslaught · Jul 15, 2015

kerberosWXIV said:
Might want to go with SMIII version for general use, less worry of rust and potentially easier to resharpen. Plus definitely looked better. Wonder if the fittings (hilt, bolster and pommel) of the 3V version will be DLC coated like the blade as well? Or just spray painted? A 3V Trail Master will be very expensive though, just think how much a 8mm piece of 3V steel is going to cost before any work is done (eg. CR Impofu...)?

It doesnt have to, the CS Swift 1 assisted opener has a satin finish of XHP steel which is DLCd nearly all other models. I'm sure 3v can be done the same way.

kerberosWXIV · Jul 15, 2015

The blade can be DLC-coated but the edge/bevel is still going to be exposed. In humid/sweaty environment, 3V is said to be more prone to pitting (i.e. deeper damage) than surface rust, so I've read... maybe I'm wrong...

evolution80 · Jul 22, 2015

thanks for your input!

anyone know about the sheath? will the san mai III version fit the securex sheath from the 3V version?

the fittings on the 3v master tanto look dlc coated to me - from my experience almost any kind of metal can be dlc coated

kerberosWXIV · Jul 24, 2015

evolution80 said:
thanks for your input!

anyone know about the sheath? will the san mai III version fit the securex sheath from the 3V version?

the fittings on the 3v master tanto look dlc coated to me - from my experience almost any kind of metal can be dlc coated

Most likely, since the dimensions remain unchanged on both model.

Insipid Moniker · Jul 25, 2015

beanb142002 said:
For general use which steel is superior? 3V or San Mai III

3V. Much, much tougher, better edge stability, the only thing it gives up is corrosion resistance.

beanb142002 · Jul 25, 2015

Insipid Moniker said:
3V. Much, much tougher, better edge stability, the only thing it gives up is corrosion resistance.

Would oiling a 3V blade increase its life?

Insipid Moniker · Jul 25, 2015

beanb142002 said:
Would oiling a 3V blade increase its life?

It will protect it from corrosion. Of course the 3V model is also DLC coated, so you'll only really need to oil the edge.

Brummie · Jul 26, 2015

3V is a very rust resistant steel. It's not fully stainless, but it's a lot closer to stainless than regular carbon steel. Give 3V a quick wipe down before you put it away for extended periods, but otherwise its a very low maintenance steel. As a user, 3V will far surpass SMIII.

KenHash · Jul 26, 2015

Brummie said:
3V will far surpass SMIII.

I think highly of 3V as anyone else but that's quite a statement.
Can you elaborate why?

Brummie · Jul 26, 2015

For the same geometry, the edge stability of 3V will be much higher than VG-1. It will probably also have the edge in wear resistance.

evolution80 · Jul 27, 2015

kerberosWXIV said:
Most likely, since the dimensions remain unchanged on both model.

cool - thanks!

i dont know about the steel though - never had a 3V blade...

off topic but i must say my 154cm blades hold their edges longer than the newer s30V or s35v knives...

ursamajor · Jul 28, 2015

kerberosWXIV said:
Might want to go with SMIII version for general use, less worry of rust and potentially easier to resharpen. Plus definitely looked better. Wonder if the fittings (hilt, bolster and pommel) of the 3V version will be DLC coated like the blade as well? Or just spray painted? A 3V Trail Master will be very expensive though, just think how much a 8mm piece of 3V steel is going to cost before any work is done (eg. CR Impofu...)?

I doubt 3V even remotely approaches price the of laminated steel.