Most balanced (toughness/wear resistance) steel?

[palonej]

I am still in the testing phase.....and will be, quite gladly, for the foreseeable future!
I have learned to stay away from the blonde versions! Double breasted wallet suckers!!!

Joe

Based on what tests I have been fortunate enough to conduct in years past, the performance can vary quite a bit depending on geometry, overall shape/proportion, and it's temperature when the testing ensues. Can't say as I have ever been disappointed with any of them. But of course, I am only a keen amateur.



Performance here can be exceptional, though the original formulation can lead to some very cryptic things an Anglo Saxon struggles to understand. Actually, it sometimes seems it's my wear resistance that gets tested. I say this as I am married to one.

 

[MRider86]

Thanks guys for all the replies. I went with the Bradford in m390. Overall either one would be a great knife. But the m390 will be a little more forgiving to the elements.

 

[Sonnydaze]

I think you did very nicely. There is no doubt about M390, as it's been here for quite a while and it's a great steel. I'm wearing a Guardian 3 in M390, for about a year now, with no problems whatsoever.
Certainly, Vanadis 4 Extra is the new kid on the block, as it's been difficult for knife-makers to get the steel in sheets, ...thin enough to work with. Bradford Knives has obtained some, of course, and his blades are hardness-tested to be Rc 62-63. That higher hardness will help in edge retention comparisons with other steels, and chipping in Vanadis is still considered rather rare, even at this high hardness.
You are correct that M390 is much more corrosion-resistant, although my knives in M4, 3V, D2 and so forth have never shown any indication to rust.
I am a CASUAL user, and my blades are seldom subjected to harsh conditions or abuse.
Enjoy your new knife.

 

[halden.doerge]

Thanks guys for all the replies. I went with the Bradford in m390. Overall either one would be a great knife. But the m390 will be a little more forgiving to the elements.

You made a solid choice. Bradford does s great job with their fixed blades and M390 is ideally balanced.

 

[NJBillK]

I think you did very nicely. There is no doubt about M390, as it's been here for quite a while and it's a great steel. I'm wearing a Guardian 3 in M390, for about a year now, with no problems whatsoever.
Certainly, Vanadis 4 Extra is the new kid on the block, as it's been difficult for knife-makers to get the steel in sheets, ...thin enough to work with. Bradford Knives has obtained some, of course, and his blades are hardness-tested to be Rc 62-63. That higher hardness will help in edge retention comparisons with other steels, and chipping in Vanadis is still considered rather rare, even at this high hardness.
You are correct that M390 is much more corrosion-resistant, although my knives in M4, 3V, D2 and so forth have never shown any indication to rust.
I am a CASUAL user, and my blades are seldom subjected to harsh conditions or abuse.
Enjoy your new knife.

Vanadis 4 E and CPM 4V aren't that corrosion prone. See my thread here:
https://www.bladeforums.com/threads...-corrosion-in-a-very-wet-environment.1528480/

If you want to see a current pic, I will take one tonight (but it looks the same, and I have been using it daily since).

That being said, M390/20CV/204p are Great alloys and they will work better than most would need for a daily carry. You should enjoy it.

You do have diamonds for sharpwning, right?

 

[Popsickle]

M390/20CV/204P followed by S35VN are the best balanced if you're looking for stainless as well.

If corrosion resistance isn't a concern, then, as mentioned Cruwear and M4 are excellent, especially toughness wise.

This 100%

 

[emjay4248]

I have the Spyderco GB2 M4 and it is my edc beater. Takes a hard lickin and keeps on ticking. Surprisingly I have found CTS-XHP on the Domino to be a really great steel. I would assume that Cold Steel uses it for that reason.

 

[DeadboxHero]

Cru-wear hands down if your an edge freak

 

[hank_rearden]

clay hardened 1050 or 1075 for any blade longer than 12 inches.

 

[Cobalt]

clay hardened 1050 or 1075 for any blade longer than 12 inches.

S7 works well also.