new lc200 models?

D

dcycleman

Joined
Feb 16, 2009
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when do you guys think we are going to see some new models in lc200n in the salt line?
I'm super excited about this steel.
 
While I love the Caribbean (one of the most underrated Spyderco IMO), I'd still love to see a PM2 in LC200N and G10. I'd also like to see a Manix 2. It's a great steel not just for its rust resisatence, but it is very tough as well. It has become one of my favorite user steels. The new Swicks got the LC200N treatment, so who knows waht all we will see it in in the future. I'm just glad Spyderco is uses steels like this; most other knife companies find 1-2 or 3-4 and stick with them exclusively.
 
They’re supposed to have Salt models with FFG blades and a different handle color for the FRN, not to replace H1 but as another model line in the series.

This will definitely be a big improvement for the PE models, LC200N is a significantly better performer than H1 (which really isn’t anything special or exotic at all, it’s a low carbon stainless than can get JUST hard enough to make a decent knife from), LC performs roughly similar to VG10 or M390 if Zero Tolerance has done the heat treating!
 
I think an Lc200n para2 is inevitable, having the rest of the salt line in Lc200n makes sense too.
 
Ignoring the steel, I like the Caribbean more than either the PM2 or Manix 2. I find the handle more comfortable yet grippier. I find the leaf blade shape ideal for everyday tasks. So I'd suggest buying one while waiting for/instead of one of those knives.
As for the steel, I have a strong (non-scientific) impression of it. At first it is shockingly soft and the wear resistance is noticeably worse than 8Cr13MoV. For example, I've rolled a 15 dps edge just cutting up two light boxes! However, as you sharpen it often over time the edge holding improves distinctly. It's still soft and insanely easy to sharpen, but the edge holding seems like S30v as far as I can tell. Based on how many boxes it will cut up and still push cut paper. Assuming this isn't my imagination, it must be very susceptible to burning from belt sharpening. I'm not talking a few sharpenings either. It takes a long while to reach good performance. For a Caribbean, it's worth the wait.
I hope this helps.
 
BTW, one more thing. When my Caribbean didn't hold an edge for beans, I learned a quick-dulling knife is not so bad if the knife is otherwise good. It caused me to start using my Tenacious and even buy a Resilience...
 
I’m considering a smaller 3” Siren with a handle adapted to still accommodate a full 4 finger grip. I love my Siren as an EDC knife but I am considering doing something that would be a little smaller and more “office friendly” while still being robust and salt proof.
 
John_0917 said:
They’re supposed to have Salt models with FFG blades and a different handle color for the FRN, not to replace H1 but as another model line in the series.

This will definitely be a big improvement for the PE models, LC200N is a significantly better performer than H1 (which really isn’t anything special or exotic at all, it’s a low carbon stainless than can get JUST hard enough to make a decent knife from), LC performs roughly similar to VG10 or M390 if Zero Tolerance has done the heat treating!
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Sorry, but strong disagree with your take on H1. Even plain edge it maintains an edge similarly to an Aus8 while being completely rustproof. Given that and it's work hardening properties that give the serrated models an edge Hrc of 65-68 and superb edge retention. That's absolutely not something that 'normal' low carbon stainless steels do.
 
Insipid Moniker said:
Sorry, but strong disagree with your take on H1. Even plain edge it maintains an edge similarly to an Aus8 while being completely rustproof. Given that and it's work hardening properties that give the serrated models an edge Hrc of 65-68 and superb edge retention. That's absolutely not something that 'normal' low carbon stainless steels do.
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As far as I am aware, no one has ever been able to repeat the unpublished hardness study by Crucible on H-1. Larrin's attempt to reproduce that study measured decreasing hardness at the edge [55 Rc measured at 0.4 mm (0.16″) from the edge]. Source: https://knifesteelnerds.com/2019/06/24/h1-steel-how-it-works/

I think people should stop stating that serrated H-1 is work hardened to 65-68 HRC, without citing published supporting evidence, when Larrin has published a study with supporting evidence that "debunks" this "theory".
 
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Insipid Moniker said:
Sorry, but strong disagree with your take on H1. Even plain edge it maintains an edge similarly to an Aus8 while being completely rustproof. Given that and it's work hardening properties that give the serrated models an edge Hrc of 65-68 and superb edge retention. That's absolutely not something that 'normal' low carbon stainless steels do.
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Read the Knife Steel Nerds article that Larrin did on H1, it is very enlightening and cuts through a lot of the “mystique” of H1.

A lot of the false information (work hardening from use, edges being harder etc) comes from Mike Janich saying it repeatedly to sell more plain edge H1. In the article I referred to, he tests edges and finds them to be the softest part of the whole blade, among other interesting things. It’s a good read.

H1 is great for its rust resistance and SE grinds are very powerful cutters, especially of wet or fibrous materials. I personally saw the effectiveness using a SE Salt 2 to cut a thick covering over a faucet to fight a fire once, it easily cut through many layers of tape, rags and dense shop towels. BUT there are things it is not, and good in PE is one of them. LC200N will offer a significant upgrade in edge holding, and is highly rust resistant-although it can rust in salt water as I saw on my Spydiechef.
 
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How much of the anecdotal magical cutting ability of serrated H1 is just placebo effects based on Spyderco’s marketing of this steel.
Larrin’s research on H1 speaks for itself. If Spyderco thinks otherwise, they can provide counter evidence and test data, not just sales data. MTech & BudK are trusted by many professionals too.
 
I've often looked for excuses to finally try a Para 3 LW, but ultimately talked myself out of it or went with other purchases. I do believe if one were ever released in Lc200n it would push me over the edge.
 
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