Newbie looking for another EDC

K

Knight939

Joined
Feb 14, 2003
Messages
62
Hello all, I've been a fan of this website for a while now and it's been a great source of knife info to me. I'm currently looking for a new EDC and I'm thinking about getting a folding knife with one of those newer "high performance" blades like s30v, BG42, or VG10. I've read a lot about the importance of proper tempering and how a well tempered blade of mediocre steel will out perform a poorly tempered blade of let's say ATS 34. My question, how can a knife buyer know how well a blade is tempered? Can you judge the quality by the Rockwell hardness? Can I assume that all knives made with proven steels like ATS 34, AUS 8A, VG10, etc. all receive a proper heat threatment to bring out the best qualities of the steel? I normally stick to well known companies when it comes to knives like CRKT, Benchmade, and Spyderco since they've developed a solid reputation among knife users but not many knife makers are making EDC folders of s30v yet (I know Spyderco is and I'm still looking for some place that sells them.). Any information would be appreciated!
 
If you stick with good companies like the ones you mentioned, you should be able to depend on a decent heat treat.

As to judging quality by the Rockwell hardness...different steels are optimized at different hardnesses. For example, Spyderco runs VG-10 a few points higher than they do CPM 440V.

As for a quality folder in S30V, check out the Buck forum for info on the new Tom Mayo collaboration that is coming out. They look awesome, and with Paul Bos supervising the heat treat, they will be right.
 
Welcome to the forum!

For a great EDC that will hold a wicked edge, but let you resharpen it, if need be, get a Spyderco Native Lightweight. Since they're phasing out their 440V models, you'll have to call whomever you order online from or look at the blade if you're in a store, but it's worth it. You can get one for $50-60 at most places that have an online presence (be they brick-and-mortar stores with a balisong flipping webmaster or be they strictly online outfits).

If you get a Benchmade, get the 806D2. www.newgraham.com sells them for a sweet price and gives you free adhesive bandages. It's the best constructed Benchmade I've had my hands on although the 710HS has stronger steel.

If shelling $50-107 plus shipping is too absurd for your EDC needs (and how can you not need a top notch Spyderco or Benchmade? How awful to go through life without one!), A.G. Russell is selling a Ka-Bar/Bob Dozier collaboration lockback folder made with AUS-8 and has a reversible clip for about $20 plus shipping.
 
Thanks a lot guys, I've been hearing a lot about s30v the new "wonder steel". I think I will try out the new Spyder Native when I can find a dealer. I have an older model Native made with the GIN-1 blade and it's the most comfortable EDC I have. I just wish they made one with a little longer blade.
 
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