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Newbie Question on Para 2 Sprints

cigarrodog

cigarrodog

Joined
May 18, 2014
Messages
9,008
I'm currently seeing available a sprint 204P Para2. I'm not a collector(yet), but exploring the different steels, because I like this model a lot. Is this a good steel that's better than the S30V? What's a fair price range? I had to overcome my enthusiasm and slow down in order to make better decisions. I'm pretty decent at research, but I'm a little confused as to which Para 2s are the most desirable from a steel perspective. These will be users. Thanks.
 
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I think the consesus on the steel rankings would be:

S90V/20CP
M390/204P
ELMAX
XHP
S35VN
S30V

You may find that difficulty of sharpening increases as you move up the list, although the last three may be a toss up. Also, performance gains from the more exotic steels are not always apparent in everyday use. I have one of the cf/laminate s90v paras, but I still appreciate my regular s30v blade too :)
 
I'd say for the 204P Para a fair price for a NIB one would be anywhere from $225-$250. 204P is a good steel, pretty much identical to BU's M390 but made by Carpenter.

As for most desirable PM2s for a user, I'd say probably the 20CP Gray G-10 PM2 or the 204P PMP2. Both of those steels are stainless with great wear resistance so they will be able to cut for a while, and while 20CP is identical to S90V, it doesn't carry the secondary market markup the S90V CF PM2 does. The 204P as well carries less a mark-up than the blue BBS M390 PM2 even though they're essentially the same steel.
 
s90v, clad cpm154/s90v, and cts-20cp are all identical it chemistry and in function.
__

m390 and cts-204p are identical and are right there with s90v edge retention wise.

I appreciate the properties of almost all steels. Even the steel in the kitchen knives that I bought at the dollar store. Sal once said something like "all good just different".

Have you seen the first page of this thread? http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/793481-Ranking-of-Steels-in-Categories-based-on-Edge-Retention-cutting-5-8-quot-rope
 
S90V, 20CP, M390 and 204P are all going to be basically the same in real world performance.

Elmax and XHP are close and both are probably ahead of S35VN and S30V.

None of these will disappoint, however - S30V and S35VN are excellent performers.

Apophis said:
I think the consesus on the steel rankings would be:

S90V/20CP
M390/204P
ELMAX
XHP
S35VN
S30V

You may find that difficulty of sharpening increases as you move up the list, although the last three may be a toss up. Also, performance gains from the more exotic steels are not always apparent in everyday use. I have one of the cf/laminate s90v paras, but I still appreciate my regular s30v blade too :)
Click to expand...
 
I agree that S30V is a good steel, and probably available for half the price of a better steel if you can get lucky. 204 will probably be the easiest of the better steels to find since they made more than average numbers, but it will cost you $200 minimum. If you have the money it is certainly worth it, but don't feel disappointed if you have to settle for S30V.
 
Thanks to everybody for clearing this up for me. I just did an I'll take it and a Pay Pal sent on a new 204P. I'm happy that I reached out to you folks before I did. Now I'm going to slow down and learn about these steels and learn how to use my new sharpmaker. Again, thank you.
 
I think you made a excellent choice if its going to be a user. 204p is virtually the same as M390 which is a excellent steel.

If you bought it for collector value you should know that a total of 1200 or more of those were made which is a lot. Since that many were made it could keep the values down for awhile.
 
Be careful using the word "better"about steel. They are mostly all trade offs and personal preference. Some might be better in specific applications, but speaking in generalities there are very few that can be conclusively called better than another.
 
cigarrodog said:
Thanks to everybody for clearing this up for me. I just did an I'll take it and a Pay Pal sent on a new 204P. I'm happy that I reached out to you folks before I did. Now I'm going to slow down and learn about these steels and learn how to use my new sharpmaker. Again, thank you.
Click to expand...

For performance and looks, that would be my number one choice for a user sprint. :thumbup:
 
goodeyesniper said:
Be careful using the word "better"about steel. They are mostly all trade offs and personal preference. Some might be better in specific applications, but speaking in generalities there are very few that can be conclusively called better than another.
Click to expand...

Indeed, there is hardly a consensus on the question of which steel is "better."
 
I do understand that there's always a trade off. I'm curious and want first hand experience with the different steels and the PM2 is a good beginning for my "Edge-U-Cation."
 
I find the 20cp and the 204p pm2 s to be my favorites for edc. But I m also happy with the s30v.
 
cigarrodog said:
I do understand that there's always a trade off. I'm curious and want first hand experience with the different steels and the PM2 is a good beginning for my "Edge-U-Cation."
Click to expand...

First hand experience? You are in the right place. There is over 15 years worth of experience from over 100K members on Bladeforums. With a properly executed search, you can find all the threads and discussions you can handle, and then some. Just have to look around, you're sitting on a goldmine of information.
 
204p is awesome stuff. It kicked my butt when I reprofiled it though (EP stock 120stone).

While the list compiled is for intents and purposes correct, S30v and s35vn are nothing to scoff at by any means.
 
RevDevil said:
First hand experience? You are in the right place. There is over 15 years worth of experience from over 100K members on Bladeforums. With a properly executed search, you can find all the threads and discussions you can handle, and then some. Just have to look around, you're sitting on a goldmine of information.
Click to expand...

Thank you. I can see that and feel like a kid in a candy store.
 
cigarrodog said:
Thanks to everybody for clearing this up for me. I just did an I'll take it and a Pay Pal sent on a new 204P. I'm happy that I reached out to you folks before I did. Now I'm going to slow down and learn about these steels and learn how to use my new sharpmaker. Again, thank you.
Click to expand...

Great choice(IMO). Other than the Carbon Fiber I think the Green G10 with 204P is the best combination of looks and performance.
 
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