no m390 steel models ?

F

Folding

Joined
Feb 9, 2015
Messages
35
Does anyone know any reason Spyderco never used m390 steel actively and now stopped using it?
 
They have used M390 from Bohler in a few sprint runs:
Military:


PM2:


and a Mule.

They now use CTS-204P in the Southard (regular production) and Domino (dealer exclusive), which is the same steel just from a different foundry (Carpenter). The green PM2 Knifeworks exclusive was also in 204P.
 
They seem to be developing a relationship with Carpenter, so they may just be able to source 204P more easily than M390.
 
I've heard about sprint run -- why wasn't it continued as a main run?


204P is still rare - only 2 models currently

for comparison,
ZDP-189 8 models
CTS-XHP 8 models
VG-10 >20 models
S30V >30 models

Why so few in m390, S90V, 204P, which are all top steels?
 
m390 and 204p are basically the same thing, so it makes no difference which.

the steels you mention are more like "specialty" steels, so that's why you see them more on limited production knives. Something to make the one-off "special".

Spyderco uses a ton of different steels in their production line, as you've pointed out, so your question comes off a little bit like you take it for granted that Sal & Co give you so many options.

The Manix 2 LightWeight in S110V made big waves last year for giving you exactly what you're asking for; a super premium steel in a production version of a great folder.
 
Rasco said:
m390 and 204p are basically the same thing, so it makes no difference which.

the steels you mention are more like "specialty" steels, so that's why you see them more on limited production knives. Something to make the one-off "special".

Spyderco uses a ton of different steels in their production line, as you've pointed out, so your question comes off a little bit like you take it for granted that Sal & Co give you so many options.

The Manix 2 LightWeight in S110V made big waves last year for giving you exactly what you're asking for; a super premium steel in a production version of a great folder.
Click to expand...


Well put.
 
Rasco said:
m390 and 204p are basically the same thing, so it makes no difference which.

the steels you mention are more like "specialty" steels, so that's why you see them more on limited production knives. Something to make the one-off "special".

Spyderco uses a ton of different steels in their production line, as you've pointed out, so your question comes off a little bit like you take it for granted that Sal & Co give you so many options.

The Manix 2 LightWeight in S110V made big waves last year for giving you exactly what you're asking for; a super premium steel in a production version of a great folder.
Click to expand...


Sorry, but I don't get it.

It does not sound a good corporate strategy to avoid "specialty" (aka "very good") steels, does it?..

Is Spyderco=Mediocre?

Is their business planning department saying "no" as soon as someone puts a very good steel
into consideration? "M390 would be too good for us. You know that we must stick to mediocre".

Am I missing something?

I feel the reason for avoiding the "premium steels" is something else.
 
Lol... I don't think you get how things work.

Like Mercedes Benz only selling AMG models 100% and dropping all other lines, or every meal at every restaurant worldwide selling only Surf and Turf. Because their business plans say it can't be mediocre... :rolleyes:
 
SpeedHoles said:
Lol... I don't think you get how things work.

Like Mercedes Benz only selling AMG models 100% and dropping all other lines, or every meal at every restaurant worldwide selling only Surf and Turf. Because their business plans say it can't be mediocre... :rolleyes:
Click to expand...

Yes. But this is not the question I asked (if you read my post carefully).
 
Folding said:
Yes. But this is not the question I asked (if you read my post carefully).
Click to expand...


Ok, yes, a majority of the Spyderco line-up may be considered "mediocre", in your eyes then. As a production knife manufacturer they must cover a large spread of categories and needs to fit MANY consumers, only some of which include their high end models and these fresh super steels and the costs that follow. Many consumers are not going to become enthusiasts and go on a forum to learn or discuss new steels. High end steel may trickle down the line-ups in small sprint runs or as costs become lower and availability greater. Similar to the Technology sector and other places.
If you only want to deal with the leading edge of the best of the best for production you seek out a sprint, or go get a Shirogorov or some other more boutique brand if you want custom.
 
Last edited:
If you find Spyderco knives to be "mediocre" because most of them don't incorporate M390 or S90V, whelp, I guess that's one opinion...

Welcome to the forums sir.

Which Spydercos do you own?
 
Last edited by a moderator:
SpeedHoles said:
Ok, yes, a majority of the Spyderco line-up may be considered "mediocre", in your eyes then. As a production knife manufacturer they must cover a large spread of categories and needs to fit MANY consumers, only some of which include their high end models and these fresh super steels and the costs that follow. Many consumers are not going to become enthusiasts and go on a forum to learn or discuss new steels. High end steel may trickle down the line-ups in small sprint runs or as costs become lower and availability greater. Similar to the Technology sector and other places.
If you only want to deal with the leading edge of the best of the best for production you seek out a sprint, or go get a Shirogorov or some other more boutique brand if you want custom.
Click to expand...

This is certainly a part of it. Using "pretty good" steels for mainstream models.

But what harm would it do to make several blades in better than average steels?
Extending your cars analogy, Toyota has Lexus. Honda has Acura.
Is Spyderco religiously positioning itself as purely an average consumer brand?
Certainly not. They have great named designs.

I see only two sensible explanations. Either "super" steels like S90V, S110V and P204 are
only marginally better than VG-10, or they cause excessive wear and tear to their equipment.
 
SpeedHoles said:
Ok, yes, a majority of the Spyderco line-up may be considered "mediocre", in your eyes then. As a production knife manufacturer they must cover a large spread of categories and needs to fit MANY consumers, only some of which include their high end models and these fresh super steels and the costs that follow. Many consumers are not going to become enthusiasts and go on a forum to learn or discuss new steels. High end steel may trickle down the line-ups in small sprint runs or as costs become lower and availability greater. Similar to the Technology sector and other places.
If you only want to deal with the leading edge of the best of the best for production you seek out a sprint, or go get a Shirogorov or some other more boutique brand if you want custom.
Click to expand...

I think that you hit the nail on the head. The average Joe looking for a good knife will look to Spyderco for a good quality user knife. If you threw the names of ten steel types at MOST knife buyers they would stare at you with a "Deer in the Headlights" look. The vast majority of people are far interested in build quality and ergonomics than rare steel types.

I think that Spyderco does a great job of making the more exotic steel types available to those of us who care.
 
Rasco said:
If you find Spyderco knives to be "mediocre" because most of them don't incorporate M390 or S90V, whelp, I guess that's one opinion...

Welcome to the forums sir.

Which Spydercos do you own?
Click to expand...

I never wrote Spyderco knives are mediocre. (if you find where I said so, do let me know)

In fact, Techno is my top EDC choice.
(Your question prompted me to count, so I actually have 5 Spyderco knives. No, 6.)
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Folding said:
I never wrote Spyderco knives are mediocre. (if you find where I said so, do let me know)
)
Click to expand...

Uh, right here?

Folding said:
Sorry, but I don't get it.

It does not sound a good corporate strategy to avoid "specialty" (aka "very good") steels, does it?..

Is Spyderco=Mediocre?

Is their business planning department saying "no" as soon as someone puts a very good steel
into consideration? "M390 would be too good for us. You know that we must stick to mediocre".
Click to expand...
 
^ Haha

Well before things get out of hand, it does seem like your first question was already answered in the second post...

But, what models would you like to see more cts-204p in?
Because I could agree in wanting to see it more. I did after all purchase a BBS Domino for some. You could pick up a Southard as well.
Unfortunately for me I personally cannot afford a PM2 with it though.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top