Noob

T

The tinkerer

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Sep 11, 2023
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Not new to knives but new to forum. Went down the knife rabbit hole in 1958 when I got my first Case knife and stayed with Case and other traditionals for many years. For the past 20 years or so I've been more into what I'll call, for want of a better word, modern knives. My collecting has diminished over the last year or so but I still like to get quality within my budget range. Most recently I've been acquiring more of the premium steels, primarily from Spyderco. I have a question for the more experienced members on heat treat. Is there a significant difference, for example, between the heat treat for a US made Spydercoo and that of knives from WE, Reate or Artisan Cutlery?
 
Welcome to the forums. Prepare to open your mind and empty your wallet!

It depends on the steel. The Chinese tend to run their M390 on the soft side, so edge retention is less than optimal. So paying a "premium" for that steel is not necessarily worth it. The heat treatment for non PM steels tends to be much better, stuff like 9Cr18mov and Nitro-V.
 
Hi,

If you are willing to pay for Spyderco in harder steel, what do you think of Giant Mouse Ace knives. Their folders have actual bearings and the prices seem reasonable given the fit, finish, and premium blade metal they use. They also put holes in some of their blades (I do love my spyderhole). Overall, for my money, I liked them better than spyderco, but I'm just a noob, here to learn myself.

Adam
 
Welcome. This is a great place with a bunch of good people.

WE and Reate are a few steps above other Chinese manufacturers. They are usually very good with quality control.
 
Heat treatment is better on American made knives, in my experience. They just seem to hold an edge better.

I had a Spyderco Manix 2 in BD1 (USA) and a Polestar also in BD1. (China) The Manix 2 held the edge a lot better.

The Chinese will cheat on something or take a bribe every time they can. They’re not too proud.
 
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