Not another best steel thread.

Nosetotail

Nosetotail

Joined
Jun 10, 2007
Messages
398
What is the best steel? Ha Ha

Actually, In my very small search for an edc folder, I expanded my horizons from Benchmade offerings to Spydercos offerings, and based on this I have noticed that the middle to upperend edc folder market is dominated by stainless steel(and tool steel) offerings. My original goal was to find a high end folder in carbon steel for edge retention, but I got introduced to zdp on this forum so I gave it a shot. The verdict is still out on the zdp for now, but mainly because I don't have another benchmark to compare it to. My last knife was in ats34 and I wouldn't think that is a suitable comparison.

My question is how does zdp hold up to high quality high carbon steels in edge retention?

If there is no comparison, ie the carbon steel wins everytime, then why isn't there a large selection of carbon steel blades offered in the popular mid to upper end model knives? I am quite aware that high carbon steel can rust in the blink of an eye, but that shouldn't stop the popular knife makers from offering a carbon option in many of the popular models to the knife owners who want one.

I am aware that there are many quality high carbon folders out there, I just can't make heads or tails of what is good quality and what isn't.

I'm searching for a mid level folder with the best steel for edge retention for slicing through nylon rope, string, friction tape. I had a Bencmade afck liner lock, and I am currently enjoying carrying an Endura 4. I would like the same durability along with the same great function as these two offerings. And slap me if either one of these companies offer a high carbon offering. And no I am not willing to pay a few hundred bucks for a Benchmade damascus. $75.00 to $160.00 is my price range.
 
I'd love to have a larger, more affordable selection of carbon knives myself. I don't see it happening though as the stainless knives are demanded by most. In fact, how often do you see people complaining about what tiny rust spots they get on their Stainless knives. Spots that essentially wipe off.

I'm like that though. A throwback. I'd like to have a spyderco military in Vascowear. That alone rules me out of any mainstream thought. M2 was good while it lasted , ran too soft but a good steel. There's a lot of good steels I'd love to try.

As far as stainless goes there are some decent ones. VG10, ZDP189, S90V etc. Joe
 
check out the seki-cut bob lum encounter damascus. 4 1/4" closed, 9 1/8 o.a.l., vg-10 core, 32 layer nickel damascus stainless steel (rc. 60). linen micarta scales w/ss clip. costs about $150 shipped.
 
Nosetotail said:
I'm searching for a mid level folder with the best steel for edge retention for slicing through nylon rope, string, friction tape.

I had a Bencmade afck liner lock, and I am currently enjoying carrying an Endura 4. I would like the same durability along with the same great function as these two offerings. And slap me if either one of these companies offer a high carbon offering. And no I am not willing to pay a few hundred bucks for a Benchmade damascus. $75.00 to $160.00 is my price range.
Click to expand...

IMO stainless is optimal for folders because of the rust factor. Your're going to put that knife in a sweaty pocket. Maybe you're going to cut stuff that is wet. Some folks can get away with carbon steel for such things, some can't. I remember my old carbon steel folders that I had when I was a kid. They all had a nice patina of surface rust. A lot of folks find that objectionable. I did not and do not, but I still prefer stainless for folders because of the ease of care.

D2 or S30V would be top of the line for edge retension and are available in your price range. ATS34 / 154CM and VG10 are a step lower IMO, but still EXTREMELY good. AUS8 works pretty good, too. My EDC alternates between AUS8, VG10, and ATS34. They all work good for me.
 
If you are going to be slicing rope, string, and tape then the blade is not going to get wet in use so carbon will keep a better edge (all else being equal--which it will not be!). If you are going to carry it and sweat then stainless will rust less, and a rusty edge isn't sharp either.
Have you thought of a serrated blade for the above uses?
Greg
 
I can't bring my self to carry one of those. I want to be able to keep my plane edge sharp enough to handle the task.
 
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