Olamic Wayfarer - Which Steel?

Lost Cosmonaut

Lost Cosmonaut

Joined
Mar 10, 2011
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So I'm pretty set on a bolstered Wayfarer. I found one in CPM-XHP with Green/Black G10 that's beautiful, but Eugene (at Olamic) keeps telling me to wait for the 3V versions he has coming soon. I really want one with micarta instead of G10 and he says he's going to have one like that soon.

What I'm worried about is the corrosion resistance of 3V. I understand it's not as good as other steels, whereas I've heard rave reviews of XHP and it's edge holding and toughness.

So, wait for a 3V in a closer configuration to what I want or be impatient and jump on an XHP model?
 
If it were me, I'd get the XHP model. All but the most stain resistant steels seem to start corroding right away if I leave fingerprints on them. I've even had Elmax develop red rust in under 24 hours when I didn't wipe it down - and I live in Southern CA where the humidity is generally <30%. I just have very corrosive body chemistry, and as a result I value high stain resistance in my blade steel.

That said, I probably wouldn't shell out that kind of money for an Olamic if there was any particular feature that I wasn't jazzed about, whether it be blade steel or handle material. /shrug
 
I'd take XHP; I've had both steels, but prefer the stainless properties of XHP, though not as tough as 3V. Less trouble, basically.
 
I'm also in the market for an Olamic Wayfarer and exchanged emails with Eugene and almost got one. It's just that I wanted pure CF scales without bolsters or moonglow. I even like the silver twill with mirror polish blade.

These are the steels that the Wayfarer have come in or will come in and I believe in that order: 154CM, S35VN, CTS-XHP, CPM-3V and CPM-154. The current production is CTS-XHP but it's a small batch. Next one is CPM-3V with I believe some protective coating. After that mostly CPM-154.

Personally, I'd take CTS-XHP over CPM-3V. It's just a more general purpose steel with great corrosion resistance properties.
 
He said that there will be stonewashed and satin 3V models.

I prefer a canvas Micarta, but green/black G10 would be my next choice. I have not seen many of the XHP versions and I'm surprised that this one is still available.
 
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