Older Kershaw Boas

[CL01]

Hello all.
I've finally decided to participate in this particular Forum (Kershaw). I've had a few Kershaws & ZTs lately & admit, I'm impressed.

My question/comment today is; what can be said about CPM440V that was used in older Boas & how does it compare to the other popular blade steels used?

Overall, I like the Boa, ALOT! I only have 2 issues with it, & only one's really an issue to complain about.
1. Aluminum scales vs using G-10 or some other material that won't show scratches & such as much.
2. Option for tip-up/tip-down carry. Many knife companies don't seem to like to make their A/Os with tip-up carry, why?

Aside from the above, I really like the Boa. Its not too big (About the size of the Blur), great blade shape, & it's a flipper A/O.

A search (By me), didn't come up with much of anything on 440V or S60V (Which I understand is one & the same), so can anyone shed some light on this steel? Thanks.

 

[glockman99]

I've not-yet owned a Kershaw knife that had CPM440V steel, but I did have a Spyderco Chinook I with that steel and I didn't really like it. It seemed to be a very grainy steel and was hard to maintain a razor-sharp edge with it. Your mileage may vary, with Kershaw CPM440V steel, 'tho.

I like the s30v steel of the current Boa alot better, but that's just my opinion.

 

[Joshua J.]

My Boa is drilled for tip up.

My initial impressions of S60V were not the greatest, but that's because I tried to sharpen it at about six degrees per side. The steel is far too soft to support an edge like that. However, once you use a fifteen to twenty degree edge on it, it performs quite nicely. It will hold a good edge for quite a long time.

 

[svrider3]

I've read some reports on S60V (CPM440V) compared to S30V. JJ is correct in that S60V will not hold an edge better at more acute angles, but when you lift it up it really holds an edge well. If I'm not mistaken, S60V production was stopped because S30V is an all around better choice. I do have a Random Task in S60V and unlike G-Mans experience it takes a very fine razor edge. I'm no steel expert but I guess it depends on who and how they HT it.

Just found this link. It has more info on S60V compared to a few other steels.