Please stop using ATS-55 steel

Quite an education in this thread for those listening. Thanx for the sharing of the input.

As far as steel goes, we already know you are all steel snobs. In the "big picture", very few actually know there is a difference in steels.

In answer to the original question, Spyderco is always playing with and experimenting with steels. We generally purchase steel in thousands of pounds, which makes a lot of knives. A steel like ATS-55 which Spyderco developed and owns, there was quite a bit made.

The current models that are 3mm (.125) and thicker will be converting over to VG-10 later this year (little by little). The thinner blades will be using ATS-55 for a while yet.

If and when we find another steel that performs better, I'm sure we will convert again. In reality, there are probably not more than 5 stainless steels that will perform better than ATS-55.

sal
 
Sorry to ask Sal but I have to know!

What are those steels and in which way are they better? I know steels like CPM 440V are far better for edge holding and rust resistance, but not as tough. Similaraly steels like M2 or CPM 3V are vastly tougher yet rusters!

In the same... general area of steels i.e. good edge holding fair toughness and fair rust resistance I can name a few steels af the top of my head. However if I were to name some steels that I think are better than ATS-55 I would say:

1.VG-10
2. ATS-34/154CM
3.X-15?
4.12-27 Sandvic version of ATS-34 (Powdered metal)
5. CPM 420V

All these I think are still fairly similar in overall performance with toughness with better rust resistance, but all I believe are better in edge holding and no doubt cost more as well.

Now please don't take my comments as harsh Sal, I understand and admire the fact that Spyderco inovate and take risks with new steels! But in this case I think perhaps ATS-55 needs a little more care and work to make it work?
 
Very interesting thread. I have to agree with the body chemistry theory. I have long held the theory that different peoples body chemistry, ph balance, etc. etc. has a pronounced effect on metal that is worn next to or even close to the skin. I’ve noticed that when I wear silver jewelry, it turns black within a day. My wife on the other hand can wear silver and rarely polish it. I’m not even allowed in jewelry stores that sell the stuff anymore. I had a brass Zippo that turned green by just being in the same room with me…well nearly.
My everyday carry has been a fully serrated police in G1 and a Hunter in G1. I have to polish the blades every couple of nights. I usually rub it down with Mothers Chrome Polish which seems to protect it. One week ago, I picked up a straight edge SS Police in ATS 55. Now, my friend had a blade in this and was always complaining about rust, but then he was also always complaining about cockroaches and from the looks of his apartment I could understand the roach problem so I figured perhaps the rust problem was also due to neglect. It took four hours of carry the new Police to form rust spots. This is even after I polished the blade with Mothers and put a coat of carnuba wax on it! Do I think it’s a bad knife? No. Do I think it’s bad steel? No. So what is it? It’s meeeeeeeeeeeeee! I just accept that I have to care for this steel more, or carry it in another place (I usually carry it in my waistband in the small of my back).
Another good example of the body chemistry theory is cologne/perfume. Doesn’t smell the same on everyone. Ask your wives if they can wear plated jewelry. I’ve known several women who develop a rash from wearing anything but solid gold. And you thought they were lying in order to get nicer stuff. In fact, I think that will be my next excuse for buying a Chinook. “But honey, the new Police model in ATS 55 makes me break out and the next best knife is a Chinook in CPM(T) 440V.” Then later when the VG 10 Chinook comes out (Honey. It irritates my skin a little. I told the company that and they make this one just for me. I have to buy it.”
:) Ian
 
What I find odd about ATS-55 is that my FRN models with this steel seem to get stained and darkened around the blade holes due to opening and use. (No rust though.) My SS Harpy on the other hand, which gets played with and Spyder-dropped way more than my FRN pieces, does not exibit ANY discoloration! Could it be that the blades for the FRN models get a sh1ttier heat treat than the higher-end stainless handled knives? I would just as soon see ATS-55 ditched completely since I still believe it to be mediocre at best.

PM
 
I agree with the body chemistry theory - BUT - I was talking about
salt water diving...nothing to do with my sweat...

I am not saying ATS-55 is a bad steel - I am saying we have to make the right choice when subjecting the folders to that harsh of an environment.

When I dive I carry two knives - a fixed blade diving knife on my right foot and a folder in my vest - the folder gets more use - and it is connected with a string so I don’t loose it.

Based on the experience I have - I will not dive with ATS-55 anymore.

Gin-1 or AUS-8 are better choices for underwater excursions...


Note to Sal - we ARE a bunch of snobs when it comes to steel - and you have the general public to sell to - and ATS -55 is not a bad steel...

But when we are asked - you can rest assure we will always prefer 420V or BG-42 in our every day sub 40$ folders...

CPM3V will also be nice...
 
It is a very interesting thread and I was sort of shocked when someone said BG-42 was going in the crapper but I think that further proves my point. I've been carrying a Sebenza [BG-42] for some time now and where any ATS-34/154-CM that is not mirror polished and sometimes even then or coated...will rust after just a few hours in a pocket in the summertime, the BG-42 has not a spot on it. And the Enduras and Delicas...same same...still look good.

So, I think there is more than meets the eye here and I don't think you can expect any Company to cater to everyone...I don't know...

Blilious,

Yeah, I knew you were speaking about diving and I was referring to many people who have more or less said the same thing, that they can hand their knife or loan it to a friend and the thing will spot rust on one person and not the other. I was not necessarily pinning that all on you! HA! Anyway...I think there is something to all of this, I just don't think it is the fault of ATS-55.
 
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