Police model - GIN-1 or ATS-55?

J

Jeff/1911

Joined
Mar 22, 2001
Messages
1,224
Folks,

I have written on the Spyderco company forum recently about this, so I thought I’d ask you all too although I know that some here frequent both sites.

I am planning to buy a Spyderco Police model, in stainless steel with a plain edge. My local supplier has the new versions in ATS-55 and one of the older versions (display model) in GIN-1. There are things about the older model that appeal to me, and I may even be able to get it a little cheaper too. My question regards the two types of blade steel.

Can any of you comment on the”perceived sharpness” of these two steels, when sharpened up? I love the way AUS-8 (for example) seems to get extremely sharp, due in part to it’s fine grain structure I’m told. It is great for demonstrating how sharp the knife is, for instance by shaving arm hair. Does GIN-1 perhaps behave a little more like this than ATS-55? Is it possibly a little easier to sharpen than ATS-55? I know that GIN-1 is thought to have somewhat better corrosion resistance than ATS-55, so that would be quite useful to me. Do any of you own knives with both kinds of steel? How would you compare them for the above qualities?

This knife will be my new EDC, I think. I have fallen in love with my serrated SS Police model for EDC, and I think that the plain edged version may be even better for versatility. Even if the GIN-1 blade had somewhat poorer edge retention, if it had other advantages I think that I might prefer it.

I appreciate any help you can offer. Jeff/1911.
 
Hi, Jeff.
The only knife I have in Gin-1 is an old Benchmade Panther (which was listed by Benchmade by Gin-1's other name, G-2). I have found for the most part it sharpens up pretty easily. My Panther came semi-dull and with a thick edge. I kept the edge at the same angle but used my Sharpmaker and got the edge to be "grabby" sharp. I think Spyderco hardens their Gin-1 a bit higher than Benchmade did their G-2 a few years ago. (note that Benchmade has brought back Gin-1 in new models, and I *think* it is now at a higher Rc, but still below the 154-CM).

I think Spyderco hardens the Gin-1 to 58 to 60 or something. That is pretty hard yet seems like a good balance of hardness and resharpening...? Anyway, if you have an interest in the Gin-1 Police, it might be a good idea to buy that one, as I don't think there are too many left in circulation. Then you could always go and buy another ATS-55 one later on if you decide to.
Jim
 
ive got ATS55 (spydie lum ti tanto) and had GIN (spydie joht singh khalsa) and they are very similar (to me anyway) i guess the ATS is probably better, but either one will do for general use i would think - i would get the knife that appeals to ya, ya wont be disappointed w/the GIN imho.........


sifu
 
James Y, SIFU1A,

Thanks for your reply. This is exactly the type of information and counsel I was hoping to receive. I think I will buy the one in GIN-1 for the reason you suggest, James. I am unlikely to find many of these around, and I can always get one in ATS-55 later if I like; at least they are currently available now.

One issue I've been tossing around and have brought up on the Spyderco company forum, is the fact that the older model has no David Boye dent in the locking bar. Initially I wasn't sure whether I preferred this knife with or without the DB dent but I've decided I will probably like it better without. This is the case with the GIN-1 version at my local shop (no dent). I currently own a large Calypso which is dent-free, and a recent ss Police serrated model which is dent-ed. I think it would be fun to get a plain edged Police model to go with my serrated version and have them different in that respect.

This acquisition will have to wait a little while until I complete a deal I've got going with a fellow forumite on a couple of fixed blades, but it won't be too long. Perhaps I'll write back once I've got this knife to report on it.

Thanks a lot for your help. Jeff/1911.
 
I have several knives in ATS-55 and I can tell you from experience that Spyderco ATS-55 RUSTS!

I am not bashing Spyderco or trolling but I must simply tell you that with equal use and maintainance, Spyderco ATS-55 RUSTS! :(
 
Nimrod,

I've heard this from others. So far, I haven't had trouble with my ATS-55 blades, but apparently GIN-1 is better in this regard. I think I'll try it this time. Thanks.

Jeff/1911.
 
I've heard elsewhere from others who have found GIN-1 Spyderco's to require "frequent" resharpening. Is this true compared to ATS-55? Please forgive my beating of this topic to death, how I am.

Jeff/1911.
 
I have to disagree with the statement ats55 rusts, I
have owned a couple of police's and an endura and
have never seen a speck of rust, I used my police
to clean catfish, and cut trot lines in a rain storm
and never had a problem, I also had good luck sharpening
my police, and I suck at sharpening, don't have a gin1
knife though.
 
I can second the ATS-55 rust problem, although it varies with the run--it's not an absolute. I had a Merlin which was a rust magnet during a 2 week period which required several uses of 0000 steel wool and oil to clean up.

I have 2 Delica '98s that are spotless. I don't notice much difference between the two steels in terms of performance, but I touch up any knife I use, later that night.

Given the one rust problem with ATS-55 and many such problems with ATS-34, I'd go with the GIN-1 (used to be called G-2 and blade may be so marked).
 
Thanks fellows for your input. I appreciate your taking the time to reply. I think I will select the GIN-1 model. Jeff/1911.
 
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