Question about steel

[JimK]

I was set to buy a Spyderco Calypso. Then I read a review of it online....said the blade dulls quickly.
(http://www.physics.mun.ca/~sstamp/knives/military_calypso_jr.html )

I notice that article says the Calypso uses AUS-8 steel. But at another site (http://www.bladeforums.com/features/review-1.shtml)
it's stated the Calypso uses VG-10.

How do the 2 steels compare? Anyone know which is used for Calypsos?

Thanks for any tips.
Jim

 

[anthony cheeseboro]

When the Calypso was first made, it was the small version called the Calypso jr. with a micarta or steel handle. Those knives were AUS-8, a steel that sharpens quite easily and gets very sharp, but which does not hold an edge as long as VG-10, ATS-34/154CM or any of the Crucible Powdered metal steels. The full-size Calypso and the zytel handled Calypso Jr. lightweight had blades of VG-10, a steel that sharpens very easily like AUS-8, but which holds an edge much longer.

I hope that clears things up for you.

 

[Joe Talmadge]

Calypso jr. micarta uses 8A. The zytel-handled calypso jr. uses VG-10. Both steels are fine-grained and easily take an incredible sharp edge, especially on the already-thin calypso blade. VG-10 is stronger and more wear-resistant. 8A is among my favorites of the 2nd-tier steels.

So you have a choice. The more handsome and gentlemanly micarta version, or the more utility-looking FRN version with the better steel?

Joe