Questions about the SubCom

L

LongDistance

Joined
May 24, 2004
Messages
319
Wow, I was searching for a practical small EDC knife when I stumbled across this page. The endless praise about the SubCom convinced me to try one out, however I have some simple questions regarding the SubCom.

What is AUS8 like? I have handled S30V, VG10, 154CM, 440C, and Victorinox's stainless steel, is the AUS8 similar to any of the steels listed?

Is it easy to sharpen with the Spyderco Sharpmaker? Is the curvy blade easy to sharpen?

Which online retailer is best to buy the SubCom? I buy my knives from newgraham, but they are out of stock. I like to keep my online buying experiance trouble free.

Will there be an improvement or new version of the SubCom anytime soon? I will patiently wait for G10 handles and better steel if it is the case.
 
LongDistance said:
Wow, I was searching for a practical small EDC knife when I stumbled across this page. The endless praise about the SubCom convinced me to try one out, however I have some simple questions regarding the SubCom.

What is AUS8 like? I have handled S30V, VG10, 154CM, 440C, and Victorinox's stainless steel, is the AUS8 similar to any of the steels listed?

Is it easy to sharpen with the Spyderco Sharpmaker? Is the curvy blade easy to sharpen?

Which online retailer is best to buy the SubCom? I buy my knives from newgraham, but they are out of stock. I like to keep my online buying experiance trouble free.

Will there be an improvement or new version of the SubCom anytime soon? I will patiently wait for G10 handles and better steel if it is the case.
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Aloha and welcome LongDistance!

Thanks for stumbling by!;) I don't know if I will be much of a help regarding your questions, but here we go:

AUS8 has always been one of my favorite steels, and IMHO performs like 440. It resharpens easily and edge holding is relative as it depends on what you cut most.

The SF (SUBCOM Folder) sharpens VERY easily on the Spyderco Sharpmaker. I use either the Sharpmaker or my 701 Pro-File white stone to sharpen/touch up my SF's. The belly, or curve as you mentioned is no problem at all.:thumbup:

If not from Boker, then I highly recommend NGK, they're great folks to deal with. Period. However, I have ordered from Knifecenter w/o any probz, but this is a choice you'll have to make.:D

As for an "improved" SF, not as of yet. Boker just unleashed a bunch of SFV's (SUBCOM Folder Variants), so I am assuming they will stick to the AUS8 and Zytel scale for now. I am still trying to press Boker Germany for a Damasteel version with Ti handle lockside, and Micarta scale side though!:thumbup:

Hope that helped a bit, if not, my knifebro's will be here to help.:o

God bless and mahalo:thumbup:
 
LongDistance said:
Wow, I was searching for a practical small EDC knife when I stumbled across this page. The endless praise about the SubCom convinced me to try one out, however I have some simple questions regarding the SubCom.
Click to expand...

The Subcom is an excellent knife, and I'll admit I'm a little biased towards it, but I'll try to answer the questions in an objective way.

LongDistance said:
What is AUS8 like? I have handled S30V, VG10, 154CM, 440C, and Victorinox's stainless steel, is the AUS8 similar to any of the steels listed?
Click to expand...

AUS-8 should have edge retention roughly comparable to 440C. It's also a relatively tough steel in my experience, and takes abuse well. It is (I believe) more corrosion resistant than most of those steels. It takes a very nice edge, and it exceptionally easy to sharpen(easier than most of those steels you mentioned) All in all it's great classic steel. Maybe not the cool supersteel on the month, but it won't let you down.

Boker does a great job with it too, the heat treat seems pretty good.

LongDistance said:
Is it easy to sharpen with the Spyderco Sharpmaker? Is the curvy blade easy to sharpen?
Click to expand...

Very easy to sharpen. As I mentioned above, AUS-8 sharpens easily. The curve isn't a problem on the sharpmaker, you'll just need the edge perpendicular to the stone as your sharpen, which involves a little downturn of the blade at the end. Easy to maintain though.

LongDistance said:
Which online retailer is best to buy the SubCom? I buy my knives from newgraham, but they are out of stock. I like to keep my online buying experiance trouble free.
Click to expand...

www.knifecenter.com also has them. I just ordered some more from them Friday, and they shipped today. They were in stock last I checked.

LongDistance said:
Will there be an improvement or new version of the SubCom anytime soon? I will patiently wait for G10 handles and better steel if it is the case.
Click to expand...

There are variants of the Subcom coming out in the future. Several new blade profiles(Rescue Hook, Wharncliffe) as well as new colors(Desert Tan, possibly Green) are on the way.

As far as I know, the steel will not be upgraded again(it was originally 420J2, and upgraded to AUS-8, knifecenter has the AUS-8 in case you wanted to ask). I may be wrong, but I haven't heard anything about it yet. No G-10 handles yet either, but there are several forumites who do after market modification of Subcoms, and G-10 scales are well within their capabilities.

Any other questions?:cool:
 
Daywalker said:
I am still trying to press Boker Germany for a Damasteel version with Ti handle lockside, and Micarta scale side though!:thumbup:
Click to expand...

WHAT!!!:eek: I'm all over it.:D
 
thanks for your answers, off to knifecenter!

Oh yea, fyi, my SubCom will probably between my dress and "work" knife. My local ordinance has a sub 3 inch law and my community is full of sheeples :grumpy:. I use a Mini Ritter Grip for "work carry" and a Spyderco Spin for dress carry. Even though the Spin is well made and designed, it seems too delicate for abuse. Nothing is wrong with the Mini Ritter, except people go :eek: when I open it. So the SubCom will hopefully bridge the gap between my Mini Ritter and the Spin.
 
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