Ranking of Steels in Categories based on Edge Retention cutting 5/8" rope

Thanks for taking the time to do this Jim.


Another vote for 1095, in the form of Izula? And also, is the AUS8 you tested from CS?
 
Not a psychic but jim will say izula is too short. The only thing from esee that would work would be the 3 . Its long enough and thin enough.:D
 
CrimsonTideShooter said:
Thanks for taking the time to do this Jim.


Another vote for 1095, in the form of Izula? And also, is the AUS8 you tested from CS?
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That's way too short, I would need something about 4" and pretty thin, since most 1095 blades these days are thick, well.....

Yeah that was CS AUS-8
 
Ankerson said:
That's way too short, I would need something about 4" and pretty thin, since most 1095 blades these days are thick, well.....

Yeah that was CS AUS-8
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Yep everything except the 3 is too thick. That's a shame too because I've been curious as to just how well thy hold their edge.

Is anything being added to the list in the near future?
 
CrimsonTideShooter said:
Yep everything except the 3 is too thick. That's a shame too because I've been curious as to just how well thy hold their edge.

Is anything being added to the list in the near future?
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Yep, I have more that is coming up, I have had some very humid weather here lately and that does effect the results so I have had to cool it until it gets better.
 
Just browsing over the results again, and just wanted to say thanks for all the effort! I'm really curious about that 3V Strider, and seeing where that comes in (if it even meets the criteria?). From what I've read on here and heard from custom makers, it sounds like 3V may be very formidable.
 
Handwrecker said:
Just browsing over the results again, and just wanted to say thanks for all the effort! I'm really curious about that 3V Strider, and seeing where that comes in (if it even meets the criteria?). From what I've read on here and heard from custom makers, it sounds like 3V may be very formidable.
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The way the blade is ground, gets thicker toward the tip makes it go over the max down pressure when cutting the 5/8" rope, I don't go over 15 LBS starting pressure. (That was with a 40 degree inclusive edge @ 320 Grit) I have no desire to reprofile to the testing standard of 30 Degress inclusive because it would thin out the tip too much. I don't want to screw up a $550 knife for 15 mins of testing on my own coin, sometimes I have to make choices based on common since.

It's really is a better cutter than you would think though, it really is awesome, better than S30V.

This is at 40 Degress:

DSC_25911.JPG
 
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jim, quick question: i didn't see any buck 420HC on your list, did you test any yet?

p.s. thanks for all of the hard work.
 
Have you ever had a go with BG-42? I've heard some say they preferred the old Sebenzas in BG-42 over the S30V versions.
 
STR said:
I expect that over time category 5 will grow as you branch out and that the other categories will end up being the smaller ones particularly the two top ones.

In my mind I can kind of imagine where some would probably end up but they may surprise. One has to wonder, where would 420HC, 13C26/14C28 and 12C27 be? Or 1095, (CV and all equivalents) 3V and other carbon steels. Then with some steels you would almost have to have sub categories for hardness. 1095 for example can be 62 RC or 56 RC and perform fine at both or anywhere in between for various purposes. I'm sure each one at various hardnesses would do differently in your testings. Anyway, its some good info. I think you'll find some are surprised at AUS8 being in the same league as S30V but personally I'm not at all surprised. I remember someone saying that when they tested SG2 it only performed like AUS8 as if that was a bad thing. I've always known AUS8 (Note: Real AUS8) was a fine average steel that in many ways is the better choice among the other average steels available including SG2. I've never understood all the negative press AUS8 gets as if its a bad steel. Been saying that for years.


Your tests kind of proves that out. :thumbup:

STR
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It wouldn't surprise me if AUS8 has gotten bad press for one reason only, that Cold Steel uses it on plenty of their knives. I may be mistaken, but probably not. Jess sayin'. (Full disclosure: Last time I checked, I own 5 cold steel knives, 4 of which have blades of AUS8 or AUS8a.)
 
Its also probably cause its cheap . Ontario rat 1 folder cost 20 bucks and has aus 8. If its cheap it can't be good .....right
 
spydusse said:
Its also probably cause its cheap . Ontario rat 1 folder cost 20 bucks and has aus 8. If its cheap it can't be good .....right
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Right. While I appreciate the "you get what you pay for" thing, nevertheless that Ontario Rat 1 folder is a steal at 20 bucks. Well worth 20, and probably quite a bit more.
 
Folderguy said:
It wouldn't surprise me if AUS8 has gotten bad press for one reason only, that Cold Steel uses it on plenty of their knives. I may be mistaken, but probably not. Jess sayin'. (Full disclosure: Last time I checked, I own 5 cold steel knives, 4 of which have blades of AUS8 or AUS8a.)
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I've been eating some crow lately as well. I've always thought of AUS 8 as sub par, but I've been enjoying it lately, and appreciating it for what it is. It is a very good steel. Similarly, I really like Krupps 4116 from CS. It won't win awards in any one area, but it does several things well. Same goes for Buck 420HC.

Thanks STR, for letting us know about the great quality of the CS American Lawman! It got me back onto AUS 8, and now Ankerson is making me think about Custom versions. You guys are dangerous! and yes, even though I lurk a LOT, I do pay attention to what you both say!
 
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