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

I'd be interested to see how Fallkniven's 3G powder steel performs. Likewise the rumoured laminated Cobalt powder steel they'll be using this year.
 
I'd be interested to see how Fallkniven's 3G powder steel performs. Likewise the rumoured laminated Cobalt powder steel they'll be using this year.
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It should be very similar to Kershaws SG2 which is in Cat 7. The Cobalt powder steel is available through Spydercos Mule team and last I saw they still had some at the Spyderco Factory outlet. I haven't done any comparison testing personally but I do like the Cobalt Special ( as Spyderco calls it in the mule team). Easy to sharpen and cuts well.

Joe
 
The Mastiff said:
It should be very similar to Kershaws SG2 which is in Cat 7. The Cobalt powder steel is available through Spydercos Mule team and last I saw they still had some at the Spyderco Factory outlet. I haven't done any comparison testing personally but I do like the Cobalt Special ( as Spyderco calls it in the mule team). Easy to sharpen and cuts well.

Joe
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Thanks Joe. I hadn't realised the Cobalt powder steel that Fallkniven are going to use is the same as the Spyderco Cos3 mule. I quite like the mule- the cladding steel is very scratch prone but it is easy to get very sharp. I haven't done any objective comparisons re: edge holding, either.
 
Jeff Jenness said:
First, thanks for all the hard work. I really like the information.

Could I make a request on some additional information on your test ranking page? Here is what I would like to see if possible.
1. List on each steel tested, the knife or knives used for testing the steels (model/manufacturer/maker)
2. List on each category, the range of cuts (upper/lower number of cuts) that the category represents for the steels

This is qualitative information that I think is relavent and also helps to differentiate the categories quantitatively.

Jeff
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+1 I also would like to see identification of the knife(s) used in the testing. Range of # cuts for each category would also be interesting.
 
I am not a tester as such but I do occasionally take a few new blades to the bench.
I use nylon double braid yacht braid ( Samson/ Yale) . Wrap it with masking tape fairly tight ( 5/8' - 3/4" ) .
This and spectra / kevlar are very difficult to cut so the number of cuts you can make will be fewer. With the nylon when the blade goes dull the material goes flat with pressure. Three twist nylon will also work ,and again many fewer cuts can be made . You can not crush the fiber with a dull knife as with hemp.I look for wide thin blade to test with 4-5" long and fixed . ATS 34 will make about 20 + or minus. 3V will get in the high sixties as will 90V.
I have been using 3V, since Bailey Bradshaw made me a carry knife about 7 or eight years ago .It is a folding lock back for a jacket pocket Flat ground at about .110 finished stock Bowie style grind.
Just an old guys opinion.

Floyd
 
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I'm seriously thinking of getting a Mantis in "440V" if you're willing to put it through it's paces, to see how it turns out. I know a few of us are curious. Maybe pass it off a few times to other testers as well. What do you think?
 
jeffphansen77 said:
I'm seriously thinking of getting a Mantis in "440V" if you're willing to put it through it's paces, to see how it turns out. I know a few of us are curious. Maybe pass it off a few times to other testers as well. What do you think?
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440V is a good steel, already tested it in one knife, have 2 others here to run yet.
 
Jim, any plans to test the newly released CF Military M390 or would it be a redundant effort you think?
 
tentufire said:
Jim, any plans to test the newly released CF Military M390 or would it be a redundant effort you think?
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I think he's getting one donated to him from a member from the spyderco forum if I'm not mistaken. I really hope he is bc mine will be delivered tomorrow and I love to watch Jim's videos testing different knives. The m390 military should be the first on anyone's list IMO. :)
 
Jim, generally speaking, what would be a good grit to finish with on M390. The knife in question is the M390 Military. Would you finish at, say, 600 or 1000 grit EP or go on to the tapes for a finer polish? Does M390 retain an aggressive cutting edge at higher grit?
 
Orion's Belt said:
Jim, generally speaking, what would be a good grit to finish with on M390. The knife in question is the M390 Military. Would you finish at, say, 600 or 1000 grit EP or go on to the tapes for a finer polish? Does M390 retain an aggressive cutting edge at higher grit?
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I would go with 600 Grit. :)

Try both 600 and 1000 and see what you like. :)
 
Orion's Belt said:
Jim, generally speaking, what would be a good grit to finish with on M390. The knife in question is the M390 Military. Would you finish at, say, 600 or 1000 grit EP or go on to the tapes for a finer polish? Does M390 retain an aggressive cutting edge at higher grit?
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Ankerson said:
I would go with 600 Grit. :)

Try both 600 and 1000 and see what you like. :)
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Good advice.

The Vanadium amount will lend it self best to those two grits, try them and let us know what you like. Of course, it depends on your uses what steel will work best for you.
 
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