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

I agree with the above but it sure was nice to finally be able to achieve that stupid sharp edge that's been eluding me for a long time.
 
Jim, will you be getting a hold of one of the CTS-204P paramilitaries for testing? I'd be interested to see how it stacks up.
 
Ankerson said:
Didn't order one. :(
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If you want to, I've got one that should be coming in this weekend that I wouldn't mind parting with for a few weeks. I've been EDC'ing an M4 Mini-Grip and trying to wear in the axis lock so I don't see myself carrying it much for a while. I'd be happy to lend it out to you for testing purposes if you'd want.

I've also got a Mule in CTS B75P if you'd want to test that as well!
 
Invective said:
If you want to, I've got one that should be coming in this weekend that I wouldn't mind parting with for a few weeks. I've been EDC'ing an M4 Mini-Grip and trying to wear in the axis lock so I don't see myself carrying it much for a while. I'd be happy to lend it out to you for testing purposes if you'd want.

I've also got a Mule in CTS B75P if you'd want to test that as well!
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Sure you can send it on, I will run it, both coarse and polished edges. :) :thumbup:
 
Ankerson said:
Sure you can send it on, I will run it, both coarse and polished edges. :) :thumbup:
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Awesome! It'll be interesting to see how it compares with M390. I've been wanting to know what RC range these are running in so this test should help. I'll PM you for your address when I get it in, it's held up in Detroit it seems but should be here by the start of next week I'm guessing.
 
Invective said:
Awesome! It'll be interesting to see how it compares with M390. I've been wanting to know what RC range these are running in so this test should help. I'll PM you for your address when I get it in, it's held up in Detroit it seems but should be here by the start of next week I'm guessing.
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A CTS-204P vs M390 shootout would be cool.
 
senorsquare said:
A CTS-204P vs M390 shootout would be cool.
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I have a Microtech Socom Elite in 204P. Not sure if it would be a true comparison against the Para2 as the Socom is a good bit thinner behind the edge but has a less wide blade and thicker spine. It is fantastic against rope or other less rigid medium but not great for cardboard really.

One things for sure, this class of steel is amazing. Microtech ran this stuff hard and it still seems fairly tough. I have one tiny microchip near the tip after 6 months or so of EDC and stropping only. It still shaves hair! And it never loses that 0.5u shine. Its just fantastic. Plus I work in a wet environment around chemicals and salt water, not even a spec of discoloration.

ETA: Don't forget about Duratech 20CV. This may be the closest race ever.
 
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The CTS B75P should test well. That steel can go up to rc 62-63 and it gets pretty wear resistant. It's a stainless, high speed, bearing steel. That's a mouthfull but it's one of the few stainless steels that I really like enough to bump a tool steel blade. I imagine it's expensive as it gets the extra clean ( Vim/Var) that BG42 did, but in addition it's powder steel too, unlike BG42. Probably expensive enough to the point we won't see that many production models. If it doesn't sell Carpenter will drop it.

BG42 sold so well it was difficult tor the small cutlery industry to get. A years waiting time and longer was not uncommon.
 
The Mastiff said:
The CTS B75P should test well. That steel can go up to rc 62-63 and it gets pretty wear resistant. It's a stainless, high speed, bearing steel. That's a mouthfull but it's one of the few stainless steels that I really like enough to bump a tool steel blade. I imagine it's expensive as it gets the extra clean ( Vim/Var) that BG42 did, but in addition it's powder steel too, unlike BG42. Probably expensive enough to the point we won't see that many production models. If it doesn't sell Carpenter will drop it.

BG42 sold so well it was difficult tor the small cutlery industry to get. A years waiting time and longer was not uncommon.
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Yeah I've been hoping Ankerson would test it for a while now but I realize it's hard to come by if you missed out on the mule. I've been using mine in the kitchen for a while now, haven't had to touch it up yet, and even after whittling bamboo it's still shaving sharp. I expected it to chip on some of the cuts too but it held up even better than I imagined. I'm excited to see Kershaw's LE with B75P it'll be interesting to see what they can do with it!
 
Invective said:
Awesome! It'll be interesting to see how it compares with M390. I've been wanting to know what RC range these are running in so this test should help. I'll PM you for your address when I get it in, it's held up in Detroit it seems but should be here by the start of next week I'm guessing.
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I will compare it to my Military CF M390 data, it's at 61 HRC.
 
I'm excited to see Kershaw's LE with B75P it'll be interesting to see what they can do with it!
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I'm going to do some checking on this. I haven't heard of it until you mentioned it. I did hear about the S110V and the MPL-1/Supracore with 45% carbide fraction that I'll believe when I see actually shipping. Whew! That's a big year for steel junkies!

Joe
 
I'm excited to see Kershaw's LE with B75P it'll be interesting to see what they can do with it!
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I'm going to do some checking on this. I haven't heard of it until you mentioned it. I did hear about the S110V and the MPL-1/Supracore with 45% carbide fraction that I'll believe when I see actually shipping. Whew! That's a big year for steel junkies!


Joe

Edit: Found it ZT 0600 R.J.Martin collab for $340 ( KC). That's out of my price range unfortunately. At least I got my mules. :)
 
The Mastiff said:
I'm going to do some checking on this. I haven't heard of it until you mentioned it. I did hear about the S110V and the MPL-1/Supracore with 45% carbide fraction that I'll believe when I see actually shipping. Whew! That's a big year for steel junkies!

Joe
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I sure would hate to sharpen out a chip in Maxamet or MPL-1. What a nightmare. Even ZDP is a pain and its wimpy compared to Supracore. A powered wicked edge belt sander would be a good invention.
 
TriviaMonster said:
I sure would hate to sharpen out a chip in Maxamet or MPL-1. What a nightmare. Even ZDP is a pain and its wimpy compared to Supracore. A powered wicked edge belt sander would be a good invention.
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Work_Sharp_Knife_50896c8db9c26.jpg
 
I sure would hate to sharpen out a chip in Maxamet or MPL-1. What a nightmare. Even ZDP is a pain and its wimpy compared to Supracore. A powered wicked edge belt sander would be a good invention.
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I believe it would do some chipping if one would put thin edges on the blade. It's not going to be strong with that carbide fraction even at deliberately lower hardness. I'd bet that like S125, Rex xxx, and some more super high alloy steels it probable comes from the foundry close to 50rc. I recall the first batch of S125V did. Farid showed the readings on some steel he got in and it was over rc 50 from what I recall.

I've always wondered if those knives he made at rc 68-70 for people in that rex 121 could keep up with the highest performing of Jim's customs in A11 class steels. They may not have 40 something percent carbide but they can slice with excellent geometry due to sufficient toughness at full hardness and not start self destructing the edge on the rope Jim uses.

In the right circumstances rex 121 will have much greater abrasive wear resistance than A11 class steels but I don't believe 30 degree angles and , what, less than .01o edges will hold up with those Rex steels cutting that tough fiber.

There again what use is my speculating? I have no experience with Rex 121. Only Rex 20 ( M62- designed for uses where cobalt couldn't be used)
 
The Mastiff said:
I believe it would do some chipping if one would put thin edges on the blade. It's not going to be strong with that carbide fraction even at deliberately lower hardness. I'd bet that like S125, Rex xxx, and some more super high alloy steels it probable comes from the foundry close to 50rc. I recall the first batch of S125V did. Farid showed the readings on some steel he got in and it was over rc 50 from what I recall.

I've always wondered if those knives he made at rc 68-70 for people in that rex 121 could keep up with the highest performing of Jim's customs in A11 class steels. They may not have 40 something percent carbide but they can slice with excellent geometry due to sufficient toughness at full hardness and not start self destructing the edge on the rope Jim uses.

In the right circumstances rex 121 will have much greater abrasive wear resistance than A11 class steels but I don't believe 30 degree angles and , what, less than .01o edges will hold up with those Rex steels cutting that tough fiber.

There again what use is my speculating? I have no experience with Rex 121. Only Rex 20 ( M62- designed for uses where cobalt couldn't be used)
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Crucible says that CPM 10V is more suitable for knife blades than REX 121 and there wouldn't be that much difference in edge retention between the two.

I really doubt that Rex 121 would hold up well to sub .010" behind the edge and 10 degrees per side edge angles that I use on the A11 blades.
 
Ankerson said:
Crucible says that CPM 10V is more suitable for knife blades than REX 121 and there wouldn't be that much difference in edge retention between the two.

I really doubt that Rex 121 would hold up well to sub .010" behind the edge and 10 degrees per side edge angles that I use on the A11 blades.
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I agree with that second part. In the same way you wouldn't run a weak (read soft) steel at those specs, you wouldn't run a steel lacking toughness at those specs. A11 class steels are really a sweet spot for knives, especially razor thin edges.
 
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