I recently came across a post in the multitool.org forum regarding Leatherman introducing S30V to their Wave-model called the Charge TTi. The model will be released in 2007 and also be the only Charge model in the new line-up to feature titanium handles.
Here is a link to the article:
http://www.equipped.com/blog/?p=21
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In the forum of multitool.org a question was raised about whether better blade steel would affect peoples decisions in buying a multitool. Here is a copy of my reply referring to my own Leatherman Charge XTi.
I chose the XTi for a couple of reasons. I didn't own a utlitly multitool, only a SAK that was not that rugged, and it had 154CM steel with titanium handles. Even if it had steel handles, the 154CM knife steel would sell me over other models with less impressive stainless steels..
154CM is a very good steel with very good edge retention and overall durability. S30V is an amazing cutlery steel which is arguably the best along with ZDP-189. However both these high end steels do suffer from durability issues when placed in hard use situations.
I don't agree that S30V is prone to chipping. I have a Chris Reeve Sebenza with S30V blade and it simply is the best blade I own. It also has a partially serrated blade with a double edged serration. An incredible blade, but there are certain things I will use my Charge XTi for that I won't use my much loved Sebenza.
I feel that S30V steel would fail in a MISUSE type situation more that the 154CM would. I know that tips of S30V folding knives have chipped or been broken when the user tried to pry or use their knife like a screwdriver and applied torque to the tip. I think that the lower carbon content of the 154CM would imply a less brittle blade when exposed to torsional or prying forces, especially at the tip. While not having the edge retention of the powdered steels S30V and ZDP-189, both with exceptionally high carbon content, as a multitool blade 154CM probably offers the best compromise between edge retention and durability of any other steel.
It comes down to abuse. When I see myself using my Leatherman in the future, I can imagine myself stuck at the side of the road trying to hack at some piece of metal or piping in the attempt to repair my motorcycle, car, etc. The 154CM steel is sharp yet tough enough to handle some emergency MISUSE. I believe that a multitool can save the day in extreme circumstances and in those situations with no other options you may find yourself prying or cutting something otherwise unthinkable.
At first I was considering selling my 154CM XTi when the new S30V TTi comes out in 2007, but I changed my mind when I thought about misusing my LM should I need to. I would rather keep my impeccable Sebenza folding knife for cutting tasks, and have my trusty Charge 154CM when I might need to misuse an innocent blade. Ahh, options.
What do members of this forum think about better steels in multitools. I feel my preference for 154CM over S30V for multitool use has been laid out. Would anyone care to comment? I am especially interested in thoughts of those intimate with both steels.
Here is a link to the article:
http://www.equipped.com/blog/?p=21
---
In the forum of multitool.org a question was raised about whether better blade steel would affect peoples decisions in buying a multitool. Here is a copy of my reply referring to my own Leatherman Charge XTi.
I chose the XTi for a couple of reasons. I didn't own a utlitly multitool, only a SAK that was not that rugged, and it had 154CM steel with titanium handles. Even if it had steel handles, the 154CM knife steel would sell me over other models with less impressive stainless steels..
154CM is a very good steel with very good edge retention and overall durability. S30V is an amazing cutlery steel which is arguably the best along with ZDP-189. However both these high end steels do suffer from durability issues when placed in hard use situations.
I don't agree that S30V is prone to chipping. I have a Chris Reeve Sebenza with S30V blade and it simply is the best blade I own. It also has a partially serrated blade with a double edged serration. An incredible blade, but there are certain things I will use my Charge XTi for that I won't use my much loved Sebenza.
I feel that S30V steel would fail in a MISUSE type situation more that the 154CM would. I know that tips of S30V folding knives have chipped or been broken when the user tried to pry or use their knife like a screwdriver and applied torque to the tip. I think that the lower carbon content of the 154CM would imply a less brittle blade when exposed to torsional or prying forces, especially at the tip. While not having the edge retention of the powdered steels S30V and ZDP-189, both with exceptionally high carbon content, as a multitool blade 154CM probably offers the best compromise between edge retention and durability of any other steel.
It comes down to abuse. When I see myself using my Leatherman in the future, I can imagine myself stuck at the side of the road trying to hack at some piece of metal or piping in the attempt to repair my motorcycle, car, etc. The 154CM steel is sharp yet tough enough to handle some emergency MISUSE. I believe that a multitool can save the day in extreme circumstances and in those situations with no other options you may find yourself prying or cutting something otherwise unthinkable.
At first I was considering selling my 154CM XTi when the new S30V TTi comes out in 2007, but I changed my mind when I thought about misusing my LM should I need to. I would rather keep my impeccable Sebenza folding knife for cutting tasks, and have my trusty Charge 154CM when I might need to misuse an innocent blade. Ahh, options.
What do members of this forum think about better steels in multitools. I feel my preference for 154CM over S30V for multitool use has been laid out. Would anyone care to comment? I am especially interested in thoughts of those intimate with both steels.
