S30v vs BG-42

S

ss Dragonfly

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Nov 9, 2006
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Is it just the rarity of the BG-42 that makes it so coveted or something else. Properly treated s30v seems to have better overall performance in what I have read. Granted my experience is only w s30v, what's the big bg-42 deal?
 
In my experience, BG-42 is slightly better in the edgeholding department. It was just getting popular when S30V came out, and everyone jumped on the S30V bandwagon. I would rate them as pretty much equal if heat treated properly.
 
They're both premium steels. It's like choosing between prime rib, and a nice steak. I slightly prefer BG42. I get a better edge on it. That's just me. Others may prefer S30V and I wouldn't argue. I have both and like both. Joe
 
As to composition, the steel chart in the back of the Spyderco catalog will allow you to compare the elements.

There was a thread on BG a week or so back discussing what should be the next Spyder using this steel...I'm hoping that Spyderco will put it in something smaller than the Military.

:)
 
I got to try a Strider AR in BG-42 (thanks Spark) and I now have a Paramilitary and a Sebenza in S30V.

It's probably true that it doesn't matter much, but if I had to choose between the two I'd pick S30V every time. I like it a lot, it's a good balance of edge retention, toughness and perceivable ability to take a great edge.

I always liked CPM440V, but S30V is better. I really like VG-10.

-And I like S30V better than that too.
 
The Mastiff said:
They're both premium steels. It's like choosing between prime rib, and a nice steak. I slightly prefer BG42. I get a better edge on it. That's just me. Others may prefer S30V and I wouldn't argue. I have both and like both. Joe
Click to expand...

same here.
 
I'm also under the impression that bg42 takes a finer edge, and that it gets there more easily.

If given a choice I prefer bg42 to s30v. Incidentally, my cf bg42 millie got here today and it's very very nice. The edge is very sharp and the fit and finish are excellent.
 
If you gave me two identically shaped blades, one in BG-42 and one in S30V, I doubt that I would notice a difference, as long as the heat treatment was good on both blades. When two steels are this similar, it's the heat treatment that matters most. Go with the steel that your manufacturer feels more comfortable with.
 
S30V appears to be more prone to micro chipping, although this might not be such a bad thing for raw cutting performance. In all the examples I have seen (which are about 8, so not that many) BG42 has a much nicer, or more refined looking finish. Whether this is the way the makers decided or a property of the steel, I don't know for sure, but S30V seems much more utilitarian looking.

schiesz
 
I have had Militaries in S30V,440V and BG42.I like the BG42 much better.Takes a finer edge and seems to hold it just as long as S30V without the micro chipping problems.
 
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