s30v vs s110v or M4

I like my s30v but there's an S35vn model and I'll take that any day in a knife blade
 
So it's all about trade offs. S110V and CPM M4 were both developed for industrial applications. The intended use of the knife is key to understanding what the targeted attributes required are. If you are using it to mostly open boxes/cut paper-envelopes, then S30V and S110V are great. S110V is typically utilitized in High Wear (metal on metal or material) or slicing applications. CPM M4 was developed to meet a need for High Speed Tool applications (think cutting and taking micro impacts - ex. Cutting dies, drill jobbers, etc). That being said, CPM M4 has the edge up on S110v for impact toughness and general toughness, while S110V will shine in slicing applications.

But for me, both are great, I might get 1 of each ;).
 
This would be an easy choice for me...CPM s110v all the way. I don't use folders, but even in most fixed, there's no reason to go to a "tougher" steel....it's a pocket knife. s110v gives you outstanding corrosion resistance & edge wear, which are by leaps & bounds the two aspects I most care about in all of my knives, but esp. in a little folding pocket knife. So imo, this decision isn't about trade offs at all, as there are no reasons to go with M4 or s30v when s110v is a choice for a pocket knife & $$ isn't a consideration....but just my opinion....though, it's right...and anything else would be wrong. But again, just my very humble opinion (undeniable fact).
 
  • Like
Reactions: 353
i got lucky and was able to get the para 2 in M4

Good decision.
As you know the Para has a thin tip, which I like, and most Syderco's also come with a thinner edge than most.
Knowing that, I feel the super tough M4 is the better steel for this particular knife.
 
I love CTS Xhp i am not surprised. With the right edge geometry and right combination of variables steels will appear to retain edges longer in a very inconclusive way that in my experience can complicate or contradict results entirely. Steels blade shapes all have there preferred edge angles grind thickness so on

For what it is worth I ground the heck out of the CTS Xhp Ti Lite (four) down to 2mm at the thickest point on the spine and the behind the edge thickness from about 1mm (40 thou) down to half that thick. Then sharpened to a shallowish sharpening bevel with no secondary so pretty vulnerable compared to the Manix with its stock blade and edge grind; I just sharpened what was there from Spyderco.

And I am just cutting thin rubber coated cloth, very little card board, some rubber etc. . . . so not like I am cutting manilla rope and wood and drywall.

I am tempted to send my Manix back. I like the knife but feel like maybe I didn't get the quality of steel I should have. Considering my direct comparison to another Spyderco with 189 that shines, cutting wise.

I would hate to do that. It would be super interesting to compare it to another known quality S110V.
 
M4 is my favorite steel. I have great knives in S30v as well (Fantoni) does an amazing job on S30V though I see they are transitioning to S35V. S110v seems good as well, but given the option I would choose M4 every time.
 
I have great knives in S30v as well (Fantoni) does an amazing job on S30V

A side, side comment : that reassures me that when I get a Sebenza I won't have to feel I am getting antiquated blade hardware. I was beginning to think Sebenza . . . S30V . . . hmmmm maybe I won't go there. One of these days though . . . whamo, I'm going to get one on the way to me. Christmas maybe.

The Dalai Lama . . . always seemed like a pretty well bolted down kind of guy. I mean considering they came to him when he was a little kid and said "You're The Man" . . .
He was probably like "Hmmmm . . . might as well go with it . . . right ?"

Gives some good talks . . . sense of humor too.

anyway . . .
 
M4 is my favorite steel. I have great knives in S30v as well (Fantoni) does an amazing job on S30V though I see they are transitioning to S35V. S110v seems good as well, but given the option I would choose M4 every time.

ya m4 is amazing. When i saw everyone do reviews on the mantra and people said the tip is too fine or delicate i was thinking but its m4 .... you can put a much thinner edge and still have strength and stability. I use my mantra to cut 1", 1.5", 2" poly pipe. I have even used it to cut 160 psi 2 " inch pipe and the tip punctures right through the thick pipe. That's tough steel
 
A side, side comment : that reassures me that when I get a Sebenza I won't have to feel I am getting antiquated blade hardware. I was beginning to think Sebenza . . . S30V . . . hmmmm maybe I won't go there. One of these days though . . . whamo, I'm going to get one on the way to me. Christmas maybe.

The Dalai Lama . . . always seemed like a pretty well bolted down kind of guy. I mean considering they came to him when he was a little kid and said "You're The Man" . . .
He was probably like "Hmmmm . . . might as well go with it . . . right ?"

Gives some good talks . . . sense of humor too.

anyway . . .

Yes. Very much so.
 
My Manix 2 and my PM2 with S110v have been in use for over a year, and all I've ever done to them is some stropping and a light touch with a kitchen knife steel. They are probably 98% as sharp as the day i got them.

They have both cut LOTS of cardboard, zip ties, food. I love S110v
 
My Manix 2 and my PM2 with S110v have been in use for over a year, and all I've ever done to them is some stropping and a light touch with a kitchen knife steel. They are probably 98% as sharp as the day i got them.

They have both cut LOTS of cardboard, zip ties, food. I love S110v
I’ll let someone else say it! 🤣
 
Back
Top