S90V vs S110V vs M390 Steel?

ArabianKnight

ArabianKnight

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I am looking at a blade steel for my next custom overbuilt folder. Between these 3 stainless super steels which offers best bang for buck, looking for edge retention and toughness. Need to be able to chop wood, typical "hard use" tasks and not chip or get dull to soon.
 
Because you have included chopping and are rightfully then concerned about rolling and chipping, I think you have the wrong class of steels under consideration. Something like CPM 3V would be better suited. Having all three (actually 204p vs M390) that you have listed, S110V is easily my favorite for light to medium use in a small to mid sized folder.
Best...
 
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Yeah.... None would make great choppers, but I would say m390 would be the best if those were your only options. Survive! Knives used to use m390 and they have a video out showing its toughness. It's not too bad actually.

But ideally, you would probably want something in 3v or similar. The super stainlesses you listed are a lot less tough
 
I agree with Ray. For chopping and the like, you'd be better suited with a carbon steel. CPM 3V is really popular and for good reason. If you can get your hands on Vanadis 4 Extra, I think that would be a great choice. From what I've read it has excellent toughness and edge retention possibly more so than 3V but don't quote me on that. Just what I've read.
From your choices though, I would go for M390. It's my all time favourite stainless steel for folders. It has excellent toughness, edge retention, corrosion resistance etc and is MUCH easier to sharpen than S90/110V. I personally think it has the best of all worlds.
 
I would go for 3V as well, but we have to use stainless as that is my only option. So M390 looks like appears to take the crown in the "hard use" category in the stainless steels. What about the cost of this over 154CM and S35VN?
 
Ray Allen said:
Because you have included chopping and are rightfully then concerned about rolling and chipping, I think you have the wrong class of steels under consideration. Something like CPM 3V would be better suited. Having all three (actually 204p vs M390) that you have listed, S110V is easily my favorite for light to medium use in a small to mid sized folder.
Best...
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Agree. With almost every steel there is a point of compromise. Toughness, corrosion resistance, intended purpose, and edge retention are a few characteristics to consider. I've not seen many choppers if any made from S110, the steel is very difficult to work with and seems to be a better choice for exotic folders and such, S90 is basically the same, only slightly easier to machine and heat treat. The other glaring issue is that using a folder for "chopping" is very inefficient, sort of like pulling a splinter out of your finger with a brick.

Look to what the industry has a focus on in certain steels. For example, ESEE and Becker use 1095, which works amazingly, well, sharpens up easily, is tough, and economical. Sure it's not a super fancy particle metallurgy steel, but it really doesn't need to be. Bussekin knives use S7 and 52100 steels which share some characteristics with the 10 series steels. Bark River Knives use 3V, A2, and again 1095 on some of their blades. None of these companies make "chopping" folders. Personally, if you want to get a nice folder, use it so it can cut stuff efficiently and hold a great edge. That is going to give you the best bang for your buck. But if you have money burning a hole in your pocket, that is another thing entirely.
 
A lot can be finessed with blade geometry and heat treat. It sounds like you're looking for an all-around, highly wear resistant stainless blade, and M390 would be good for that. Your knife maker can grind out the geometry and tweak the heat treat to give you the balance you need.

You might also consider Elmax, which, like M390, is a 3rd generation powder steel. It's very stainless and very tough, especially in the 57-59 Rc range. It does better for wear resistance at 60-62 Rc, but because it is the so tough, you could push the hardness up to 60-61 Rc and have a very tough, very wear resistant, very stainless blade.

The chopping requirement in a folder is the fly in the soup, because it limits both wear resistance and high-performance slicing geometry, which is where a good folder can shine. Almost any well-built folder can do light chopping, but for anything more you're compromising the normal function of a folder.
 
Out of three you mentioned I like the M390 the best.Really good overall steel.
 
Were looking at a 4" blade, thickness of .28" and a weight of about 12 oz's and an OAL of about 9.5" It's purpose will not be directly for chopping but it has the capability to chop well just in case you "get lost in the woods" type situation. Don't want no wimpy steels. In a survival situation I would not have a sharpening kit with me and may need to make shelter and other weapons made from wood and such.
 
Take a look at the Spyderco Tuff if you have not done so.
And, from from my Army NCO days..."Scouts Out!".
Cheers...
 
Ray's suggestion of the Spyderco TUFF is a great one. I've had a couple. It is a four-inch blade of 3V steel, and was actually designed to be a "folding fixed blade." Has a rock-solid lockup and that's about it...
Here is mine along with a "traditional" BM 710...
 
Those Tuffs are so cool. I have to get me one some day.
Sonnydaze said:
Ray's suggestion of the Spyderco TUFF is a great one. I've had a couple. It is a four-inch blade of 3V steel, and was actually designed to be a "folding fixed blade." Has a rock-solid lockup and that's about it...
Here is mine along with a "traditional" BM 710...
Click to expand...
 
The Tuff is something like a mini Kukri given its ergo's. It is a great all around choice given the 3V and lock and pivot. Having a mere ounce or two of lubricant, which should be in any kit for lots of reasons, will keep it rust free for a VERY long time in the field.
Cheers....
 
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Could some one show an example of folder meant/or used for chopping? Not to derail the thread. Of the choices given from what I have read m390 would be best but as said 3v would be better.
 
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Only thing I can imagine :)
th
 
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