SPY27 Users?

[Bob Denman]

S30V and SPY27 are both good choices...
But there are always better choices out there...

 

[lambertiana]

I recently did a test comparing different blades in what I would consider real world conditions for my use. CATRA primarily tests abrasion resistance, and my personal use is a mix of cardboard, plastic, wood, etc. So CATRA won't predict how a blade would behave in those conditions. I only tested for edge sharpness (shaving) instead of force required to cut, since the force is highly dependent on geometry. I pushed the knives through a lot of cutting until they wouldn't even scrape shave (or, in the case of a few, like the K390 Delica and S90V N5LW, until my hands and arms were too tired). I found the Spy 27 (N5LW) was better than the S30V (from Buck). Interestingly, my CTS-XHP Chaparral was better than both of those. So if you got a Chaparral, you will be well served. The Chaparral has a thin blade and is thin behind the edge, so it cuts well, too.

 

[K.O.D.]

So I ended up not choosing either one as a blade steel for my new spyderco, I bought the Chaparral which only comes in CTS-XHP but it seems to be a steel that everyone is happy with so I'm glad there actually weren't other choices to choose from haha. I really appreciate all the help and input, I learned a lot about S30V, SPY27, and XHP this week with all my research and have a great head start on my inevitable next knife when the time comes haha.

CTS-XHP is one of my favorite steels. I have a sprint run manix 2 with it and for 8 years I've been nothing but impressed with the combination of edge retention and ease of sharpening.

 

[Chronovore]

... CATRA primarily tests abrasion resistance, and my personal use is a mix of cardboard, plastic, wood, etc. So CATRA won't predict how a blade would behave in those conditions...

Every test is limited. In any given test, we see a particular blade with a particular edge against a particular medium under particular circumstances. No test is perfect and only in rare cases will it mirror what a person is actually doing with their knife (and that'd also be assuming the same heat treatment, same sharpening method, etc.).

The main benefits are a standard and relatively even playing field for comparison, and hopefully some degree of overlap with real-world use. Cardboard and rope are popular because they have some degree of uniformity, are easily measured, and can be among the more regular sources of real-world wear for some users.

Testing on the kinds of things you actually cut is a great way to test your own knives for what you want them to do. Another thing to consider is that factory edges are rarely good. The steel along the edge is often fatigued from the factory grinder and can impede edge performance until you've sharpened past it. Just how long it takes will depend.

 

[Bob Denman]

I've got four Olamics sportin' XHP, and it does a REALLY nice job!