Spyderco Domino

M

Mrbladedude

Joined
Aug 2, 2010
Messages
756
I have been looking at this knife for a while now and really like it. Its everything I want in a folder right now. Flipper, Titanium, Framelock, Spyderco.

The steel however doesn't appeal to me as much. I currently own a Spyderco Sage 1 and have been carrying it for 3 years now. I love the S30V in the Sage and find it to hold a usable edge for a very long time. A couple members on here have done steel testing and found that the CTS XHP in the Domino does not hold an edge as long as S30V. I love the knife, I just wish they offered it in M390.

Anyway, Is there a noticeable loss in edge retention in CTS XHP compared to S30V? Or is it minimal and I should just jump on the knife?

Any future Domino's coming out in a different steel? I found this one offered from a dealer who is not a supporting member of BF, but it has CTS-204P steel which they claim is Carpenter Steel's version of M390. Any light to be shed on this?
 
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The most complete review of blade-steels and testing with rope-cutting, cardboard and wood is found in this link by Jim Ankerson.
He has worked on this for years...
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/s...based-on-Edge-Retention-cutting-5-8-quot-rope
Jim places the blade-steels into categories, with Category 1 obviously being the one that held its edge the longest while cutting 5/8" manile rope (IIRC).
Take a look at how CTS-XHP ranks WAY above S30V, and 204P is also seen WAY at the top.
There are no tricks and he does not owe allegiance to anyone. What is sometimes most interesting to me, is that Jim, given his vast knowledge of testing and large availability of folding knives, often carries his Military in S30V as his EDC.
I suspect that S30V offers Jim the best compromise of many different factors that he deems important in a steel...such as edge-holding, toughness, ease of sharpening.
Have fun. Here is a large portion of his categories and steel ratings.

Category 1

CPM-S90V (Military and Para 2) (60)
CTS-20CP (Para 2) (60)
M390 (Mule) (60.5)
CTS - 204P (Para 2)

Category 2

M390 (60)
CPM M4 (62.5)
CPM-S90V (59) (Manix 2 with 30 Degree Micro Bevel)
CPM-S60V
VANAX 75 (Kershaw Tilt)

Category 3

Vanax 35 (59.5)


Category 4

ZDP-189 (65)
CPM-154 (62)
ELMAX (60)
CTS-XHP (Military) (60+)
Super Blue (61.5)
CPM 3V (Big Chris)


Category 5

S30V (60)
VG-1
CPM - D2 (62)
N690
ATS-34 (59)
CPM-S35VN (59)
N680
ELMAX (58.5) Mule
D2 - Dozier K2

Category 6

INFI
154CM (61)
14C28N
CTS-B75P (Mule)

Category 7

VG-10
S30V (58.5)
AUS-8A
SG-2
5160 (55)
13C26N
X-15
440C (Big Chris)

 
Depends on geometry, heat treatment, sharpening and how you finish the edge, what you cut abrasive or nonabrasive materials and hard or soft, how much force is applied, and other variables.

In short don't let marketing hype get in the way of enjoying a knife.
 
The vast majority of knife users wouldn't be able to tell the difference between S30V and XHP, in light to moderate use, if it wasn't stamped on the blade. The differences are minimal. Who cares if one steel cut 15% more rope in a controlled test than another steel ? Real world use is far more important. I doubt that you normally cut rope for hours on end. ;) If you like S30V, you'll like XHP.
As long as any knife you're considering for purchase comes with a mid-level steel, like these two, the steel shouldn't be the primary deciding factor.
 
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I have a PM2 in S30V and a Manix 2 in XHP. The PM2 was very chippy at first, but after removing a decent bit of metal, I find it to be slightly above average in edge holding. I've owned the Manix 2 XHP longer, have used it far more, and it still has a good working edge on it. I give the "edge" to XHP.
 
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