Spyderco High-Performance Blade Steels

The Deacon said:
Given the general reluctance of Japanese makers to work with "foreign" steels, and the fact that all Spyderco's VG-10 offerings are made there, I really doubt that RWL-34 or any other non-Japanese steel is being looked at as a replacement for VG-10. More likely to cater to their "afis" desire for "new and different" steels for use on models made in the USA, Europe, and/or Taiwan.
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That's exactly what I was thinking.
 
RamZar said:
I wasn't implying that RWL-34 is a bad steel. I have RWL-34 on my favorite little flipper: Rod Olson Quick Flick. Another one I have is Brian Tighe Tighenee "Tighe Rod" Gold. However, both are customs.

In what way is your RWL-34 outperforming your CPM-30V?

Personally, the way I see the list of new high-performance steels by Spyderco only Maxamet stands out. The others are nice too but nothing to really shout about. Spyderco already has equivalents or better in its line. I don't know if it's a means to expound more variety of steel or go with more sources for equivalents based on availability.
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O, I never thought you implied RWL-34 is a bad steel, just wanted to give my opinion as well and my experience with it in use and get your opinion on the matter. I love to hear different opinions on a matter.

For me RWL-34 has outperformed S30V in its corrosion resistance, consistency in heat treat, polish ability and its resistance to micro chip. Basically everything S35VN is claimed to offer over S30V. I still scratch my head at S35VN as it is much more similar to CPM-154 and RWL-34 in my uses and experience. Just do not understand the development thereof if there was already something similar.

In my experience I do not see a wear resistance advantage of S30V/S35VN over RWL-34/CPM-154. I tend to microchip my higher alloy steels and thus those steels are not my preferences. The thoughts of chipped pieces of steel in my food gives me chills. Of course, YMMV as do everyone's but the forums are full of posts stating they barely notice a difference between 154CM and S30V in practice.
 
The Deacon said:
Given the general reluctance of Japanese makers to work with "foreign" steels, and the fact that all Spyderco's VG-10 offerings are made there, I really doubt that RWL-34 or any other non-Japanese steel is being looked at as a replacement for VG-10. More likely to cater to their "afis" desire for "new and different" steels for use on models made in the USA, Europe, and/or Taiwan.
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That's kind of what I meant. Open that class of steel up to other models made outside of Japan without using "plain jane" cpm154, not necessarily stop using VG10, but find other sources for the same or similar steel so that they can open up other avenues.

If I was running Spyderco, I'd be looking at the same thing. The fairly arbitrary nationalistic limitations set by Japanese foundries and factories would get a little old, especially with the obvious quality, capability and production capacity of the factory in Taiwan. I'd be looking at other avenues, too. I guess I should have said viable substitute for VG10 that's more marketable than the somewhat played out name of CPM154, not replacement.
 
Hi Bodog,

No plans for any changes to basic steels. Takefu does a great job on VG-10 and the market likes it.

When we started making Mule Teams from different steels, there weren't s many available. Then foundries began making their own variations of what they felt would be popular steels. M390, 20CP, etc. Even Crucible is planning their 20CP version. While they all have very similar chemsitry, steel junky's indicated they would like to see Mule Teams in these steel to compare them in use.

RWL was very challenbging to get from Damasteel. They've not made sheet before. Only bar stock so RWL has pretty much been a steel for custom makers, mostly in Europe. They have rolled some RWL in sheet specifically for us so we could make a Mule Team and it will be the first prodcution application of the steel.

If any of these steels prove interesting, and our customers want it in production, then we can more forward. Super Blue is an example of a series made in reguar models for customer appreciation. I particularly like SB and if we were to make another model in that steel, I would probably use the Temperance 2 format.

sal
 
Sal Glesser said:
Hi Bodog,

No plans for any changes to basic steels. Takefu does a great job on VG-10 and the market likes it.

When we started making Mule Teams from different steels, there weren't s many available. Then foundries began making their own variations of what they felt would be popular steels. M390, 20CP, etc. Even Crucible is planning their 20CP version. While they all have very similar chemsitry, steel junky's indicated they would like to see Mule Teams in these steel to compare them in use.

RWL was very challenbging to get from Damasteel. They've not made sheet before. Only bar stock so RWL has pretty much been a steel for custom makers, mostly in Europe. They have rolled some RWL in sheet specifically for us so we could make a Mule Team and it will be the first prodcution application of the steel.

If any of these steels prove interesting, and our customers want it in production, then we can more forward. Super Blue is an example of a series made in reguar models for customer appreciation. I particularly like SB and if we were to make another model in that steel, I would probably use the Temperance 2 format.

sal
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Man, that's awesome :)
 
Thanks for what you've done for us already, Sal. I just took my Caly 3.5 in Super Blue out of the safe to admire it...I may have to start carrying it one of these days. Gave my brother the same steel in the 3-inch Caly and he loves it.
We appreciate you and your folks in Golden, and Merry Christmas.
 
Sal Glesser said:
If any of these steels prove interesting, and our customers want it in production, then we can more forward. Super Blue is an example of a series made in reguar models for customer appreciation. I particularly like SB and if we were to make another model in that steel, I would probably use the Temperance 2 format.

sal
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C22 Walker in Superblue would be great as well Sal;) Antique ivory micarta would be best, but I'm flexible :D
 
I welcome Crucible/Latrobe CPM 20CV as a steel to be offered for Golden produced standard production models.Spyderco is behind the curve in producing new and exciting domestically produced models.Other Companies are offering Domestically produced production knifes in steels some would consider superior to S30V.It seems to me that most of the newer models and steels along with production have been outsourced overseas over the past few years by Spyderco.
 
Sal Glesser said:
Takefu does a great job on VG-10 and the market likes it.
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Sal,

Very respectfully, isn't the market for the overpriced Spyderco Japanese-made knives with VG-10 & G10 shrinking?

They're the ones I've noticed going at 50% off MSRP the soonest of any other models.

Personally, I'm hoping more and more models are shifted away from the Seki City plants to the new Golden factory expansions once the extra U.S. capacity is realized.
 
Sal Glesser said:
No plans for any changes to basic steels. Takefu does a great job on VG-10 and the market likes it.
sal
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Good news for me I love VG10. I love the fine edge does it take and how easy it is. At least a half of my EDCs has this steel. I would love to see CPM version of this steel and wondering how CPM154 will be close to this.
 
RamZar said:
Very respectfully, isn't the market for the overpriced Spyderco Japanese-made knives with VG-10 & G10 shrinking?
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Somehow I didn't noticed that Japanese made knives significantly more expensive that knives made in Taiwan.

RamZar said:
Personally, I'm hoping more and more models are shifted away from the Seki City plants to the new Golden factory expansions once the extra U.S. capacity is realized.
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I wish the same, or at least that after expansion Spyderco will be able to keep supply of Golden model up to demand + sprints. Also keep in Golden reborned original Golden models like Lil T2, Temperance2 and Starmate.
 
Super Blue Temp2? Who makes that. I have always thought it was Moki but was never sure. Would this be solid or clad? I like the clad in my Delica but it seems like solid would be better for the Temp2. I will definitely buy one of them.

Carrying my Super Blue Caly3 today.
 
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