Spyderco Military: Which blade steel should I get?

Oh, what the heck....go for the Millie with S30V steel. :D I haven't picked one up yet, but it's only a matter of time....
 
Originally posted by KBR
Oh, what the heck....go for the Millie with S30V steel. :D I haven't picked one up yet, but it's only a matter of time....
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I can't seem to find any online stores that sell it in S30V.
 
Going by the Spyderco steel chart, the CPM440V appears to be a tougher, more rust resistant steel.
 
I have both 440V and S30V versions. Both take a wicked edge, and both stay sharp for a fairly long time. I haven't had rust or spotting problems with either; then again, I use Tuf-Cloth religiously.

I honestly can't see what the big deal with S30V is. It seems more like a trendy "steel of the month". I am sure, however, that there are those out there who use their knives hard on a daily basis that may see some advantage over 440V or 154. For casual users like myself, I'd say the choice of steel doesn't really matter.
 
According to Sal, in this thread from the Spydie home forum, edge retention and toughness of the S30V seems to be superior to CPM440V. I know from experience that the edge on the 440V can be brittle and chip easily. :(

As for a dealer with the new Millies, I always order from Linda Glasshartt(Glasshartt@aol.com) out of El Paso, TX. She has the Military for $90 +shipping, but I think that you should specify that you'd like the new model in order to get the S30V.

Good Luck.
 
CPM440V has had brittleness problems all along, with edge-chipping being fairly often reported by reviewers, and I have heard anecdotal evidence that S30V is better in that regard. It's not so bad that I will not own and use CPM440V blades, but I treat them with much more care than I would something made with a good ol' tool steel. I look forward to the S30V blades myself.
 
My Military just arrived today.It's ATS34.I've had good luck with this steel in other knives I've owned.tom.:)
 
If the Mili is made in S30V, DEFINITELY get it. I have quite a bit of experience with ATS-34, 154CM, and the 440V. From my use, the 440V is less stellar than either ATS or 154. But, my little experience with S30V shows it to be much better than 440V. Not that the Mili is bad in 440V; in fact, it is the only knife I would still accept in 440V. But, if it has S30V now, even if it costs more it would be well worth it.
 
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