Spyderco ukpk frn, CTS-BD1 ? Looking for info

B

bobmellon

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May 1, 2011
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So I just got back from my local eastern mountain sports store, and to my surprise they had two models of spyderco, which they have never had spyderco before. One was the grasshopper and the other was a FRN UKPK with the CTS-BD1 steel. Naturally I bought both of them, and so far I am really loving both of them. I don't mind slipjoints, especially when they are like this nice and strong when they are opened. But I am a technician for land rover and I generally have two to three blades on me at any time. The slip joints I generally use for opening packages of parts and such and when making push or draw cuts the pressure just keeps the blade open and makes it easier to close with oily/gloved hands. But anyway I was wondering if anyone has had any experience with this steel, I tried to find some info on it but I haven't really found what I was looking for so I figured I'd ask here. How does this steel compare to other steels such as S30v, VG-10, AUS-8, 154cm? How is the edge retention, and any other information any of you may have. I have to say the blade on this ukpk is beautifully buffed and so smooth, by far the smoothest feeling steel of any of my knives and most of my knives are very high quality. But thanks in advance for any info, and even if you don't know but can maybe point me in a direction of how I could find more info that would be much appreciated.
 
CTS-BD1 is Carpenter Steel's version of Hitachi's Gingami-1 steel. I find it holds an edge quite a bit better than AUS-8, but not as well as VG-10 in most cases. It has good toughness, and as you noted it polishes up nicely. My main experience with it has been in the Mule Team knife I carried for a few months and used a lot at work. It doesn't have the abrasion resistence of S90V or M4, but it stood up to my somewhat abusive use quite well. I really like it.
 
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