Spyderco / Wal Mart confusion

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gbaker

Joined
Sep 20, 2005
Messages
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In order to help Wal-Mart assimilate the world I picked up a Spyderco Native today. My main interest was to finally own a Spyderco blade and to own a VG 10 blade. While buying it I noticed that written on the blade is CPMS30V.

I thought Wal-Mart was selling only the VG-10 version. Is CPMS30V another designation for VG-10?
 
You got what you were supposed to get. S30V is not another name for VG10. Wal-Mart is only selling the Natives with the S30V steel, not VG10 steel.

Do a search in the Spyderco forum (it's in Manufacturers at the top of the screen) and you'll find all sorts of information about the Wal-Mart Native. It's a great knife for the price!
 
S30V is a premium American made steel. It is arguably the best EDC folder steel out there. VG-10 is made in Japan and cannot be exported out of Japan. You got the right thing. The Native III is made in Japan with VG-10 and different handles, grind and clip. The USA Native and JP Native are just different knives, neither is better than the other. Hope this helps some.
 
S30V is a very premium steel. You got a product that is nominally superior to one made with VG-10. Spyderco made the alloy switch to offer a premium product that is made in USA. Walmart selected this knife specifically to offer a premium made in USA knife at an economical price. Most S30V knives start at 2 or 3 times the price of that Native. Here is a little info on S30V:
http://www.crucibleservice.com/datash/S30Vvs440C3.pdf
 
Ok thanks everybody. I just got it in my head somehow that the VG-10 steel was what Walmart sold. I knew S30V was a popular steel (as is VG 10) around here, so I bought it anyway.

I mainly wanted the VG-10 since many here seem to think its easier to sharpen.

Edit In case my posts seem at odds: I was familiar with the term S30V but not the term CPM S30V.
 
gbaker said:
Edit In case my posts seem at odds: I was familiar with the term S30V but not the term CPM S30V.
Click to expand...

CPM = Crucible Powder Metal

The Native is a wonderful little knife, and has always been my favorite Spyderco design. S30V is no harder to sharpen than VG-10 if you don't let it get too dull. It'll hold an edge a little better and take a more polished edge. S30V, in my experiences, makes a remarkable slicing blade, while VG-10 is a little better for tougher materials (rope, etc).

If you want a good VG-10 blade, pick up a Delica or an Endura, or the Japanese-made Native III. Personally, I like VG-10 over S30V, but both are top of the line steels.
 
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