Spydies with 440V

[ptpalpha]

Hi everyone-
I've got a Native on the way to me with the 440V blade, and was just wondering what sort of performance I can expect out of the steel. This is my first 440V knife, and I've been hearing mixed reviews of it's performance when on production knives.
Thanks,
Paul

 

[m@thew]

I've had two knives with Spyderco's CPM440V and these are my observations; IMO its edge retention is better than any other steel on the production folding knife market, it's hard to sharpen, when you sharpen it you won't get that 'scary sharp' feel from running your finger horizontally across the edge. I've found that it's actually quite resistant to impact. I've had no problems with corrosion. The steel takes a very toothy edge, it will really 'bite' into whatever you're cutting, but won't push-cut as well as, say VG10 or ATS34, though push-cut sharpness is seldom useful for standard utility tasks IMO. In summary, you can expect unrivalled edge retention (at the cost of ease of sharpening), good corrosion resistance and decent impact tolerance.
Good luck with it

 

[ptpalpha]

Thanks, Mathew.
That's what I was hoping to hear. I don't mind some extra time on the Sharpmaker; in fact the new diamond rods are my next purchase and should help out in that area.
-Paul

"Speak softly and carry a good knife."

 

[Blade Santa Cruz]

I've been carrying my Millie lately and am ever more impressed by the CPM440V blade. I don't seem to have all that much trouble getting a shaving edge (none at all for a "working" edge) and the ege retention is great. I don't mind an occasionally touch-up with a strop and use a tuf-cloth regularly. With that minimal care, the steel has performed very well for me.