Steel choice for a Spyderco Para 2

Which steel for a Spyderco Para 2

  • M4

    Votes: 17 40.5%

  • Maxamet

    Votes: 4 9.5%

  • S45VN

    Votes: 21 50.0%
  • Total voters
    42
vjb.knife

vjb.knife

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I am wondering what you guys think and why about these 3 steel choices for a Spyderco Para2 folder. I have a M4 version inbound but I can get a good deal on a Maxamet or S45vn version. What would you choose? Thanks for your reponses.
 
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Don't have M4 but like the other two.

My PM2 with Maxamet has one of the sharpest edges on any folder I own, possibly the sharpest and definitely longer than most.

If you prefer stainless, S45VN is great.
 
Since your inbound is M4, I'd choose S45V personally. I generally prefer well-balanced steels. And I also like having both tool and stainless versions of the Para 2, since that's what I carry 90% of the time. For an all-weather, anything anywhere type of carry, I pick up my S30V or s35VN Para. If the conditions aren't likely to be wet, I'll take my K390 Para.
 
Cruwear is awesome, for real. But M4 is a great steel, I have many folders in the steel. I love carbon steel.
S45 is cool, too, though.

20221221_135456.jpg
 
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In your case I'd go S45VN. You'll have a PM2 for fair weather, and one for wet days. Edit: That's assuming you're keeping the M4 and another. If only one: S45VN if you need corrosion resistance.
 
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I voted M4. Carbon M4 PM2 is only knife that I have a duplicate of.

Edit: Any of these choices would be fine with me.
 
All truly great steels. M4 and Maxamet definitively better than S45VN, as far as I'm concerned.

I would strongly lean toward M4 however, of the batch.
 
If I could get a good deal on either knife, I’d have to get both and be done with it.
I’d also consider what I’d be using the knife for. S45VN will be a good daily user with good edge retention and modest toughness. Maxamet is good for cutting stuff up and that’s about it. It’s great for cutting up tons of cardboard, not so good if lateral stress is applied to the blade.
 
I have one of each s45vn and Cruwear, I like the Cruwear so much that I purchased a second one, I couldn’t find one in M4 but if I do I will buy one
 
Depends on use. Overall, S45vn all the way. My Maxamet is the sharpest blade I’ve ever had though.
 
Unless you need stainless, Maxamet (of the choices) is my favorite. If you already have M4, the s45vn may give you a more "well-rounded" selection, though.
 
No bad choice here, but not knowing OP's intended uses, environment, sharpening skills, etc., it's difficult to tailor a recommendation.. for this reason, I think the more well-rounded steel makes sense.. voted S45VN..
 
I voted Maxamet but for a well rounded steel that is easy to maintain then S45VN is a solid choice.
 
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