Recommendation? Steel for fixed blade

J

J389

Joined
Nov 19, 2020
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With so many steels available confused about which steel to pick for a custom build.
Want one knife that I can do most everything on a hunting trip from making kindling to processing game.
Looking at a fixed blade about 5 inch in length no thicker than 0.157.
Am currently leaning towards Vanadis 8, any advice is greatly appreciated.
 
I really like Vanadis 4 Extra. Vanadis 8 has better edge retention but less toughness than 4, so depending on which you prioritize, that would be a good option as well.
 
CPM-3V is a good one too. It’s edge holding is noticeably better than something like 1095. It’s no slouch in toughness as well.

You will need a good sharpener to accompany the knife. I have had good luck with DMT diafolds.
 
Are you looking for a stainless or non stainless steel ?
Go check out Big Chris on Instagram, he uses a variety of steels from 01 to S125V. I’ve got several from him in 4V and 10V.
Absolutely agree that the maker’s steel will be at the best performance compared to production steels. Carothers has the best 3V offered anywhere (IMO).
 
I'm not a hunter but I do pay close attention to a particular Japanese hunter and listen to his advice, and I always remember he swears by Elmax as his go to hunting knife steel for processing deer. So there's some advice from an experienced hunter who seems like a pretty no nonesense kind of guy who has a lot of first hand life experience comparing blade steels on his hunts, he claims Elmax is the perfect knife steel for his deer hunting needs and he can get through 2-3 entire animals with just 1 knife without sharpening it, where most of his other knives need honing after just 1 animal.
I'm sure there are many other nice Bohler and CPM high alloy steels that can achieve the same goal though, this is just an opinion that always stuck with me after watching his video. I have some Fox Elmax and it's pretty good, seems to hold an okay edge, needs to be reprofiled though I don't like their 25+ degree edge bevel.
Virtuovice is the Japanese hunters Youtube channel name if you are interested in his opinions about hunting knives, and blade steels etc.
He seems to have taken a liking to Cru wear in his latest uploads, but I haven't watched any of those yet, just seeing a lot of Cruwear in his titles on recent hunts.
I think he mentioned 3V being his old favourite steel for hunting at some point as well.
 
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3V is a very tough steel that is quite corrosion resistant (it is still a tool steel) that will take a very fine edge (with diamond hones) and hold it a long time.
 
Velitrius said:
I would find the maker you want to work with for your custom build, and then ask that maker what steel they are adept at using.

Let the knife maker wring the utmost out of their favorite steel and you'll be golden.
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Even if the maker prefers a "regular" steel this is good advice. It is my understanding that if you keep your knife very sharp, that the steel is not a huge decider because the wear curve from tip top shape to not really tip top shape is not hugely different between the steels. The big difference comes when you let it go from tip top shape to becoming not that usable. A really good steel might give you lots more wear before you feel like you absolutely must sharpen it. At least that is what I inferred from something I read here posted some years back. I do not have a link to that post handy (sadly).

In other words, if you touch it up at the first sign of wear, it probably is not that important, and if lack experience with sharpening, you might prefer an easier to sharpen steel.
 
Don’t worry about all the new fangled fancy steels. A competent knife maker who knows proper heat treating protocols can make a great hunting knife for you. I have some in ATS-34 that cut forever. Don’t get hung up on steel, get hung up on finding a quality bladesmith first.
 
Jsega51 said:
Don’t worry about all the new fangled fancy steels. A competent knife maker who knows proper heat treating protocols can make a great hunting knife for you. I have some in ATS-34 that cut forever. Don’t get hung up on steel, get hung up on finding a quality bladesmith first.
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Likewise have several in ATS34 and D2 from good knife makers that have given good service and stay sharp for a very longtime.
Non the less, curious about the new super steel grades and want to try one; bit of an addiction I suppose.
 
J389 said:
Likewise have several in ATS34 and D2 from good knife makers that have given good service and stay sharp for a very longtime.
Non the less, curious about the new super steel grades and want to try one; bit of an addiction I suppose.
Click to expand...

Well then, I don’t have any further recommendations, there’s too many to choose from :D
 
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