Steel selection for a custom knife....pros and cons?

M

M_Scout

Joined
Mar 29, 2011
Messages
167
Hello!

So a local maker has offered me the choice of different steels - s30v, m390, and s90v. There are, of course, price differences but that's not really a factor for me for this knife. It'll be a 3.75" blade from ~0.15" bar stock (more or less). It'll have a simple or "normal" blade profile. From what I gather s30v would be the "toughest" and s90v would retain its edge the longest with m390 falling in the middle. Any advice is most appreciated.
 
The truth is, price could be the same (ok, 15$ difference).
There is no reason to any of those blade be more expensive than other.

Which to choose? Ask the maker with which steel he has most experience.
 
Of those you mentioned: S30V ... gave me the best overall performance so far!
Otherwise get D2, CTS-XHP or Sleipner, you will be positively surprised :D
 
Wow, I'm surprised S90V isn't the overwhelming suggestion. Stainless, very wear resistant, good toughness for a smaller fixed blade. Personally, I'd go with CPM 4V
 
Good points...I'll have to check with the maker to see what's been most used. But I think I won't deviate from the three listed as that's what he was comfortable using. It's going for a gentlemen's folder...something for everyday tasks NOT heavy duty use....so beauty before brawn in this case.
 
I don't think you can go wrong with any of these steels in that application.

All three steels are stainless, so that's not an issue. All three will be plenty tough for a gentleman's folder, especially at that blade thickness. S90V will have the best wear resistance, but M390 will be close and S30V will be plenty good.

I'd personally go with M390 because I think it's a better rounded steel for knives. S30V can be an excellent steel, but my sense is that it requires more skill to heat treat. S90V would be my second choice because I sharpen with diamond stones.
 
M_Scout said:
Good points...I'll have to check with the maker to see what's been most used. But I think I won't deviate from the three listed as that's what he was comfortable using. It's going for a gentlemen's folder...something for everyday tasks NOT heavy duty use....so beauty before brawn in this case.
Click to expand...

Either M390 or S90V would be excellent choices for that use.

If you want the max edge retention then S90V.

M390 not far behind and it pretty tough and very stain resistant.
 
Thanks for the advice! I'll go with m390 or s90v depending on what he's more comfortable with
 
The steels you listed would be more than ample for that application. In fact, maybe a little bit overkill, but what the heck! I bet it will turn out sweet. Good luck man.
 
Wonder why he doesn't offer a great steel like VG-10? Oooops...only problem is, he wouldn't be able to charge you an arm and a leg for it.
 
Quillan said:
Wonder why he doesn't offer a great steel like VG-10? Oooops...only problem is, he wouldn't be able to charge you an arm and a leg for it.
Click to expand...

Can't get VG-10 outside of Japan... They don't export that steel.....

It's a custom knife so depending on overall cost of the said knife the steel choice really won't make that much of a difference usually especially with the 3 opinions the OP has.

We aren't talking about an economy knife here to begin with....

There are custom makers selling their slip joints with low cost steels from $800 and up depending on the actual maker...

In custom knives from good makers one is paying for the craftsmanship of the Custom Maker and their time more so than the materials used....
 
M_Scout said:
Thanks for the advice! I'll go with m390 or s90v depending on what he's more comfortable with
Click to expand...

That's a wise choice. Discuss your intended uses for it with him and go from there.

As the others said, all three are fine alloys so you really can't go wrong.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top