Talonite D2 S30V

[rs422]

I am saving up for a custom knife from Darrel Ralph Designs, the Madd Maxx II 7 inch is what I will be starting from with a bowie blade. Now I have a Aftermath and am very impressed with the D2 steal. I go off trail a lot and a big knife is great for cutting through brush. What would be the best steal for a 7 inch blade used in this way? From what I read Talonite seem to be the way to go.

 

[bquinlan]

I love Talonite and carry at least one Talonite blade on me at all times. However, it may be the worst material available for the kind of work you want to do. Talonite is an incredible slicer, but it is relatively fragile. It has very little impact resistance or toughness. Chopping with Talonite is guaranteed to roll the edge.

For brush clearing you want one of the tougher steels that will stand up to the impact and torque of chopping. Most of the high-carbon (non-stainless) tool steels would be excellent for this. If you prefer better corrosion resistance (which I do) I would recommend D2. With the right heat treatment it offers reasonable corrosion resistance combined with excellent toughness and edge holding.

My experiences with S30V suggest that it offers superior corrosion resistance, similar edge holding and slightly less toughness, although there seem to be differences of opinion on all of that. For chopping I'd go with the D2.

Get a smaller (under 4") Talonite blade for any job that involves cutting or slicing without a lot of torque and without any impact. It easily outcuts every steel I've tried, given comparable edge geometries. And its immunity to corrosion makes it a great choice for neck knives or pocket knives that may be exposed to harsh environments.

Good luck!

--Bob Q

 

[ras]

For chopping I went with CPM 3V, check out Fehrman Knives. Extremely tough and holds a great edge. Not stainless.
Talonite holds a good edge and is great for slicing due to the carbides in the cobalt matrix. It isn't strong though and won't take a beating. It also won't corrode in any environment you can survive.
S30V is a great stainless knife-steel; D-2 is a great semi-stainless knife steel and in my opinion these are the best compromise steels for everyday use. They are tough enough for an EDC blade, hold a good edge and won't corrode with a minimum of care.

 

[Alpha Knife Supply]

Bob and ras are both correct about Talonite.

I also agree about CMP3V. It is incredibly tough and makes an excellent chopper. I store my 3V camp knife in the leather sheath. The most maintenance it received is wiping the blade on my pants. Three years and counting, the blade shows no rust or tarnish.

 

[Dirk]

Since you are planning on a custom Maxx, going with D2 would get you a great perfomer a little quicker. Airdi D2 is one of Darrels mainstays and he always has it in stock. He can work in almost anything you want, but it might take a little longer if it isn't one of his standards steels.

Right now he maintains a steady supply of D2, S30V, Talonite, stainless damascus.