Trailmaster San Mai III question

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ursamajor

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Oct 27, 2010
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I am looking at buying a Trail Master in San Mai III. The marking just says "San Mai III" no "VG-1" prefix. What is this thing made out of? Is it VG-1 at the core, or is it another steel? Any help would garner my eternal gratitude :)
 
I forgot to add that it is a pre 2007 Trail Master. I am fairly sure it is legit, I am just calling on the knowledge of the pros
 
I have read it is aus8 with a layer of 420j2 on each side. I am personally
not sure; somebody more knowledgeable in cs knives can confirm or correct me.
 
If it is a legit Trail Master it will be a core of VG-1 with 400 series stainless sides.

They use Aus8 in many of their blades, but nothing that CS makes as San Mai III will be Aus8.

I had one I used for about a decade before I sold it.


Good stuff, but I wish they would offer handle options.

For the price of a San Mai, I would steer you toward a few other makers. Swamprat, Scrapyard, Busse.

You can get a Busse Basic for the price of the Trailmaster, and get a vastly superior warranty. Swamprat and Scrapyard too (all same "Family" of knives). Options for Resiprine C handles (MY favorite "soft" handle material). I find it more durable. Scrapyard has models that are fantastic for much less than the San Mai CS. Again, much better warranty.

Another thing to think about, is that in that price range, you are getting into custom chopper category cash. There are often makers selling legit, lovely choppers in that price range.


 
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Im pretty sure Cold steel used AUS-8 for the core of their San Mai III for a while, as well as Carbon V for some time. I am not sure what the timelines are for the different steels.
 
wroughndt said:
Im pretty sure Cold steel used AUS-8 for the core of their San Mai III for a while, as well as Carbon V for some time. I am not sure what the timelines are for the different steels.
Click to expand...

I'd like to see that info. Carbon V core laminate would be a pretty cool grab from a collector's standpoint.
 
After poking around a little this morning, I havent found anything about the Carbon V san mai but have seen many references to the AUS-8 san mai. Maybe I am wrong about the Carbon V?
 
earlier this year i was in the same situation with a Master Tanto. my newer Magnum Tanto II had the VG1 markings, and this Master Tanto, which i ended up purchasing was marked only San Mai III. After doing some research, it seems that the older San Mai was Aus8a, and VG1 was introduced by CS in 2006 according to their catalog.
Here is a link to the old CS catalogs: http://www.coldsteel.com/Catalogs.aspx


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I disagree with Fatty on the Trail Master design, except about the ResC. ResC is much tougher than Kraton.

Older SMIII was indeed AUS-8 in the core. I would recommend holding out for a better priced VG-1 if you can. It seems to hold a better edge and get a bit sharper. MHO
 
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