What do you think of San-Mai for a Folder?

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Fudoshin

Joined
Oct 15, 2008
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Hi everyone
for those of you who own a folder with a San-Mai Blade (usually VG-10 core), what do you think of it and does it worth the extra bucks?

Most of us already knows (others will learn, and if you think I'm wrong don't hesitate to correct me!) san-mai construction comes from the japanese Katana forging method, where you have a harder core to retain cutting edge while and smoother spine to allow for better flexibility so the blade won't brake when striking a hard target.

This method is completely justifiable in the case of a sword, but in a Folder? I'm not sure, since its usage is completely different than that of a sword.

What's your thoughts about this?

Thanks for all your inputs

Fudoshin
 
i had a fallkniven folder with their sgps steel, it was incredibly sharp and just seemed to go on and on, i would heavily reccommend it.

likewise i had a caly 3 with laminated zdp blade, and though the lam lines were slightly uneven, the knife itself was superb
 
Fudoshin said:
Most of us already knows (others will learn, and if you think I'm wrong don't hesitate to correct me!) san-mai construction comes from the japanese Katana forging method, where you have a harder core to retain cutting edge while and smoother spine to allow for better flexibility so the blade won't brake when striking a hard target.

This method is completely justifiable in the case of a sword, but in a Folder? I'm not sure, since its usage is completely different than that of a sword.
Click to expand...

What laminated construction methods offer in a folder is GENERALLY a hard, superior cutting steel core that may not be wonderful for the entire blade. In the case of ZDP, personal experience has shown a propensity for pitting that would be aesthetically displeasing for an entire blade. A non stainless core could also be used like Murray Carter does with stainless sides, with a Hitachi White or Blue core.

You get the benefits of a hard core this way, without the rusting and pitting endemic to carbon steels that may not be cleaned and oiled right after use.

Best Regards,

STeven Garsson
 
Thanks for the answer Nathan, I didn't know about Fallkniven, seems to be real good stuff! (Powdered steel is something in itself...!)

Maybe I should bring more precision to my question though:

My "concern" is about comparison between let's say a standard VG-10 of brand X (I'm a fan of SOG and Spyderco) versus a san-mai with a VG-10 core. Big difference or not so worthwhile?

There's a lot of superb folders, san-mai or not, but of many different quality and prices; Let's compare an Apple with a... her, san-mai Apple? :P

I'm browsing around and may be interested to buy a new SOG, which brought up that question; as for the models and stuff, that's another topic that I'll create to get your recommendations guys :P

Thanks Again

Fudoshin
 
Damn the edit button doesn't seem to work at all;

So:

Thanks to Kohai as well, didn't see your reply when I first wrote this

To the light of what Kohai brought up, I understand the advantages of the lamination process in the case of carbon steel and such, but then why do we see so much VG-10 core? Is it THAT prone to rust to justify lamination? My feeling is that it's a good marketing point to say "Hey, this is the real deal it's san-mai steel, but it's twice the price", while it doesn't really add up anything (I'm particularly thinking of SOG Vulcan VL-03 (or VL-04?) that has a san-mai blade.

Anyone care to add his thoughts?

Fudoshin
 
There was a good article on laminated blades in Blade a yr or two ago. Although a laminated blade offers increased strength (I think Fallkniven's spiel has been that their laminated blades take 30% more side pressure than straight VG-10). The downside is that they can develop a 'wrinkle' when bent.

I don't know for sure, but from what I've read, this is moot for a folder, since the pivot is the weak point. I think the main reason for using laminations with zdp-189 is cost. Other than that, my impression that a laminated blade on a folder falls into the category of 'gimmick.'
 
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