What is the most cost effective "premium" steel?

james terrio said:
I wouldn't hold my breath waiting on that. Regardless of popularity, 3V's fairly costly to begin with, and fairly difficult to machine and heat-treat. The fact that we're seeing good production knives in 3V for $150-225 is honestly pretty (pleasantly) surprising... I'd say snag one now, before prices almost inevitably go up, not down.
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Ok, I think I will do it.
You guys have not mentioned the Cold Steel AK-47 Field Knife 3V. Is it a bad knife?
It seems to perfectly suite my needs.
The knife is relatively cheaper than comparable 3V knives so is there a catch? Or is it cheap because it is made in Taiwan?
Does anyone have first hand experience with it?
 
AXwFS0OIUDoE said:
Ok, I think I will do it.
You guys have not mentioned the Cold Steel AK-47 Field Knife 3V. Is it a bad knife?
It seems to perfectly suite my needs.
The knife is relatively cheaper than comparable 3V knives so is there a catch? Or is it cheap because it is made in Taiwan?
Does anyone have first hand experience with it?
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Yup, we left that one out. These new cold steels or easy to forget about because they are so new. I don't think there is a catch. It is cheap most likely because where it is made and because it is cold steel. I have a Folding Recon 1 from their newer batch with the upgraded steel. Great knife. If you like the handle style of the AK then by all means get it. It is not my style but that shouldn't matter to you.
 
craytab said:
Yup, we left that one out. These new cold steels or easy to forget about because they are so new. I don't think there is a catch. It is cheap most likely because where it is made and because it is cold steel. I have a Folding Recon 1 from their newer batch with the upgraded steel. Great knife. If you like the handle style of the AK then by all means get it. It is not my style but that shouldn't matter to you.
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Awesome. I will get it now :)
Can't wait to receive it. Will pay extra $3 for express shipping!!
 
Another option might be to go with a less expensive knife like a Becker or Kabar and save yourself $100+. When you see what a good 1095CV blade can do you might change your mind about needing a premium steel.
 
fsatsil said:
Another option might be to go with a less expensive knife like a Becker or Kabar and save yourself $100+. When you see what a good 1095CV blade can do you might change your mind about needing a premium steel.
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I was actually going to suggest this, but it sounds like his mind is made up (or he already ordered).

IMO it makes sense to start with a basic/well known steel and see how it works for you. You "may" find out that it works fine for your needs. If it doesn't, then you likely know which portions of it didn't work (blade chipped, was rusting, etc), and what to look for in the future. However, its not bad to jump in like the OP.

And personally, the handle on the AK-47 field knife doesn't look terribly comfortable. That combined with the fact that I've discovered that I don't need anything more than the strength of a 3/16in thick 1095 blade, means that the 5mm of 3v in such a short blade length would likely be overkill for ME. Your uses may be different though :).

Anyway, I bet you'll be more than happy with the Cold steel. Congrats on the new blade :).
 
ocnLogan said:
I was actually going to suggest this, but it sounds like his mind is made up (or he already ordered).

IMO it makes sense to start with a basic/well known steel and see how it works for you. You "may" find out that it works fine for your needs. If it doesn't, then you likely know which portions of it didn't work (blade chipped, was rusting, etc), and what to look for in the future. However, its not bad to jump in like the OP.

And personally, the handle on the AK-47 field knife doesn't look terribly comfortable. That combined with the fact that I've discovered that I don't need anything more than the strength of a 3/16in thick 1095 blade, means that the 5mm of 3v in such a short blade length would likely be overkill for ME. Your uses may be different though :).

Anyway, I bet you'll be more than happy with the Cold steel. Congrats on the new blade :).
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Ever since I became interested in knives, what I have been looking for is finding a knife that offers the best balance between cost and quality.
I follow this concept pretty much whenever I buy anything expensive. Be it a shoe, climbing equipment, shares on the stock market, etc.
I don't want to be buying knives often, I want just one reliable knife that will last longer than me.
I think a 5mm 3V knife at $160 is probably as cost effective as it gets, at least right now.
 
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Post up some pics and let us know your thoughts of it when it gets there. We haven't seen many of these in the wild here.
 
You went 3V!

Great choice. I have used 3V a ton, and it's an excellent steel...

Great impact toughness, and it's ability to handle lateral stress is excellent as well.

It won't hold a fine edge very long, but a great working edge....it will hold that longer than any other steel I have used.

Love to hear some feedback once you get the knife....
 
Will do for sure.
I haven't seen many reviews of the new Cold Steel super steel knives (3V and CTS-XHP) so I hope I can contribute.
 
So many people complain about D2 rusting which hasn't happened to mine and I believe if you don't live in a coastal area it wouldn't be a problem for most people and its cheap and takes a super edge, but 3V would be my first choice.
 
I can't believe no one suggested buying a 3V fixed blade from one of the makers here. I just picked up a phenomenal big Chris custom camp knife in 3V for $200 unused ( second hand) on the exchange
 
AXwFS0OIUDoE said:
After much thought and research, I am fully convinced that CPM 3V is the perfect steel for my needs.
The only downside it has is that it is not perfectly corrosion resistant, which can be easily overcome with a little bit of care.

According to my research, I believe that CPM 3V is the best steel for fixed blade knives. S90V is close second, followed by M390 (folders), S35VN and Elmax.

Thank you guys. Now all that is left is finding the perfect CPM 3V knife for me. I like the Cold Steel Master Hunter but I don't like the handle and the blade is a bit short for me.
Micarta or circular Kraton handle + duracoat or powder coat + 5 or 6 inch blade + CPM 3V + less than $200 price = perfect knife for me. I will definitely need to make a sacrifice in one of those areas. Hopefully not the money :D
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Check out Fehrman knives. They were 3V when 3V wasn't cool.
 
I have been backpacking since I was 10 yrs. old (I'm 69 now) all over the world. My mantra has always been LESS WEIGHT!! I have never found a need for a 3/16" thick, 6" long blade. A knife is a slicing tool. If you want to cut down a tree, bring a hatchet or a wire saw. IMHO, my perfect backpacking knife is made of M390 for edge holding and corrosion resistance (I carry a 6" ceramic stick for sharpening, although I've never needed it), is 1/8" thick on the spine, has a 4" blade, is hardened to Rc 60, has lightening holes drilled through the tang and scales, and has bright yellow G10 scales so I can find it after I set it down.
 
Screams "LESS WEIGHT" but carries things he's never needed!

Just kidding Tim! I was a light backpacker before and I see your point but a six inch knife can help you carry less weight. You can use a wood burning stove and not carry any fuel, leave the tent stakes at home, etc.

Then again the capabilities of a six inch blade vs a four inch could be just as negligible as its weight. I could probably carry a smaller knife then then again, I could also wear a loin cloth.
 
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AXwFS0OIUDoE said:
Thank you very much for this reply, very informative.

I am really liking S30V and M390. M390 seems like the perfect steel for me but it is expensive.

I included D2 and 154CM because they are cheap and very good. They aren't as good as the other ones on the list but they are cheap.
I don't necessarily want a "premium" steel. If I can find a knife that satisfies my needs, that is, very durable, retains an edge and corrosive and wear resistant for a low price, then I have no problem buying that even if it wasn't a premium steel.
The only problem I have with D2 is that it is more prone to rust than the others on the list, which is a problem for me because I want the knife to last for as long as possible.
If there was a version of D2 that is more corrosion resistant and costs the same, I would definitely be getting that.
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XHP is as close as you will get to a stainless D2. I have a kitchen knife in XHP, and others in S35V, VG10, and M2. I haven't seen chipping in any of them, even when hitting bone. If I wanted a field knife in stainless, I would look at S35V. It holds an edge about as well as S30V, but is tougher. The very hard, high chromium steels can chip, but heat treatment matters. If a steel like VG10 is given a proper heat treatment, it can be tough enough. If made too hard, it is chippy.
The high alloy steels can be tough, but the bigger the blade the more you need "tough."
If I wanted a blade for all around work, it would be something like S35V. I wouldn't baton a blade, but would rather use something like an axe. For me, toughness is less important than other attributes, but we have to make our choices. 3V is a premium steel, but not stainless. That said, I could be very happy with a knife in M4.
 
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