What is YOUR favorite blade steel?

I would say right now its CTS-XHP. Sharpens up really easy. And stays sharp for a good amount of time. I have not gotten to try M390, or CPM-M4 yet though. And in no particular order. I am a big fan of S30V, CPM154, 154CM, VG-10, Elmax.
 
Last edited:
1095 especially with Schrade's heat treat then O-1, D2 and 52100. I'm pretty easy to please.
Thanks Codger_64 for getting me addicted to Old Timers and their steel.:thumbup:
 
S90V and 10V for no compromise edge holding and slicing. 3V is a very close second/third choice. I love how thin the edges can be ground on these.
 
Carbon steel FTW!! 5160 or 1095 for my outdoor knives (for wood).. Camping, bushcraft, backpacking etc... I HATE stainless steel for this kind of use! Edge holding isnt near as important to me in this category .

Stainless steel only for knives that live in my pocket... M390 or s90v for folding EDC knives. maybe coated M4 too... I dont mind spending a little extra time to sharpen steels that will hold thier edge through lots of use.. I get frustrated when my EDC is noticeably duller after several cuts. (I NEVER cut wood with my folders)
 
protourist said:
1095 especially with Schrade's heat treat then O-1, D2 and 52100. I'm pretty easy to please.
Thanks Codger_64 for getting me addicted to Old Timers and their steel.:thumbup:
Click to expand...

I would also add, that GEC does a good job on 1095. It is basic, does not hold an edge as long as super steel, and it corrodes. I love it.
 
Bigfattyt said:
I would also add, that GEC does a good job on 1095. It is basic, does not hold an edge as long as super steel, and it corrodes. I love it.
Click to expand...

Sounds like my kind of steel.:D
 
Right now I would say CPM-M4. Holds a great edge for a long long time, has great toughness, and is easy to resharpen.
 
Wow that's kinda hard with all the great steels that are out on different knives, but I would have to say VG-10 is my favorite. It's been around for some time and I've had a bunch of experience with it in regards to sharpening. For me it holds an edge very good for my uses and just a quick go around on some ceramic rods or a strop bring it back quickly. When I need to actually resharpen it, which is not very often, I get it done very well and fairly quickly IMO. Some of the supersteels that are out there are also superhard to sharpen when it finally needs it. I'm just more familiar with it and hence that's why it's my favorite, 154CM is a close second...
 
Cowry X (Kobelco) ZDP-189 (Hitachi) M390 (Bohler) - First choice CTS-XHP (Carpenter) They can all go to Rc 65 and some even a little higher. Why for me the Carpenter; CTS-XHP is easier to sharpen while holding an edge equally good as the others.
 
I have not tried that many different ones, but so far my favorite is CPM 3V because it can be ground quite thin and still be a tough knife. Forged L6 is pretty awesome that way as well.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top