What Is Your Favorite Knife Steel?

A

armysf18

Joined
May 26, 2010
Messages
37
Ok guys what is your by far favorite blade steel? and why?

For me it is S30v as long as it is heat treated correctly

Because...

It holds an edge for a long time and is relatively easy to sharpen, again as long as the heat treat is well done.
 
for me probably m390. very good edge retention, good corrosion resistance, and fairly easy to sharpen in my experience.
 
I couldn't answer that question a couple years ago but I can easily answer it now. CPM S90V hands down on a folder for me.
 
Last edited:
VG-1

It takes a very fine edge and holds it well. In addition it is quite tough and polishes up nicely.
 
koa-kid said:
what is good to start with
Click to expand...

That largely depends on the type and intended use of the knife as well as your budget. That being said, I started out as a kid with a carbon steel knife and that is a great starting point to learn about proper knife maintenance & sharpening because carbon steel demands it. Having that experience as a foundation will help you fully appreciate the characteristics of premium and super steels down the road. Just my 2 cents.
 
Out of what I have, CPM-M4. It holds an edge amazingly well, and is really tough, too. Corrosion isn't too much of a problem for me, so this steel works perfectly for my purposes. I would like to get a knife with M390, though...
 
honestly, I"m happy with some good S30V. I haven't tried any of the exotic steels, but S30V has always done the job for me so I don't really need them.
 
For a folder I'm not sure because all the folders I've owned with M390 and higher end steels like that have been so expensive that I never used them and ended up selling them. But Spyderco's S30V has been really good to me. Great rust resistance and keeps a working edge a long time.

As for fixed blades SR 101 all the way :thumbup: I'm just getting into heavily using INFI so maybe that will change but SR 101 really is an amazing steel. Edge retention is great is its actually pretty tough for such a high carbon steel.
 
M390 is my favorite. Although, I also like 52100 (SR 101) if I don't need stainless.

Both steels are easy to sharpen and take a great edge. Retention is good, too.
 
my first try was a train wreak but it was big enough that i resized and it is coming out better. thanks for the advice
 
CPM 154.. I like fine grained steel that take fine edges

I like plain 154CM just fine too, also VG-10.

D2, and S30V are too toothy for me



btw CTS-XHP was nice, but I didn't own the Manix 2 long enough to really decide on it
 
i've had good experience with S30V and 1095. i recently got some ELMAX should be interesting to see how it holds up.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top