What Type Of Knife Steel Do You Prefer and Why?

T

txjaws2000

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Jan 5, 2006
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Hello all interested in finding out what are some of the best knife steels out there. Interested in getting a high quality knife steel without spending over $200. My preference would be a folding knife that is easily opened with any type of locking mechanism(the faster the better),sharpens easily but retains edge for a long time, and no shorter than 3.75" blade(prefering 5")?

Currently use SOG's Flash II half serrated but would like to get another high quailty knife. What should I get spending under $200 for a quick release knife?

Thanks for any suggestions:)
 
Benchmade knives with that have the axis lock are easily flicked out quickly and their pretty strong. oh and good steels that you might like are s30v, m2, vg10, d2, etc..
 
S30V holds an edge for a long time, but can be hard to sharpen. VG-10 is a good choice if you are willing to trade a little edge holding for easier sharpening. I have no experience with BG42 or ATS-34, but they are supposedly very good too for edge holding yet easy sharpening. D2 and M2 are tool steels, but they are not uncommon in folders and also have a lot of fans.

If you want a fast-opening folder, any Benchmade Axis lock will be great. They are famous for super easy and fast opening and closing as well.

Many liner and frame locks are also very easy to flick open. My SERE 2000 flicks open very easily and is very smooth.

Lockbacks tend to not be as smooth and easy, but some can be. With a little practice, I have been flicking my Manix open, and even closed, with great speed.

You also might want to look at some Kershaw assisted knives. The Spec Bump comes in CPM 154, which is a steel that fits your criteria for good edge holding and ease of sharpening. It opens fast thanks to the torsion bar assisted opening mechanism. The new Spec Bump (due out soon or maybe already out) will even be in S30V. The Kershaw framelock Bumps come in blue and green and always have used S30V.
 
hmm, sounds like you are looking a a fairly serious large knife. benchmade skirmish might be just the thing for you, 4.3" blade s30v, titanium mono-lock(read that framelock) handle. Ihave a mini skirmish and find the fit and finish exellent, has the buttery smooth opening common to benchmades. I am partial to assisted opening knives but this knive is just so easy it is now my edc. read the reviews, some folks have an issue with the hole opening while others(myself included) have no problem. find a knife store and give it a try.

ken
 
I wuld look into the BM 610 Rukus. Large blade with S30V blade and an axis lock which can be flicked ope nand closed VERY easily not to mention the blade will close itself under its weight. I own and love this knife and it seems to fit yor description of wha your looking for. You could also look into the BM 710, BM Skirmish, Some Microtechs like the SOCOM Elite, etc...
 
a camillus cuda if you can live with a 3.5 inch blade-
i have the ag russell one thats non assisted but still has the finger flipper-

also have a mini skirmish-its a beast-the standard one might also fit the bill size wise for you-

im on the benchmade rukus pass around that also might fit the bill for you -
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=387578

Blade Length: 4.30"
Blade Thickness: 0.160"
Blade Material: S30V Premium Steel
Blade Hardness: 58-60HRC
Blade Style: Drop-Point Utility
Weight: 7.70oz.
Clip: Black, Reversible, Tip-Up
Lock Mechanism: AXIS
Overall Length: 10.12"
Closed Length: 5.95"
 
As to your original question, it depends on the source as to what steel I like. For productions, interestingly enough, I actually like VG10. Its a clean steel that sharpens nicely and has good overall corrosion resistence. For custom knives- in the folder variety- its usually ATS-34 or S30V depending on what the maker uses. That's because I prefer to let the maker use something he/she is comfortable with using and is good at working with. For custom fixed blades, now don't laugh, I honestly prefer 440C. For me, if I could get most of my knives in this steel I'd be happy. It sharpens good, stays sharp for a long time, and has good corrosion resistence. Not as good as some of the newer steels, but enough to keep the rust from building up with even mild neglect.

Complex answer, I know, but you asked and so you received.

-Anthony
 
SpyderJon said:
... let the maker use something he/she is comfortable with using...
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Now that's interesting... I often forget to by so circumspect in the knife world. Who are the she's you're thinking of?
 
I really like VG-10 for every day use. I usually sharpen my knives about once every two weeks, and the VG-10 holds an edge long enough, yet is easy enough to sharpen when I want to.

I usually dont have to "resharpen" every two weeks, rather I just touch up the edge. A few quick passes on the white stones of my Sharpmaker and its back like new.
 
you could look into getting a Cuda Maxx- I think the smaller ones are around 5 inches blade length. Ti handle, framelock and D2 blades. very fast opening and smooth action, can be wrist flicked with ease.
 
J85909266 said:
My favorites so far have been VG10 and D2. I don't care for S30V.
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I'm with you.

My favorites are

ZDP-189, D2, M2, VG-10

in that order.


I havent tried an O1 or BG-42 yet but I'd like to. I dont care for S30V, ATS34, 154CM, the 400s, the AUSs, and any of the other cheap steels.

If cowry is as good as the ZDP I'll probably add it to my list too.
 
M2 for Carbon, VG-10 for Stainless

While there is a lot of hype about S30V, I own 2 blades and I have to say I worry about chipping them as they just "feel" brittle. They do get wicked sharp, and retain their edges for a good long while. I love my ZDP-189 Calypso Jr as well, but chipping is something I am wary of because it also feels brittle.

I'm looking forward to getting my first SR101 knives (proprietary steel of Swamp Rat Knife Works) as I'd like to see how they compare to M2, D2, and 1095 (which make up my collection of carbon steels).

If you had said +$200 I'd say go INFI.
 
Deadhead Archer said:
M2 for Carbon, VG-10 for Stainless

While there is a lot of hype about S30V, I own 2 blades and I have to say I worry about chipping them as they just "feel" brittle. They do get wicked sharp, and retain their edges for a good long while. I love my ZDP-189 Calypso Jr as well, but chipping is something I am wary of because it also feels brittle.

I'm looking forward to getting my first SR101 knives (proprietary steel of Swamp Rat Knife Works) as I'd like to see how they compare to M2, D2, 154CM, and 1095 (which make up my collection of carbon steels).

If you had said +$200 I'd say go INFI.
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Isnt 154CM stainless?;)
 
Lots of good advice. Is Aus 8 supposed to be hard to sharpen? Because my SOG FlashII sure is of course could that be because mine is pre production?
On the other side of the blade says PAtent Pending?

Will have to check out the Rukus and the others listed? If I was looking in the $100-$150 range any good suggestions?
 
AUS8 is fairly soft in my experience. Which does mean it's hard to get a super fine razor edge on it. It makes a decent EDC steel, but in my opinion it can't touch VG-10.
 
The old man in me still likes 440C, I also like 154CM but if given the option these days, I'll take D2.

The more I use it, the more I like it.
 
tristram said:
Now that's interesting... I often forget to by so circumspect in the knife world. Who are the she's you're thinking of?
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Well, Lynn Dawson and Audra Draper come to mind. I know there are more out there, but these are the two I've had contact with.

-Anthony
 
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