What's the best steel for edge retention?

[xmtgx]

Unobtainium is even better. Its whatever you need but nothing you don't.

 

[5.56]

OP, keep in mind that higher edge retention, usually equates to higher difficulty with regards to re-sharpening. Do you have what it takes to maintain an edge like that? Since you had to ask your original question the way you did, I am guessing not.

I've sampled many different steels. I still prefer CPM-154 and CPM-S30v for a balance of edge retention and ease of sharpening.

 

[bryant R]

1095 with a good heat treat

 

[HarglBargl]

I've heard nothing but good things about the edge retention qualities of depleted uranium

 

[LiftToFill]

I've heard nothing but good things about the edge retention qualities of depleted uranium

Who ever said it has to be depleted?

 

[harkamus]

S125V or S110V for Stainless.

CPM 15V for Non Stainless (There are others, but hard to get and they rust very easy)

I'm surprised I don't see Elmax up there. How does Elmax fair in edge retention compared to 125v and 110v in your testing?

 

[yerscattergun]

Surgical stainless, preferably with Gerber heat treat..

 

[Ankerson]

I'm surprised I don't see Elmax up there. How does Elmax fair in edge retention compared to 125v and 110v in your testing?

ELMAX is very good, EXCELLENT in fact, but there is a gap between it and S110V, we just can't get around HIGH hardness and alloy content.

S110V can go to 63-64 HRC, S125V to 65-66 HRC, ELMAX to 62 HRC.

S110V at proper hardness and HT is so far ahead of the other Stainless steels in edge retention, the main reason why it's in such high demand and it's very tough also.

 

[minorng]

how does zdp compare to some of these other steels?