Where does CTS-BD1 fall?

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I find that it's much better not to expect anything when trying out a steel because sometimes your expectations can color your observations. However having said that, I have no experience with BD-1 but what I read here seems to indicate that it's a good steel that gets sharp easily and will hold an edge good enough for most cutting chores that you might come across in an EDC context. There's also Ankerson's thread if you want a bit of quantification. :)
 
The CTS-BD1 steel in my Manix2 Ltwt. performs about like AUS-8, for me. Both get screaming sharp easily and hold the edge fairly well for my normal (light-to-medium) cutting tasks. They both touch up quickly, if needed, and get right back to work.
I've not noticed any tendency for CTS-BD1 to chip badly, but have rolled or blunted the edge a few times and, each time, it only took a few minutes to repair. The blade finish on the Manix2 has been surprisingly durable, as well. I'm plenty satisfied with its performance, so far.
Off Topic:
The lower ranking steels I've used recently (12C27, 440C, AEB-L, etc.) have taught me to try steels out for myself, rather than accepting the general consensus. I'm a former steel snob who's slowly finding my own way to evaluate and use what works for me, and I'm learning that the difference between a serviceable steel and a super steel isn't all that great, for the types of cutting I normally do.
 
It's pretty much the bottom of the barrel in terms of overall performance and dulls easily with little use in my experience, however, takes a nice edge and polish easily...

Also, it is supposedly Carpenter's version of Gin 1 steel. :thumbup:
 
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It is a decent, but not exceptional, knife blade steel that should give many years of service.
 
After I bought my manic 2 LW I stumbled across some negative posts about BD-1 so I went in having low expectations.

After using it for awhile I was pleasantly surprised at how well it performs vs the negative feedback. I use mine for whittling soft wood and cutting food among other light use tasks and it works better then my 110 in 420 which was used for the same tasks.

Takes a screaming edge easily, highly corrosive resistant and holds an edge just fine IMO
 
marcinek said:
No problem. I took one for the team.
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Thank heavens, someone's soul might have been sucked out clicking on that video.

As for what the OP asked, what are you intending to do with it? It's a low carbide steel, so you will get greater edge stability and toughness at the expense of edge retention in abrasive material.

But, if you are going to be doing what could be seen as hard use (cutting dirty materials, scraping, ect) edge retention will be pretty much the same across the board.
 
knife chop said:
why don't you guys watch the video and provide some constructive criticism? :rolleyes:
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Why don't you type down your opinions instead of presenting Cliffy's?

Also, I am a bit tired of Cliffy getting on his soapbox and telling me that my experience is all in my mind. :rolleyes:
 
knife chop said:
why don't you guys watch the video and provide some constructive criticism? :rolleyes:
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I'll pass on the any more than the 5 seconds of the video I managed to watch.

But I'll be glad to offer some constructive criticism: it's a bad idea to post Cliff Stamp videos.
 
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