Which will hold its edge the longest?

[Lavan]

In these groups. Assuming identical edge characteristics, optimal hardness for alloy and identical material like, oh, say CARDBOARD? That oughtta be about the worst stuff to cut.


1. ZDP-189 or SGPS, 3G

2. S30V or D2

3. 154CM or VG-10

 

[mete]

I haven't handled ZPD-189. But the others ; S30V and SPGS,then D2,then 154CM and VG-10. In all a fine group of the best steels !!

 

[3Guardsmen]

In my experience, here are the longest edge-holders in order (if it isn't listed, I haven't used it or I haven't used it long enough to formulate an opinion):

1) ZDP-189
2) S30V
3) VG-10
4) 154CM

Regards,
3G

 

[knarfeng]

The only pair I have tested is pair 3: (154CM vs. VG-10)

I use manila rope because performance cutting it is less dependent on blade shape. It is dependent on edge angle and, when doing edge retension comparisons, I sharpen to a 30° inclusive angle.

Comparison:
Mini-Griptilian in 154CM with measured blade hardness of 60. (These are not specs, I got them measured.)
Spyderco Native III in VG10 with measured blade hardness of 59.
Edge angles: 30° inclusive, sharpened on Sharpmaker to guarantee same angle.
test: using 2" length of each blade, make 20 cuts through 3/8" manila rope.
Criteria: amount of edge damage visible using a 3x lens.

Result: I judged the 154CM to be just barely a tad better. But both were very good and both were significantly beter than AUS8 or 8Cr13MoV.

Comment: I think I need to repeat the test using more cuts. That would differentiate better, I think. But I have not done so yet.

 

[richard j]

i have a bowie made from 154cm that i have only sharpened maybe 6 times in 14 years. its cut up quite a few deer. i have sharpened a d2 custom for a guy who wouldnt let anyone else but me touch it. i sharpen it about every 5 years when he lived in my area. if his brother and sister in law shot a deer each year too it might last 4. i dont know about any of the other steels

 

[The Mastiff]

1. Zdp-189 Or Sgps, 3g

2. S30v Or D2

3. 154cm Or Vg-10

1) Zdp 189

2) S30v

3) Vg10

 

[Outdoors Fanatic]

ZDP-189 will hold longer but VG-10 is the best stainless steel overall. However, I think high-carbon and tool steels are much way superior steels for hard-use blades. Once you try A-2, INFI and CPM-3V, you will never want to mess with these pain in the ass stainless such as CPM-S30V and ZDP-189 again in your life.

 

[Joshua J.]

1) Zdp 189

2) S30v

3) Vg10

I agree:thumbup:

 

[SPXTrader]

I agree:thumbup:

I agree, too, but I would add CPM D2. :thumbup:

 

[Ben Dover]

I agree, too, but I would add CPM D2. :thumbup:

+1

I haven't used ZDP or 154 CM, but S30V and D-2 are truly superb steels, and about equal in edge holding, in my experience.

Bob Dozier uses nothing but d-2. That's quite a testimonial, IMHO. :thumbup:

 

[Joshua J.]

I agree, too, but I would add CPM D2. :thumbup:

Ohh! We should add CPM M48 at Rc 67 (you can get it to Rc 70) and CPM 15V, or MPL1. Those would beat the snot out of anything else in existence for edge holding (and then if you put them through the Friction Forging process...).
Unfortunately, we can only dream of things like these...

 

[Mitchell Knives]

1. Not sure; haven't tried ZDP yet.
2. S30
3. VG10