While I am waiting for my new Millie….. 52100 or S110V???

DrtyHarry

DrtyHarry

Joined
Jul 14, 2010
Messages
367
So I picked up a PM2 in S110V not long ago and fell in love with it. Not the size, but the steel. Anyway, I understand that Spyderco is going to make a 52100 and a S110V Millie in the very near future, and I am not sure what knife I should be after. I was told the S110V is going to be a production piece and NOT a sprint run, is that true for the 52100 as well?

I really don't know much about different blade steels. I know I like them sharp and I like them to keep an edge for a long time. With that said, I now sharpen my PM2 every so often to keep a super sharp edge….and I am VERY happy with it. Is there a reason I should like the 52100 more over the S110V? Not that worried about rust, I take care of my blades and don't hang around areas with salt water. I currently use a S30V Millie as my EDC. I like it it a lot, it gets real sharp, I just don't enjoy having to sharpen it as often as I do. So is the 52100 a sprint run? How many pieces if it's a sprint run? Can anyone tell me what knife will probably be released first?

Oh, and one last question. Is there anyone that makes scales for the Millie that has holes in them like the PM2 does for different locations of the clip? Just curious. So please, if someone could help me make up my mind what Millie I should be looking for next….I'd really appreciate it. I'd like to pick up both, but my wallet can only support one. And if it's a sprint run, I think I have to pay for it in advance according to KnifeCenter…or is it considered "pre ordered" if it's in my cart? I take it these will sell out rather fast….but again, if I have to enter my card info…I can only do so for one. Question is….which one?? Thanks for the help fellas….long live the Millie!!!! lol
 
S110V compared to 52100? Two very different steels. You hit one big difference: Corrosion Resistance. The 52100 will be way down on CR compared to S110V. One issue is that not a lot of people have even used 52100, a few have in a fixed blade format, but folders? Few and far between. I've also read that 52100 is a real PIA to work with. Especially in a production setting.

Your best bet is to buy both and make up your own mind about which steel you like better. The good news is that the 52100 is a sprint so it should be easy to sell if you don't like it . You probably wouldn't have much trouble selling the S110V version either.

Regarding KC, you can preorder all you want and they want charge you until ship them to you. Keep in mind that they commonly get to way many preorders for a knife and then people never get their knives. That has happened many times. Its happened to me. They ship out in the order the orders were placed and I think that 52100 preorder has been up for several months so who knows how many preorders for that one they have by now. Couldn't hurt to go ahead and do the KC preorder but when they start dropping I'd be watching to get one.
 
Last edited:
Yeah....I pre ordered one because it's a sprint run. Might give them a call on Monday and see how many they have on order. The S110V is production....so I gather those will be easier to get. What is so special about this steel? I keep reading everywhere that this is going to be th ultimate Millie and only few will be made because of how hard it is to work with. How long have they been on pre-order? I read a post where someone has 5 waiting...grrrr
 
Yep....I read that thread. I think that's the thread where I learned that they were actually making one. I suppose once I get it, I will try and learn more about how to properly maintain it, treat it, sharpen it, etc. I heard it's prone to rusting, I live up in the north east and I'm nowhere near saltwater/ocean. But as stated before...if for some reason I don't like it, I can probably easily sell it. I just hope I can get my hands on one and that they are not all ready spoken for. I have it pre-ordered, but also have my name on lists just in case they can't come thru. I do want an S110V blurple Millie, like I said....I have one in a PM2 and I am really fond of it. If things go well, I will try and get one of those as well and hopefully be able to keep both...



Harry
 
DrtyHarry said:
I keep reading everywhere that this is going to be th ultimate Millie and only few will be made because of how hard it is to work with.
Click to expand...


Just keep in mind that it isn't necessarily meant to trump others in the line-up in a ranking type outlook, but more so just to offer a great option for those who have specific preferences; like wanting a very stable fine edge and also those who enjoy patina forming for character, but it will take special care to prevent rust.
(My Mule ended up rusting a bit when put away wet into its sheath a few times. This may bother certain people, but does not bother me.)
Also, the working edge retention won't hold as long as S110V. Many knife users enjoy regularly inspecting edges and sharpening often to keep them in tip top razor sharp shape. But, on the other hand, if you're more of a set and forget and grab and go type user maybe S110V could fit the needs a bit better.
So, determine if any of those characteristics fit your needs, since "ultimate", may mean different criteria to different people. ;)

It is a rare steel for a production knife since the steel manufacturer apparently rarely offers it in sheet form.
 
52100 will sharpen to a high sharpness with less effort.

S110v can be sharpened to the level but the effort involved is legendary,

I wouldn't argue 52100 as being "hard to work"with or "rare"


It just wasn't available in bar stock for knife makers.

It does require a more calculated heat treatment versus some other lower carbon alloy's to bring out its true potential

But, it's just a high carbon tool steel with a few carbide formers and grain enhancers.

It's the king of Western carbon steels and has even been compared to Hitachi White steel (a pure, simple high carbon steel)

Which is the most highly regard steel in Japan by master bladesmiths

Why is it not more popular?
We have to remember big production companies sell knives to a much wider audience that aren't as cognisant of the performance trade offs for lack of corrison resistance.

52100 has high levels of toughness, edge holding and ease of sharpening all relative to each other.

Which is outstanding for someone that can sharpen the own knives.

It's not perfect and maintenance isn't as casual as wiping the blade, one also has to keeping the pivot from rusting too.

High humidity and caustic finger oils will cause spots to form.

With such a popular model having a "sprint" with such a highly regarded steel it would be best to try out the 52100 first then move to the S110v later.

Otherwise there might not be another opportunity.

Good luck
 
Well....have both on order. Tell me...is there a solution/solvent/cream that can be applied to the blade to help prevent corosion? And what would be the best way to store this knife? Oiled and in a sock? I'm new to this....I enjoy the science behind these different steels....thus far, S110V has impressed me most. I was told I can put a sharper edge on the 52100. I really want to see that. And if I do happen to get one...will it be thinner than my other Millies? Do you thing the 52100 or the S110V will come out first? Thanks?
 
DrtyHarry said:
Well....have both on order. Tell me...is there a solution/solvent/cream that can be applied to the blade to help prevent corosion? And what would be the best way to store this knife? Oiled and in a sock? I'm new to this....I enjoy the science behind these different steels....thus far, S110V has impressed me most. I was told I can put a sharper edge on the 52100. I really want to see that. And if I do happen to get one...will it be thinner than my other Millies? Do you thing the 52100 or the S110V will come out first? Thanks?
Click to expand...

Flitz metal polish is great

Its a proprietary blend of non toxic ingredients that has an aluminum oxide abrasive that cuts and polishs steel fast to a mirrior finish.

Its advertised as also containing some corrosion protection but it's not bulletproof and I had some small spotting on a 52100 fixed blade from not wiping the blade after cutting and storing in the sheath.


For long term storage look into Camphor tablets. I'll let you Google that.

I dont have answers for your other questions

Take care.
 
I you don't mind patina/rust and always take care of your gear, 52100 is sure an interesting choice.

52100 corrosion resistance is like hundreds time lower than proper stainless like S30V...

Just a few cuts on acidic fruit and the blade will darken and you will notice metallic smell.
 
DrtyHarry said:
Well....have both on order. Tell me...is there a solution/solvent/cream that can be applied to the blade to help prevent corosion? And what would be the best way to store this knife? Oiled and in a sock? I'm new to this....I enjoy the science behind these different steels....thus far, S110V has impressed me most. I was told I can put a sharper edge on the 52100. I really want to see that. And if I do happen to get one...will it be thinner than my other Millies? Do you thing the 52100 or the S110V will come out first? Thanks?
Click to expand...

Breakfree CLP is actually a very good corrosion inhibitor, and should be easy to work into the pivot. Not a good option for a knife used for food prep however.
 
Since I use most for occasional food prep, a little spritz of PAM or similar cooking spray when the blades look like they need it, or when pivots and detent balls feel scratchy.
 
Razzle said:
Since I use most for occasional food prep, a little spritz of PAM or similar cooking spray when the blades look like they need it, or when pivots and detent balls feel scratchy.
Click to expand...

Does PAM ward off corrosion? I really never thought of it for my folders.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top