This thread.
It's existence PERFECTLY illustrates why I personally find the obsession with super steels to be absolutely retarded. If it's enough of a bitch to sharpen that it requires combining highly specialized equipment, knowledge, and an Internet forum, then it might not be so super.
Super duper edge holding really does have diminishing returns.
I tend to balk when someone says their knife hasn't needed to be sharpened yet. Depends on your personal definition. Some people I know call their knife "really sharp" then proceed to heavily saw on their piece of string to sever it. I consider mine really sharp when they'll pop hair and go through phone book paper without resistance. Still others won't consider a knife sharp until it can literally whittle hair.
Frankly tho, even my own personal standard is truly stupid. No knife in any steel will keep that level of sharpness beyond a few pieces of cardboard. My s30v really doesn't impress me much over my 8Cr13Mov. It may stay hair popping an extra five minutes longer, but after that, they both cut the same. Once they're at the point where they're really pissing me off, it takes 2 minutes to bring back the "crap" steel and 20 for the "premium"
Diminishing returns.
The claims and tests and all really don't show a ginormous difference between low-mid and premium steel performance anyway. Not as huge as the hype suggests.
Despite my tone (insomnia), this isn't an attack on anyone. Simply a rant on something I can't wrap my head around.
I'mma get burned for posting this here.
