Your opinion on production neck knife steel; CPM20CV or AEB-L

[Brian.Evans]

Ok guys, here's your chance for some input on my upcoming production run of neck knives! I'm not sure which way to go for the steel. I can hit a $100 price point for AEB-L, but I'd probably have to be at $125 for CPM20CV. Now this is NOT A SALES THREAD. There are currently no knives for sale, they haven't even begun production yet. I'm just trying to get a feel if you all would rather pay a bit more for a more premium steel, or save some money and still get a totally great steel.

Both steels would be ran hard, right at 61 hrc. Blade stock is 1/8", overall length is right at 6", with a 2 1/2" blade that is about 1" edge to spine, just to give you an idea on dimensions if they matter to your opinion.

So, which one? If the mods have a problem with the actual prices being in there, I will edit them out.

AGAIN, THERE ARE NO KNIVES CURRENTLY FOR SALE RIGHT NOW.

 

[tdg15]

I like the 20CV, as $25 dollars isn't too much for, IMO, a much better steel. Not to say that they are both very viable steel for a neck knife

 

[Ankerson]

The CPM 20CV will likely sell better, but either steel will work...

 

[Ajack60]

Variety is the spice of life. Do both, that way you can appeal to the steel fanatics that think the latest and greatest steel is the only way to go(CPM20CV). And you can appeal to those that don't mind maintaining a knife(AEB-L). I would prefer the finer grain of the AEB-L with that high of a hardness, but that's just me. Sometimes, 25.00 is the difference between someone buying a knife and looking for a knife.

 

[Hale Storm]

Variety is the spice of life. Do both, that way you can appeal to the steel fanatics that think the latest and greatest steel is the only way to go(CPM20CV). And you can appeal to those that don't mind maintaining a knife(AEB-L). I would prefer the finer grain of the AEB-L with that high of a hardness, but that's just me. Sometimes, 25.00 is the difference between someone buying a knife and looking for a knife.

This, PLUS, what is the market like right now? Is AEB-L that much of a downgrade that it will make your knife just another "run of the mill" necker or is selling a higher grade of steel better since it's hard to find neckers like yours in a "super" steel?
I would rather pay more for better steel, but I'm here on BF, semi-educated on steels, and know it's worth a few extra bucks to get the better steel. Ajack60 may be right; offer both and give customers the option.