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Showing 1 of 27 conversations about:
minhthemaster
78
Sep 27, 2016
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Is there a chart of different steels somewhere to indicate why this one is better than others?
Sep 27, 2016
Sling
53
Sep 27, 2016
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minhthemasterYes, there's plenty of information out there, just google. But if you are just looking for a functional knife with high performance steel, this isn't for you. There are plenty of cheaper options, including in 20cv and similar steels. If you're going to spend $400+ on a knife, it's because you want exceptional engineering tolerances, a limited availability product, and little touches like the Hoback Rolling Detent that aren't available elsewhere. If you just want the most utility for your dollar, go elsewhere - plenty of excellent folding knives in the $100-200 range, plenty of very functional options available for less than $100.
Sep 27, 2016
mrgreenhr
7
Sep 27, 2016
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SlingWhat would you recommend for around $50-100?
Sep 27, 2016
xray
2
Sep 27, 2016
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mrgreenhrThere are a lot of great options in $50-100, and what you choose will depend on your style and use case.
I personally like the style of most Kershaw knives, so I carry this most days: Kershaw Shallot - https://amzn.com/B001H9BS2M
I got it with a smooth blade because I mostly slice and pierce...no need for serrated to saw through stuff. I like the black finish, it's light, and looks nice and streamlined. The manual-assist opening is convenient and fun too.
There are so many styles and brands that your best starting point is a knife buying guide. I really like the one at Knife Depot -- try scrolling through that, look at photos, see what you like, and then narrow in on a few options.
https://www.knife-depot.com/learn/pocket-knife-buying-guide/
Edit1: test
Sep 27, 2016
xray
2
Sep 27, 2016
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mrgreenhrOops, I forgot to address steel reviews. Yes, there are lots of sites that list out properties of steels to tell you about hardness, toughness, edge retention, corrosion resistance, and more. Choosing a steel is always a trade-off of material properties so there's no "best" steel, just different materials for different uses.
Check out these guides. Careful, the rabbit hole goes very deep.
http://bestpocketknifetoday.com/discovering-the-best-knife-steel/ http://bestpocketknifetoday.com/knife-steel-composition-chart/
Don't miss their last sentence in the first link: "In reality, all modern steels will perform well enough for most users so consider spending more time on other aspects of the pocket knife such as how the knife handles and other features."
Sep 27, 2016
Bobraz
2631
Sep 27, 2016
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mrgreenhrAs @PNWNative found out and alerted me, the Kershaw exclusive 1776 is very very similar, as gorgeous, and much, much, much more affordable!
Check it out: http://bit.ly/2cz7EM6 (look at the first few results; says "Only available at the House of Blades, this exclusive Kershaw Link...")
Sep 27, 2016
Sling
53
Sep 27, 2016
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mrgreenhrThere's the venerable Spyderco Endura or Delica in VG10. Also the Spyderco Manix Lightweight in S30V. The Kizer vanguard models offer a wide variety of VG10 blades with G10 handles. If you want something larger, there's a variety of Cold Steel offerings in CTS-XHP steel. If you go up to $150 territory, there's a world of options that open up, including Spyderco Paramilitaries and Manixes in S110V (a steel with extreme edge-retention), and titanium framelocks. The Benchmade Barrage 581 is a very nice knife with a M390 blade (essentially the same steel as 20CV) which can often be found for around $150 on Ebay or the like.
Sep 27, 2016
Sling
53
Sep 27, 2016
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xrayYes and no. There are trade-offs in properties, but also steels which are just better than others. 3V will do pretty much everything (edge-holding, toughness, corrosion resistance) better than 1095 for example. Of course, there's always a trade-off between ease of sharpening and wear resistance, as they are essentially opposite sides of the same coin. Certainly agree, though, that even basic modern steels will be perfectly good for a typical user.
Sep 27, 2016
Bobraz
2631
Sep 27, 2016
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SlingOne must be very, very careful purchasing Benchmade and Spyderco knives on eBay; Chinese fakes are plentiful and are getting harder and harder to spot.
Better to stick to well known sellers; to know which ones, you need to lurk on knives enthusiasts forums...
Sep 27, 2016
anonomous
558
Sep 30, 2016
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minhthemasterCPM 20CV, Duratech 20CV, M390, and CTS 204P are all the same alloy content.
These are all great steel's but take a very long time to sharpen. its better than s35vn in edge retention.
Sep 30, 2016
highbob
94
Oct 11, 2016
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mrgreenhrIf you're looking for a great, light EDC option, get a Spyderco Delica. It's very easy to carry, with LIGHT FRN construction with skeletonize stainless liners and a sturdy back-lock. I own a lotta knives at this point, but this summer, while I was on a job where there was a pretty good possibility that I might lose my knife (back pocket carry), I carried my Delica everyday, and rediscovered just how great the thing is. And it's got a VG10 steel blade that you can get smoking sharp with fairly little trouble. Just a great option for around 65-70 bucks. And you can get it in a variety of colors at just about any reliable knife retailer or online store.
Oct 11, 2016
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