Being an owner of two Endura's and a ladybug, i was going thru the latest catalog to select my next Spyderco knife. I noticed that alot of knives have different steels and different grades.. but what i want to know are the differences of each type. Is there a table I can refer to, that shows the different properties of each type of metal? does anyone know of the differences, or where i can find more info about the types of metals used? thanks.
-Impyboy
Metal grades
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Sword and Shield
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Howdy Impyboy! Welcome to Spyderland! <img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0>
There's a table on this site for the makeup of each type of steel. I believe it's under "Edge-u-cation" or "Why Buy <img src="spyder.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0>". That gives an overview of what's in each steel.
Which steels are you interested in? I could probably break down a few for you.
Keepin' it real...real sharp, that is.
There's a table on this site for the makeup of each type of steel. I believe it's under "Edge-u-cation" or "Why Buy <img src="spyder.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0>". That gives an overview of what's in each steel.
Which steels are you interested in? I could probably break down a few for you.
Keepin' it real...real sharp, that is.
Thanks for the info.
I already had a look on the chart after i posted the first one, but being an uneducated non-technical type of guy, it didn't mean much to me other than how much of each element is in the metal. what i was really after, are the differences with each type of metal, the advantages/disadvantages, and why they use different metals? just from reading some of the forums, i can clearly see that the VG-10 and 440C are better than the ATS-55 and AUS-8. I guess what i'm really looking for is, what's the best one to get for my next knife.
thanks.
I already had a look on the chart after i posted the first one, but being an uneducated non-technical type of guy, it didn't mean much to me other than how much of each element is in the metal. what i was really after, are the differences with each type of metal, the advantages/disadvantages, and why they use different metals? just from reading some of the forums, i can clearly see that the VG-10 and 440C are better than the ATS-55 and AUS-8. I guess what i'm really looking for is, what's the best one to get for my next knife.
thanks.
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Sword and Shield
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It all depends what you plan on using the knife for. CPM 440V, for example, is a steel which will hold an edge for insanely long periods of time, but is conversely somewhat difficult to sharpen. It also is not the best as far as corrosion resistance is concerned.
What will the knife be used for, and in what environments? Putting those two together, along with preferences as to size and grips, can help point you in the right direction.
Keepin' it real...real sharp, that is.
What will the knife be used for, and in what environments? Putting those two together, along with preferences as to size and grips, can help point you in the right direction.
Keepin' it real...real sharp, that is.
yeah, I know what you're saying. I guess I want a knife that is suitable for all situations. I really want something that will stay sharp, and doesn't require alot of sharpening. I only use it for camping, cutting things like paper, wood and plastics. I never use it on things which could blunt it easily like metals, or harsh abrasives.
I just want a knife which is low on maintainence. something which can hold its edge. so i guess i have to get either vg-10 or the 440v. is that right?
I just want a knife which is low on maintainence. something which can hold its edge. so i guess i have to get either vg-10 or the 440v. is that right?
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Sword and Shield
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For a truly low-maintenance steel, which will really hold an edge well, I'd vote for the VG-10, followed closely by ATS-55.
For camp/general use, I would pick one of the new Endura Lightweights in VG-10. The Endura overall is a great design, and the VG-10 just makes it better.
When you buy a knife with a tough steel like VG-10, I would also invest in a good sharpener. The steel is quite hard, and is a touch difficult to sharpen using simply a benchstone. Take a look at the 204 if it fits your budget. If it doesn't, one of the good diamond hones can be had for around $15 US.
Keepin' it real...real sharp, that is.
For camp/general use, I would pick one of the new Endura Lightweights in VG-10. The Endura overall is a great design, and the VG-10 just makes it better.
When you buy a knife with a tough steel like VG-10, I would also invest in a good sharpener. The steel is quite hard, and is a touch difficult to sharpen using simply a benchstone. Take a look at the 204 if it fits your budget. If it doesn't, one of the good diamond hones can be had for around $15 US.
Keepin' it real...real sharp, that is.
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Sword and Shield
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thanks.
I think I have made up my mind on which one to get. Although 3 Endura's in my collection would sound good, I think a Military might do the job. I was sure that the steel was going to be VG-10 or 440V. As long as it's better than the AUS-8's i already have, I should be satisfied. thanks for all your help!
I think I have made up my mind on which one to get. Although 3 Endura's in my collection would sound good, I think a Military might do the job. I was sure that the steel was going to be VG-10 or 440V. As long as it's better than the AUS-8's i already have, I should be satisfied. thanks for all your help!
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Sword and Shield
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