Para 2: CTS-20CP or CTS-204P

[peter469]

Which is or would be your favourite and why?

[Clip]

CTS-20CP, because I own that one . Also have an M390 and from what I read, that's Bohler's version of 204P. I like the 20CP's edge-holding characteristics better.

[JNewell]

It's a toss-up. Choose based on color preference, cost and availability.

[Brock O Lee]

If you dont use diamonds, you'll find that 20CP is about twice as difficult to sharpen than M390/204P because it has twice the amount of vanadium

[FCM415]

I own both. 20CP is a safe queen. If I can afford another Id use it. I value it (not money wise) higher than the green because I only have one where I have two of the green. It really is a toss up though. The 20CP may have better edge retention but not a big enough deal as 204P holds an edge for a long time also.

[JNewell]

The sharpening point is valid. In terms of performance, you probably won't notice any difference, per Ankerson's tests.

[Holland]

The 20cp is rarer and has a better steel in terms of edge retention.

[phillipsted]

I regularly carry my 20CP Para - although I ditched the grey G10 in favor of maroon micarta. I can tell you that the edge holding is better than any steel I've ever used. It takes a seriously sharp edge and it degrades very slowly over time. Never have witnessed much edge deformation - just micro-chipping that eventually degrades the edge. This is probably my favorite Spyderco of all time. I wish they made more knives with 20CP...

TedP

[JNewell]

The 20cp is rarer and has a better steel in terms of edge retention.

Jim Ankerson's tests show them in the same category.

[Evil D]

If you dont use diamonds, you'll find that 20CP is about twice as difficult to sharpen than M390/204P because it has twice the amount of vanadium

Reeeeally depends on what you're using to sharpen with. The stock Edge Pro stones eat up 20CP like it's 420J2, and they're not diamonds.

[bh49]

In my book CTS-204P Para2 will beat any para because it is dark green.
Still 2013 Forum Native will beat any knife, unless it is custom made by Sal and Eric themselves Native5 with S110v steel and dark green G10 scales with diamond pattern

[Brock O Lee]

Reeeeally depends on what you're using to sharpen with. The stock Edge Pro stones eat up 20CP like it's 420J2, and they're not diamonds.

I was referring to the stock EP stones

But I suspect my M390 Para is slightly thinner than the 20cp, and slightly more obtuse, so that will also have an effect.

[NoFair]

my 20CP is ground thin and touches up in seconds on the UF rods with a 20 degree micro bevel (never had to do more and used it a lot since it came out)

[ZL1]

I haven't tried s90v or 20cp. But I had the s110v Native 5 and the 204p Para 2.
I'm honestly fine with 204p/m390 I'd like to see these steels on more models.

[darkangel55555]

I have the 20CP and M390 sprints in Grimsmo titanium scales. No interest in the 204P, probably because it's comparable to M390 but a generation older. From my limited recall of the comparison between equivalent steels from different manufacturers.

Guess which steel I carry regularly? Only 204P out of the three, in a titanium Southard. Para2s have too much handle for the blade, especially as an EDC. Great for special occasions, though.

[haarspalter]

i also have the m390 and the 20cp, plus a earthbown XHP - used to carry the 20cp a lot but then got a digicamo/black pm2 very cheap - and put the 20cp in the box. if i get another 20cp i will carry it all year.

[bdblue]

I thought I read that 20cp was equivalent to S90V and one step ahead of 204p/m390. However it seems that the 20cp para2 did not create nearly as much hysteria as the xhp and 204p models that came right after it. Maybe that was just timing, maybe it was the gray G10.

[senorsquare]

I was referring to the stock EP stones

But I suspect my M390 Para is slightly thinner than the 20cp, and slightly more obtuse, so that will also have an effect.

I don't have 20CP to compare to, but it seemed to me that CTS-204P was noticeably more difficult to sharpen than M390.

[JNewell]

I thought I read that 20cp was equivalent to S90V and one step ahead of 204p/m390. However it seems that the 20cp para2 did not create nearly as much hysteria as the xhp and 204p models that came right after it. Maybe that was just timing, maybe it was the gray G10.

Jim Ankerson puts them in the same category. I think timing was part of the answer - it was an early Para 2 sprint, before the knife got hysterically hot. I also think the gray was less attractive than many of the subsequent colors (orange and green especially), but that could just be me - I'm not a fan of the gray.

[NoFair]

I think the grey one sneaked out before everyone thought they needed a PM2 and the steel wasn't as "hot" as S90V. The grey looks great when it is worn and slightly dirty The price was a steal imho and I'm happy I got mine.