PM A11 vs k390 edge geometry and experience
PM A11 vs k390 edge geometry and experience
Hello All,
I'm working on getting a handle on my pm A11 mule. I hear it mentioned that K390 is a bit tougher than PM A11. Has anyone experienced chipping or issues with a PM A11 edge as compared to K390 or what has your experience been? I plan on going 30 degrees inclusive with the edge.
I'm working on getting a handle on my pm A11 mule. I hear it mentioned that K390 is a bit tougher than PM A11. Has anyone experienced chipping or issues with a PM A11 edge as compared to K390 or what has your experience been? I plan on going 30 degrees inclusive with the edge.
Re: PM A11 vs k390 edge geometry and experience
Whether K390 is actually tougher than A11/10V I can't say, but toughness tests of 10V show it having similar or higher toughness than many PM stainless steels so if you haven't had chipping issues with those you likely don't need to worry about A11 or 10V.
http://www.KnifeSteelNerds.com - Steel Metallurgy topics related to knives
Re: PM A11 vs k390 edge geometry and experience
I've never had chips in either my K390 or A11 mules. Ive used the K390 harder than the A11, but I haven't been shy with either of them.
I don't think that 30 degrees is going to be a problem for your A11, but heck, if it is, definitely post here so other people can learn--that's what mules are for.
I don't think that 30 degrees is going to be a problem for your A11, but heck, if it is, definitely post here so other people can learn--that's what mules are for.
- legOFwhat?
- Member
- Posts: 3143
- Joined: Mon Jul 09, 2018 5:58 am
- Location: Kentucky; Earth
Re: PM A11 vs k390 edge geometry and experience
Hello Skidoosh,
Although I dont own any K390 (yet) I have several pma11 mules. I have chipped a couple in different spots, few around the 1st inch of the tip and one around the "belly". These chips were due to my clumsiness dropping them on the garage floor while fitting handles, however they sharpened out really nice. I've reprofilled them all to 30 inclusive and they stay crazy sharp with course or polished bevels.
If I may suggest, be very careful and cover the edges while fitting those scales. Cardboard and painter's tape works well as does rubber trim channel. Can't stress this enough and I'm sure you'll already know this but want to throw it out there...can't hurt right?
As a confession, I foolishly decided to take out a scratch on the handle by running it across the bench polisher. The polisher grabbed the finger guard, yanked it out of my hand, slammed the back wall and skidded across the garage floor. Luckily, I wasn't hurt but the edge got damage and new scratches on handle and blade were quite visible. I'm adamant about safety but I let it slip...lesson learned. Good luck and I hope you share your end results!
Although I dont own any K390 (yet) I have several pma11 mules. I have chipped a couple in different spots, few around the 1st inch of the tip and one around the "belly". These chips were due to my clumsiness dropping them on the garage floor while fitting handles, however they sharpened out really nice. I've reprofilled them all to 30 inclusive and they stay crazy sharp with course or polished bevels.
If I may suggest, be very careful and cover the edges while fitting those scales. Cardboard and painter's tape works well as does rubber trim channel. Can't stress this enough and I'm sure you'll already know this but want to throw it out there...can't hurt right?
As a confession, I foolishly decided to take out a scratch on the handle by running it across the bench polisher. The polisher grabbed the finger guard, yanked it out of my hand, slammed the back wall and skidded across the garage floor. Luckily, I wasn't hurt but the edge got damage and new scratches on handle and blade were quite visible. I'm adamant about safety but I let it slip...lesson learned. Good luck and I hope you share your end results!
-Larry
Hebrews 13:6 So we may boldly say: “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?”
MNOSD #0049
Hebrews 13:6 So we may boldly say: “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?”
MNOSD #0049
Re: PM A11 vs k390 edge geometry and experience
Good stuff leg, I'm looking forward to getting my mule up and running. You will want to pick up some K390 at some point, it is well worth it.legOFwhat? wrote: ↑Fri May 22, 2020 11:17 amHello Skidoosh,
Although I dont own any K390 (yet) I have several pma11 mules. I have chipped a couple in different spots, few around the 1st inch of the tip and one around the "belly". These chips were due to my clumsiness dropping them on the garage floor while fitting handles, however they sharpened out really nice. I've reprofilled them all to 30 inclusive and they stay crazy sharp with course or polished bevels.
If I may suggest, be very careful and cover the edges while fitting those scales. Cardboard and painter's tape works well as does rubber trim channel. Can't stress this enough and I'm sure you'll already know this but want to throw it out there...can't hurt right?
As a confession, I foolishly decided to take out a scratch on the handle by running it across the bench polisher. The polisher grabbed the finger guard, yanked it out of my hand, slammed the back wall and skidded across the garage floor. Luckily, I wasn't hurt but the edge got damage and new scratches on handle and blade were quite visible. I'm adamant about safety but I let it slip...lesson learned. Good luck and I hope you share your end results!
Re: PM A11 vs k390 edge geometry and experience
https://youtu.be/gpAW6JtlJNE
These guys do something interesting with K390.
Not spyderco but still pretty impressive considering the HC rating.
These guys do something interesting with K390.
Not spyderco but still pretty impressive considering the HC rating.
Re: PM A11 vs k390 edge geometry and experience
That video physically hurt to watch! But pretty cool to see what a beating k390 (and that knife in particular) can take.
- Julia
"Be excellent to each other." - Bill S. Preston, Esq.
"Be excellent to each other." - Bill S. Preston, Esq.
Re: PM A11 vs k390 edge geometry and experience
One of our members made this video.
https://youtu.be/E-c3LxQbcqg
https://youtu.be/E-c3LxQbcqg
- legOFwhat?
- Member
- Posts: 3143
- Joined: Mon Jul 09, 2018 5:58 am
- Location: Kentucky; Earth
Re: PM A11 vs k390 edge geometry and experience
K390 and 15v are on the top of my list :D hopefully right after SPY27 mule. Wonder if we'll see a 15v mule?
-Larry
Hebrews 13:6 So we may boldly say: “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?”
MNOSD #0049
Hebrews 13:6 So we may boldly say: “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?”
MNOSD #0049
Re: PM A11 vs k390 edge geometry and experience
I sure hope so!legOFwhat? wrote: ↑Fri May 22, 2020 3:47 pmK390 and 15v are on the top of my list :D hopefully right after SPY27 mule. Wonder if we'll see a 15v mule?
Re: PM A11 vs k390 edge geometry and experience
Personally, I hope they skip the mule and make a folder I can use at work.Albatross wrote: ↑Fri May 22, 2020 4:26 pmI sure hope so!legOFwhat? wrote: ↑Fri May 22, 2020 3:47 pmK390 and 15v are on the top of my list :D hopefully right after SPY27 mule. Wonder if we'll see a 15v mule?
As for comparison, I only have k390, but imagine there's not much difference... maybe a few % each way in properties if equally heat treated.
Re: PM A11 vs k390 edge geometry and experience
I just watched this yesterday. If you notice at the end, it looks like Spyderco is listed as a new patreon supporter. Maybe we will see some Spyderco knives in future videos. I know they’ve reviewed at least the Maxamet Manix and had good things to say.
Re: PM A11 vs k390 edge geometry and experience
How about both?jpm2 wrote: ↑Fri May 22, 2020 4:42 pmPersonally, I hope they skip the mule and make a folder I can use at work.Albatross wrote: ↑Fri May 22, 2020 4:26 pmI sure hope so!legOFwhat? wrote: ↑Fri May 22, 2020 3:47 pmK390 and 15v are on the top of my list :D hopefully right after SPY27 mule. Wonder if we'll see a 15v mule?
As for comparison, I only have k390, but imagine there's not much difference... maybe a few % each way in properties if equally heat treated.
BBB says 15V will out-cut Maxamet.
-
- Member
- Posts: 5858
- Joined: Wed Jan 03, 2018 8:01 pm
- Location: Missouri, USA
Re: PM A11 vs k390 edge geometry and experience
I reprofiled my K390 Police 4 down to about 9 ~ 10 dps. I have used it extensively and have experienced very little edge problems.
I am more mindful when using it and I try to be careful when cutting stuff like thick plastic and carving wood. I've damaged the edge a bit a couple times when cutting thick plastic banding. It's not invincible, however it is remarkably strong all things considered.
For general EDC it performs wonderfully, no problems. I love it.
I am more mindful when using it and I try to be careful when cutting stuff like thick plastic and carving wood. I've damaged the edge a bit a couple times when cutting thick plastic banding. It's not invincible, however it is remarkably strong all things considered.
For general EDC it performs wonderfully, no problems. I love it.
- Connor
"What is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?"
"What is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?"
Re: PM A11 vs k390 edge geometry and experience
If they both come out the same time, that's fine... but don't want to wait a year for a folder after the mule... and I have no use for more fixed blades, in any steel. Folders are what I use 99.9% of the time.Albatross wrote: ↑Fri May 22, 2020 5:00 pmHow about both?jpm2 wrote: ↑Fri May 22, 2020 4:42 pmPersonally, I hope they skip the mule and make a folder I can use at work.Albatross wrote: ↑Fri May 22, 2020 4:26 pmI sure hope so!legOFwhat? wrote: ↑Fri May 22, 2020 3:47 pm
K390 and 15v are on the top of my list :D hopefully right after SPY27 mule. Wonder if we'll see a 15v mule?
As for comparison, I only have k390, but imagine there's not much difference... maybe a few % each way in properties if equally heat treated.
BBB says 15V will out-cut Maxamet.
I should have clarified the comparison I was talking about, the thread title, k390 and 10v/a11.
I imagine 15v doesn't out cut maxamet by a significant amount.
Re: PM A11 vs k390 edge geometry and experience
Fair enough.jpm2 wrote: ↑Fri May 22, 2020 6:07 pmIf they both come out the same time, that's fine... but don't want to wait a year for a folder after the mule... and I have no use for more fixed blades, in any steel. Folders are what I use 99.9% of the time.Albatross wrote: ↑Fri May 22, 2020 5:00 pmHow about both?
BBB says 15V will out-cut Maxamet.
I should have clarified the comparison I was talking about, the thread title, k390 and 10v/a11.
I imagine 15v doesn't out cut maxamet by a significant amount.
My bad. Yeah, unless you're doing controlled tests, I doubt you will see a difference in retention or toughness, between 10V, A11, K294, and K390.