Is SV30 Good for Cutting Coaxial Cables?

[TkoK83Spy]

Super Blue...more like Super Blows!

It's a delight to sharpen though. Plus it'll support pretty thin edges.

I can't deny that sharpening factor my friend! It just left me so underwhelmed in performance. Reminded me of my $25 knives in 8cr. Guess I had my expectations set too high!

[remnar]

It's been over 25 years since I worked as a cable installer and I wouldn't then nor would I now buy a knife to use as my primary cable cutter. You need a good pair of side cutters like others have already stated. For trimming the ends to attach fittings I used a utility knife with disposable blades.

[Ankerson]

Use the proper tool for the job.

You need to get some linesman pliers.

I used to work with a lot of it myself.

Also there are cable trimmers, tool that is used to trim the end for putting on the fittings.


Like I said, proper tools for the job.

[spyderg]

I wouldn’t use a knife for it on a regular basis at all. Personally I wouldn’t use s30v for it on an occasional basis either. In my experience it’s a great steel but would take damage quick cutting coax. I’d sooner go with Cruwear for occasional coax cuts. Now I can sat I wouldn’t hesitate to use my CRK in s35vn for such a task as I’ve used it to cut a bunch of downspout with minimal edge damage. It still wouldn’t be my choice of tools for the task on a regular basis.

[TomAiello]

Super Blue...more like Super Blows!

It's a delight to sharpen though. Plus it'll support pretty thin edges.

I can't deny that sharpening factor my friend! It just left me so underwhelmed in performance. Reminded me of my $25 knives in 8cr. Guess I had my expectations set too high!

Superblue really shines in an environment where you need a super sharp edge, but you can resharpen constantly. Kitchen use, for example, where you can always just stop and touch up. It's so fast to get it back to insane sharp that you can pretty much just keep it there constantly by stopping maintain the edge. It's really, really good for that kind of use. If you're going to be away from your sharpening gear for several days...not so much.

[Deadboxhero]

Ya need to switch your technique and stones if it's that bad.

I cut a lot of coaxial cables for occupation and have been using my SV30. Wanted to know durability of it or should I go higher grade? What’s the ideal coaxial cable steel without going over budget and without dulling or chipping?

S30V is another brittle steel, though admittedly not hyper brittle like s110v. I can guarantee that your edge is going to chip out and lose all sharpness with one draw cut into a cable with metal internals. You need to get some cutting pliers.

After fighting S110V for two weekends, I am really wishing Spyderco would reintroduce low or lower carbide steels into the lineup. AUS-6, 154cm, make v toku and/or Super Blue regular production, maybe O-1 as an American equivalent.

[Deadboxhero]

:p

Super Blue...more like Super Blows!

[Bloke]

After fighting S110V for two weekends

[Ankerson]

Right tools for the job with COAX Cables.

Never used a knife for any reason dealing with COAX cables when I was in that field.

[soc_monki]

Knipex wire shears. Don't use a knife for coax.

[marshmallow]

Thanks for the input all. I cut cables and install lines for a living and have all the necessary tools, but sometimes you like to use your shiny ink pen instead of a ballpoint pen signing papers. I guess using my spydie sometimes just breaks the day up and makes me happy. It also helps when I need to shave sharp angles.

[The Meat man]

Thanks for the input all. I cut cables and install lines for a living and have all the necessary tools, but sometimes you like to use your shiny ink pen instead of a ballpoint pen signing papers. I guess using my spydie sometimes just breaks the day up and makes me happy. It also helps when I need to shave sharp angles.

Yep, sometimes a Spyderco is just more fun than the right tool. :cool:

I'd recommend a high hardness, lowish carbide steel like CPM REX 45 or CPM 4V.

Whatever you use, be sure to let us know how it works!

[jpm2]

For you folks that have worked with coax, what kind has steel conductors? I’ve worked with RF coax and it’s all silver plated copper, center conductor and shield. Just curious.

The stuff with steel center conductor is cheap crap for home use, very nasty stuff.
The stuff I deal with has copper center, copper shield. Occasionally I run across steel shield at work.
I might make a splice or redo a connector avg 1 time a year. Most of the time I use my knife.

Large side cutters should be named side mashers. Good quality smaller ones actually do cut somewhat.

[Evil D]

:p

Super Blue...more like Super Blows!

Sounds like somebody's got a case of the MONDAYS! :D

[SubMicron]

I wouldn't use a knife for the task of cutting coaxial cable unless I absolutely had to, in which case S30V would not be the steel that I'd want.

As others have mentioned, CPM-4V or REX-45 would be the steel to use simply due to strength at the edge.

[Donut]

If you cut it with a knife, you might have to cut it again with some real cutters. Sometimes you end up with a diagonal cut with a knife.

I mean, unless you're also planning to carry around a piece of wood to cut the cable flat against or just cut against whatever is near the cable.

[Cambertree]

Super Blue...more like Super Blows!

It's a delight to sharpen though. Plus it'll support pretty thin edges.

I can't deny that sharpening factor my friend! It just left me so underwhelmed in performance. Reminded me of my $25 knives in 8cr. Guess I had my expectations set too high!

Superblue really shines in an environment where you need a super sharp edge, but you can resharpen constantly. Kitchen use, for example, where you can always just stop and touch up. It's so fast to get it back to insane sharp that you can pretty much just keep it there constantly by stopping maintain the edge. It's really, really good for that kind of use. If you're going to be away from your sharpening gear for several days...not so much.

Yeah I agree.

It’s not the steel I would use for cutting abrasive materials in warehouse work.

I love it though, in its place.

Also, it’s made to be used in very thin, acute edges, so if you’re just touching up the factory edge angle, you’re not playing to its strengths.

[Cambertree]

:p

Super Blue...more like Super Blows!

:D :D :D