Spyderco Forums

I get kick out of some of you suggesting steels that the OP didn't ask about. The choices were simple, S30 or S110V.

GarageBoy wrote: ↑

Sat Aug 08, 2020 11:58 pm

I thought k390 and cpm 10v were very similar/interchangeable?

Guess I'll have to wait for more 10v... The K2 was a steal at blow out prices ($150!), but way too big for me

k390 has less chromium, three times the molybdenum, and 2% cobalt and 1% tungsten that 10v hasn’t got.

Of the two, S30V, unless you have the right abrasives for S110V, then, S30V. Why S30V? Better balance of key metrics.

S30V. It will do everything you need it to, and then some.

araneae wrote: ↑

Sun Aug 09, 2020 5:46 am

It's hilarious that you all are pushing super steels to someone who says they only cut tape and is just okay at sharpening. 420HC would suffice.

Right. The guy says:

1: mainly a fidget toy
2: only cut a little tape.
3: stressed NOT hard use
4: can't sharpen well.

And people are recommending super steels? He may as well have not wasted his time writing that paragraph. Seems like people will always recommend the super steel no matter what the customer says.

BornIn1500 wrote: ↑

Sun Aug 09, 2020 11:06 am

araneae wrote: ↑

Sun Aug 09, 2020 5:46 am

It's hilarious that you all are pushing super steels to someone who says they only cut tape and is just okay at sharpening. 420HC would suffice.

Right. The guy says:

1: mainly a fidget toy
2: only cut a little tape.
3: stressed NOT hard use
4: can't sharpen well.

And people are recommending super steels? He may as well have not wasted his time writing that paragraph. Seems like people will always recommend the super steel no matter what the customer says.

S110V is a super steel, and if he is contemplating spending the extra money on it there are other options that are the same price. I brought them up because he/she might not know about them, and may actually prefer the G10 colors as well. We all know once you start buying Spyderco’s you end up wanting the best of every model, and why not start with the best. I also dare say that at least 50% of the knife community would be just fine with VG10 or less, S30V is even over doing it.

I made a reply explaining my situation but I don’t think any of my replies are going through. I wrote one last night.

Bcuz it's mostly a fidget knife I will say neither. I'd go para 3 lightweight with bd1n. I'd have to check price, but it was 91 last I checked. However if the standard pm2 is the only model of interest, s30v is where to go. For around the same price as a pm2 the lightweight para 3 has the spy27 out.

Welcome. Enjoy . You have picked the right brand and a superb pattern model PM2 .

Hands down S30V OP. If you want one a little fancier since you won't be using it hard and seem to enjoy having it out and playing with it. Check out bladeswelove on eBay. He has them in S30V and with different hardware, pocket clips or scale colors to spice it up a bit.

My vote: S30V

It really is a fine steel, particularly from Spyderco.

Well balanced is the word for it. Not any challenge to sharpen.

My PM2 with S30V is one of my all time favorites that doesn't ever let me down.

Given what OP wants/needs, yes the S30V. Ain't nothin' wrong with S30V. If the plain black G-10 scales become "boring," well, aftermarket.

Hey plshelpme, welcome to the forum.

I got hooked on Spyderco, I own more Spydies than any other brand. A friend bought my first Spyderco as a gift. He has a lot of knives by any standard. I saw his knives and got excited using some, and then wanted those knives. One or two anyway. He was super helpful in keeping me focused on what I really wanted from a knife and then finding the best option at the best price, and not just saying yeah this is cool buy it.

Personally, I do not think my Para 3, Tenacious, Waterway or Mule are fidgety at all. Don't get me wrong I have wasted days fidgeting with cord trying to wrap the Mule. I have a Kershaw Knockout $70 that is my fidget knife, but this is outside the parameters. As I have no knowledge it makes me curious.

What is the fidgetiest Spyderco for the money?

S110V is frustrating to maintain for beginning sharpeners. I recommend you get the S30V, which is a very good and balanced steel. It’ll be easier to maintain. Also I second the recommendation to get a Sharpmaker.

S110V is the superior steel in a lot of ways to S30V, especially with the HT Spyderco uses now which got rid of the microchipping issue that it had in the first runs. And it's one of my favorite steels (if you couldn't tell by my icon :D)

But I'll suggest you get the S30V model if you're not a good sharpener or your work just requires cutting non-abrasive materials, or don't own a Spyderco Sharpmaker to make your touch-ups consistent. S110V is picky and lack of consistency in sharpening angles can make it seem like it takes forever to get sharp, hence why the myth that it's hard to get it razor sharp appeared awhile back.
Also, if you want to fidget it, ignore the Para 3 recommendations. The longer blade of the PM2 will make it easier to snap open/closed, while the Para3 feels a bit less fun in that regard.

That one is not even close for me. I would jump at the S110V over S30V without a second thought.

I own 3 Para2 models in the newer/better blade steels and the S110V is my current favorite. The Para2 and C-36 Military models are my two quintesscential favorite Golden, CO made Spyderco models to use for new blade steels. And the S110V Para2 model is currently one of the better ones you can get for EDC uses in my humble opinion>> based on personal usage.

I own numerous Spydercos in both steels, including a couple of Paramilitary 2s.

S30V is a well-balanced steel for EDC. It has good edge-retention and rust-resistance, it has adequate toughness for a folder (since Spyderco knows how to heat treat), and it can be sharpened on the Sharpmaker.

S110V is more of a trade-off. It has some of the best edge-retention and rust-resistance on the market, has adequate toughness for a folder, and is a genuine pain to sharpen with normal equipment. If you have diamond or CBN rods/stones and some patience, you’ll be fine. Or, if you plan to just send the knife to Spyderco for sharpening (or have another professional sharpen it), you’ll be fine. The real key is to never let it get truly dull. As soon as it won’t slice paper easily, hone it. Otherwise, you’ll need to cancel your appointments and download some audiobooks to keep you entertained while you sharpen. :)

I'd start with the S30V unless you're going to be sending back the S110V for sharpening.

People make it sound like S30V is butter, but I still find it one of the best all-around steels. It is tough. It resists abrasives better than VG10. It takes a great edge.

Compared to S110V, yes, it is easier to sharpen but compared to 1095, AUS8, BD1N, it is a beast. It's all relative.

I will offer my personal opinion but there are many more knowledgable folks here than I am. I am fortunate enough to own a PM2 in s110 and s30v. I love them both. The 110 holds an edge much longer but its a little more difficult to sharpen. The s30 doesnt hold an edge as long but its easier to sharpen. At least for me, if I bought another one, s30v would be just fine. I think its one of those cases where you cannot really go wrong either way, cheers!

araneae wrote: ↑

Sun Aug 09, 2020 5:46 am

It's hilarious that you all are pushing super steels to someone who says they only cut tape and is just okay at sharpening. 420HC would suffice.

I agree.