What are your top 5 favorite steels?

[JMM]

I definitely prefer Tool steels . . .

#1 Rex45
#2 4V
#3 K390
#4 S90V
#5 XHP

Rex45 and 4V are neck and neck in terms of how they perform for me, I really have no preference between the two -- K390 or 10V are always welcome when available, I really like my K2 & REC PM2.

In terms of stainless, S90V is always my #1 choice if I can get it in a sprint/exclusive, etc, and XHP, while not super stainless is a dream to sharpen and has decent edge retention for my tasks.

[kobold]

The ones I use.

Maxamet
S90V
S110V
Rex45
M4

But five is only the tip of the iceberg.

[standy99]

Probably only two favourites.
M4
H1 for saltwater

Maxamet is interesting but yet to sharpen......


Anything new. Anything really.
I just buy other steels because I am a knife nerd.

[skeeg11]

S90V
M4
LC200N
1095
8Cr13MoV (loaners)

[The Deacon]

Certain patterns of Damasteel, VG-10, MBS-26, LC200N, CPM S30V

[TkoK83Spy]

REX45
4V
K390
M4
Maxamet

I guess I don't really care for stainless much these days! Though if I HAD to pick a stainless steel, it would be 20CV. For some reason it seems to get dismissed quite a bit, not much excitement around it as there was when I first joined the forum. I've had/have multiple knives in this steel and it's always been a pleasure to use and sharpen.

[JonLeBlanc]

52100
K390
M4
VG-10
S90V

[Superflex]

Does anyone know Sal's honest opinions on steels.

52100 was in his top 3 in the last iteration of this post and I agree

52100
K390
M4
M390 family
LC200N
In no particular order

[Paraguy]

I haven't used 4v but am very interested. I enjoy knives with good edge retention but aren't chippy. I find that Spyderco's S30v is very high in edge retention in comparison to other brands but its also a great deal more chippy. Do you guys think it could benefit from a more obtuse grind?

[Paraguy]

M4 is also very enticing. Having many carbon steel knives corrosion resistance is not that important to me.

[JD Spydo]

This is an interesting question for me. Because in the last 3 years I've been paying particular attention to blade steels that also excel as a good steel for serrated edge models. I've found many steels that are great for plain edged models but on the other hand are lousy for serrated edges. Take the blade steel ZDP-189 for instance. It's still one of my favorites for plain edges. The edge you can obtain from honing a ZDP-189 blade by extensive use of a Spyderco Ultra-Fine benchstone and finishing it with a smooth steel is nothing short of phenomenal. But on the other hand ZDP-189 is not a good steel to use for serrated edges. There are several other blade steels that are excellent for plain edges but just don't perform well in full SE. Spyderco themselves quit making Spyderedged models in ZDP-189. So I'm going to put up a list for Plain edged blade steels and another list for blade steels that excel in serrated edges.

For plain edged models I really love the following:
(1) M390
(2) M-4
(3) ZDP-189
(4) S90V
(5) CTS-XHP

For Serrated/Spyderedged models I like these blade steels. And keep in mind that some of these are really old.
(1) 440V
(2) H-1
(3) ATS-55
(4) AUS-8
(5) VG-10

[Nick258]

Alphabetical Order:
14C28N (best budget steel by far, super tough, easy heat treatment)
CruWear (high toughness, good edge retention, good edge stability)
K390 (High edge retention, high edge stability)
LC200N (virtually rust-proof, super tough)
MagnaCut (stainless that is tough, good edge retention, good edge stability)

[Josh Crutchley]

1. CPM Cruwear
2. CPM S90V
3. CTS XHP
4. Maxamet
5. D2
I just acquired Bd1n, S35VN, and Aeb-l but haven't had a lot of time with them. I also like 14c28n for ease of sharpening.

[Kels73]

In no particular order:

1) CPM-3V
2) CPM-S30V
3) K390
4) CTS-XHP
5) H1

[ZrowsN1s]

...

[bbturbodad]

K390
4V
Rex45
Maxamet
Nitrobe77 for Stainless or LC200N if sticking with Spyderco options

Honorable mention to S90V

[anycal]

K390
CPM REX 45
CPM CRUWEAR
CPM-M4
CPM S90V

[wheats]

K390
Vg10
5160
S35vn
S110v

[Paraguy]

Where is everyone getting this 4v. Isn't it pretty uncommon, like less common than maxement?

[JMM]

Where is everyone getting this 4v. Isn't it pretty uncommon, like less common than maxement?

Up until now almost all of it comes from St. Nicks exclusives which sell out in minutes, with the exception of the Fradon Lock Manix2 exclusive & the Province which is a large fixed blade knife. If you go to eBay and search for spyderco 4v you'll find the various models (PM2, Para3, Manix2, Shaman, Lil Native) . . . but they are quite expensive on the secondary market so unless you are willing to pay a huge markup just keep an eye out here for new/upcoming St. Nicks exclusives, more are sure to come...