Which steel for the Para 3?

[archangel]

I own a Rex45 Millie and a 20CV PM2.

For the Para 3 I'm torn between Maxamet, the 52100 sprint with CF scales, and my hope for an M390 sprint. Or maybe someone will launch a 3V or 4V sprint or exclusive. As always, it's going to be carried, but used only lightly - I'm pretty sure all of the above steels will have no problems with those tasks. It's more a question of getting a rare unique handsome version... Which one would you choose?

[Ric]

BentoBoxShop had the smurf blue M390.
This is my number one.

Head to head with maxamet.

[Cscottsss]

Out of those choices I'd go with Maxamet, I like 52100 but only if it's coated.

[archangel]

BBS is a no-go because $68.95 for shipping to outside US and all at my own risk.

Why 52100 only coated, cause it may rust? Not a problem for me, my K390 P4 is still looking like fresh out of the box.

[Danvp]

I own all 3. Must say that the BBS m390 is the most allround to my likings. Stainless, nice edge retention and not to hard to touch up. Finish on the brown sharpmaker rods and you get a nice toothy edge. However, the 52100 and also the Rex are even more easy to sharpen. I guess it will always be a trade off.
Archangel, i am from Holland and do not like the expensive shipping costs either. Thats why i use a MyUS box or something similar. Unfortunately, i paid the $68,95. :eek: After that i searched for a cheaper way to get my shipments from the US.

[TkoK83Spy]

This may be what you're looking for...though I'm sure you would have to pay a steep price on Ebay. Unless you can find one on Blade Forums?

[Woodpuppy]

I’m pretty curious about maxamet. I’ve been using M4 very happily; I also have cruwear and rex45 but not much experience with either, except it seems like my cruwear Para3 needs a first sharpening far sooner than my M4 did. I sure do love the Para3!

[ZrowsN1s]

I've got the M390, Maxamet, and Rex 45. They are all nice. The rex 45 is my favorite of the steels (but you already have that steel), the M390 with the Blue handle is the best looking (although bento is sold out anyways), the Maxamet is an awesome steel, although I like the CF handles of the 52100 better....

If looks are more important get the CF, if steel is more important get the maxamet.... or wait for the next inevitably awesome sprint.

[awa54]

Don't forget the S35VN distributor exclusive, it's my favorite (at least until an M390-ish Sprint comes back around) and it's still available from a few sellers.

[archangel]

I'm keeping the S35VN spot open for a different model. I've owned it twice already, sold those to "upgrade" the respective models to a more rare steel. The next purchase of an S35VN :spyder: shall be the definitive one...

[TkoK83Spy]

Surprised you're considering a more "basic" steel in S35VN, after what you were originally talking about. Maybe just wait out an exclusive/sprint? Sounds like you're just itching for a new knife!

[Doeswhateveraspidercan]

M390 You can’t go wrong

[awa54]

Surprised you're considering a more "basic" steel in S35VN, after what you were originally talking about. Maybe just wait out an exclusive/sprint? Sounds like you're just itching for a new knife!

S35VN isn't a very "basic" alloy content-wise, it is however a balanced/compromise alloy, with no one overriding strength or weakness.

[Doeswhateveraspidercan]

I have also discovered S35VN Differs from company to company and is not great in all knives.

Chris Reeve S35VN Nyala fixed blade is pretty much bullet proof.

His dedicated Sikayo Kitchen knives which are thin however are not I have had them chip.

I have owned and sold his sebenza folders. The steel is a good fit here.

I own paramilitary 2 in S35VN and the steel seems softer than what I experienced with Reeve treatment of S35VN.

S35VN has never rusted on me it is easier to sharpen then S30V and holds a working edge a bit longer. It also is a bit less slick and more toothy than S30V.

Working edge is a nice way of saying does not remain truly sharp for long.

Can’t go wrong with M390 or CTS-204P. Both of these are great stainless steels easy to sharpen and hold a truly sharp edge longer that S35VN.

[TkoK83Spy]

Surprised you're considering a more "basic" steel in S35VN, after what you were originally talking about. Maybe just wait out an exclusive/sprint? Sounds like you're just itching for a new knife!

S35VN isn't a very "basic" alloy content-wise, it is however a balanced/compromise alloy, with no one overriding strength or weakness.

I agree, I have nothing against it. One of my personal, favorite knives is in that steel. It's just from a different breed than what he was originally considering, that's all.

[Doeswhateveraspidercan]

Oh and if you want the best of all worlds spend the money get the M390 or CTS-204P buy the 52100 and swap the scales. Pricey this way but wants and desires over needs often are. :)

[Dornbox]

For no other reason other than, I've read a lot of very cool stuff regarding Maxamet, that's my number 1. The Para 2 Maxamet was also my first love at first sight Spydie. Something about the gray G10 and stone washed blade just works especially with the Paras. My number 2 is the Red G10 M390 from DLT for many of the same reasons. I own at least 7 or 8 of the more "boutique" steels between the Para models but rotate too frequently to really be able to discern any major differences between them. I also re profile everything on my WE as soon as I can and honestly don't even see any huge differences there either. For the most part I only slice cardboard and odd items around my house and yard.

If a Salt Para 2 or 3 ever drops with yellow G10 and an LC200N or H1 steel, there would be no hesitation either if only for the look and that I live and play on the New England Coast.

[TkoK83Spy]

For no other reason other than, I've read a lot of very cool stuff regarding Maxamet, that's my number 1. The Para 2 Maxamet was also my first love at first sight Spydie. Something about the gray G10 and stone washed blade just works especially with the Paras. My number 2 is the Red G10 M390 from DLT for many of the same reasons. I own at least 7 or 8 of the more "boutique" steels between the Para models but rotate too frequently to really be able to discern any major differences between them. I also re profile everything on my WE as soon as I can and honestly don't even see any huge differences there either. For the most part I only slice cardboard and odd items around my house and yard.

If a Salt Para 2 or 3 ever drops with yellow G10 and an LC200N or H1 steel, there would be no hesitation either if only for the look and that I live and play on the New England Coast.

I'm the same way, I really don't NEED all these different steels and probably never truly put them through enough to truly test what they are capable of (cardboard, plastic strapping, shrink wrap, some rope, camping and yard work typically being the toughest tests for me)...but it sure is fun to have a variety and variety of scale colors!

[Extra330SC]

I own a Rex45 Millie and a 20CV PM2.

For the Para 3 I'm torn between Maxamet, the 52100 sprint with CF scales, and my hope for an M390 sprint. Or maybe someone will launch a 3V or 4V sprint or exclusive. As always, it's going to be carried, but used only lightly - I'm pretty sure all of the above steels will have no problems with those tasks. It's more a question of getting a rare unique handsome version... Which one would you choose?

All good choices for sure! I have all three (CF 52100, Maxamet, BBS M390) and they're all special . Since the M390 is sold out and the Maxamets ETA uncertain. ..I'd get the one that's available now. There are some good deals on the 52100 Para 3 floating around as an added bonus ! It's definitely handsome with the Carbon scales...

James

[TkoK83Spy]

Definitely a good looking knife you have there James! Don't see that model all that often. I think people are afraid of the easy patina 52100 can get.