Intro to tool steel?
Intro to tool steel?
If someone were to get their toes wet with a tool steel, which one would you recommend (on the easier to get side, so no crucarta shamen :D )?
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Re: Intro to tool steel?
PM2 52100
Re: Intro to tool steel?
I would say wait for REX 45 sprint run. Lots of models (Native, Lil Native, Para 3 LW, Chief, Shaman, Manixes), handle colour could be a bit polarising, but that could be modified.
In the pocket: Chaparral FRN, Native Chief, Police 4 K390, Pacific Salt SE, Manix 2 G10 REX45
Re: Intro to tool steel?
The upcoming Seki line of K390 will be the best way to get into non-stainless steels. Most of them will be less expensive than any other model/non-stainless steel combo and will be a part of the regular lineup, so no worries as far as acquiring one.
- VooDooChild
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Re: Intro to tool steel?
I still want more cpm cruwear.
"Rome's greatest contribution to mathematics was the killing of Archimedes."
Re: Intro to tool steel?
I would start with Cruwear if possible. Lots of other great choice to as already indicated
Of all the things I've lost I miss my mind the most!
Re: Intro to tool steel?
M4 is how I got my feet wet, and the first steel I truly enjoyed. K390, REX45, and M4 are some of my favorites because they perform at a very high level. If sharpening intimidates you, 52100 or Cruwear is easier to get sharp, but won't hold an edge nearly as long IME.
Re: Intro to tool steel?
Hap40 can also still be found at reasonable prices if you like Seki models. Great intro non-stainless if you want something that sharpens easily but beautifully.
- Julia
"Be excellent to each other." - Bill S. Preston, Esq.
"Be excellent to each other." - Bill S. Preston, Esq.
Re: Intro to tool steel?
There's soooo many good choices in tool steels. I suggest Cruwear would be an ideal first tool steel to try. It has the great tool steel edge characteristics one would want to experience and it is quite a bit more corrosion resistant than many of the other great options. Another good starting point IMO would be simple 52100 (bearing steel). 52100 requires more corrosion attention than Cruwear but it has very good edge characteristics and is easy for most people to sharpen to a very crisp edge.
**edit** I agree with the previous post that Hap40 would be a great starting choice as well. :)
**edit** I agree with the previous post that Hap40 would be a great starting choice as well. :)
Last edited by Xplorer on Thu Feb 20, 2020 10:12 am, edited 1 time in total.
:spyder: Spyderco fan and collector since 1991. :spyder:
Father of 2, nature explorer, custom knife maker.
@ckc_knifemaker on Instagram.
Father of 2, nature explorer, custom knife maker.
@ckc_knifemaker on Instagram.
Re: Intro to tool steel?
Fradon lock Delica in Hap40 for the price it's at right now is a great choice! Some of the other steels are harder to find at the moment, or on more expensive knives.
15 's in 10 different steels
1 - Bradford Guardian 3 / Vanadis 4E Wharnie
1 - Monterey Bay Knives Slayback Flipper / ZDP 189
1 - CRK Small Sebenza 31/Macassar Ebony Inlays
1 - CRK Large Inkosi Insingo/ Black Micarta Inlays
1 - CRK Small Sebenza 31 Insingo/Magnacut
-Rick
1 - Bradford Guardian 3 / Vanadis 4E Wharnie
1 - Monterey Bay Knives Slayback Flipper / ZDP 189
1 - CRK Small Sebenza 31/Macassar Ebony Inlays
1 - CRK Large Inkosi Insingo/ Black Micarta Inlays
1 - CRK Small Sebenza 31 Insingo/Magnacut
-Rick
- JonLeBlanc
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Re: Intro to tool steel?
52100 is swell, M4 and K390 are cool too.
My collection so far: 52100 Military (2); 52100 PM2 (2); 52100 Para3; Stretch2 V-Toku; KnifeWorks M4 PM2; BentoBox M390 PM2; BentoBox S90V Military; Police4 K390; S110V PM2; SS Delica AUS-6; Wayne Goddard Sprint VG-10
Wish list: Hundred Pacer; Sliverax; Mantra; 52100 PM2 SE; Kapara
Wish list: Hundred Pacer; Sliverax; Mantra; 52100 PM2 SE; Kapara
Re: Intro to tool steel?
What exactly is it about tool steel that you're interested in? I ask because there are just about as many different steels with different performance as there are in stainless steels, many of which have similar stainless steel equivalents apartment from just being non stainless (52100 vs AEB-L for example).
The cheapest way might be to get an Izula or BK14 and play with those and see how you like them, unless you want to play around with patinas since those are coated blades.
The cheapest way might be to get an Izula or BK14 and play with those and see how you like them, unless you want to play around with patinas since those are coated blades.
All SE all the time since 2017
~David
~David
Re: Intro to tool steel?
I would suggest 52100 anything. It's one of my primary steels that I use and it's really easy to sharpen. I know because I have very poor sharpening skills and I can get it screaming sharp. If you are looking for edge retention then I would suggest M4 but only because that's a personal bias towards the GB1. There is quite a bit of K390 out there and REX45 is on the horizon though. Good luck with your quest.
Do right always. It will give you satisfaction in life.
--Wovoka
--Wovoka
Re: Intro to tool steel?
Thanks - I mainly want to experience the "aggressive" edge some members have noted - my sharpening skills aren't the greatest, but I'm excited to try them
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Re: Intro to tool steel?
CPM M4 would be a great choice to start with.
- 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: Intro to tool steel?
Super Blue is what you're looking for...hit me up!
15 's in 10 different steels
1 - Bradford Guardian 3 / Vanadis 4E Wharnie
1 - Monterey Bay Knives Slayback Flipper / ZDP 189
1 - CRK Small Sebenza 31/Macassar Ebony Inlays
1 - CRK Large Inkosi Insingo/ Black Micarta Inlays
1 - CRK Small Sebenza 31 Insingo/Magnacut
-Rick
1 - Bradford Guardian 3 / Vanadis 4E Wharnie
1 - Monterey Bay Knives Slayback Flipper / ZDP 189
1 - CRK Small Sebenza 31/Macassar Ebony Inlays
1 - CRK Large Inkosi Insingo/ Black Micarta Inlays
1 - CRK Small Sebenza 31 Insingo/Magnacut
-Rick
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Re: Intro to tool steel?
Go cruwear and don't look back. Might still be able to get a cruwear delica.
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Re: Intro to tool steel?
Can get the superblue caly jr for $100 on the forums lately. The Hap40 Delica would be a good choice. Manix 2 Rex 45 just came out at SFO earlier today so should be in dealers this week or next. The upcoming K390 delica and endura would be a good start as well if you waited. You might be able to pickup a Mantra 2 second hand it has M4 steel.
S30V, VG10, M4, XHP, BD1, Cruwear, Elmax, Maxamet, 204P, H1, K390, A11, Rex45, LC200N, M390, 20CV, BD1N, S45VN waiting to afford MagnaCut
Re: Intro to tool steel?
Have no Spyderco Cruwear so another vote for HAP40.
A day without laughter is a day wasted. ~ Charlie Chaplin