If you had to choose only one…

[jpm2]

Rex45

Same here, best balance for my use.

[prndltech]

I picked other: for h1 or s30v

Vg10 is totally doable for me as well, but I’d probably pick that H1. S30v also has great edge retention.


I don’t own magnacut yet and my experience with lc200n is good, just not as advanced as it is with those steels.

[Bill1170]

I chose MagnaCut based on hearing about its properties, despite zero direct experience. I’m waiting to see it offered in a model I really want, a Caribbean Lightweight or a Stretch XL Salt. I can be patient, have plenty of excellent knives already.

[JoviAl]

I chose MagnaCut based on hearing about its properties, despite zero direct experience. I’m waiting to see it offered in a model I really want, a Caribbean Lightweight or a Stretch XL Salt. I can be patient, have plenty of excellent knives already.

I’ve been using a Magnacut mule at work for a couple of hours solid each day for the last year. It is pretty much as good as the hype suggests (Spyderco’s Magnacut HT anyway) and is extremely stainless. I just really like k390 even though it literally rusts in my pocket (I live in the tropics) - it is just that nice to sharpen and use!

[Wartstein]

Rex45

Same here, best balance for my use.

Same also here:

Rex45 (HAP40) for PE.

But VG10 for SE (and an "only one" folder definitely would have to be in SE for me)

[DavidNM]

I selected K390. It was a random choice but it sounds good.

[elena86]

lc200n is fine, but i've found it to be lacking slightly to h1 when it comes to toughness in serrations.

Just wondering if you're testing these at the same edge inclusive angle? The H1 Salts I've had were very thick at the edge, especially if you're comparing them to a Caribbean. With the way serrations are ground at different angles it's something to consider when trying to compare steels in SE.

Which SE blade would you say is the thinnest bte ? From those you own of course ... I guess you didn't measure the XL SE Stretch ...

[Wartstein]

...

Just wondering if you're testing these at the same edge inclusive angle? The H1 Salts I've had were very thick at the edge, especially if you're comparing them to a Caribbean. With the way serrations are ground at different angles it's something to consider when trying to compare steels in SE.

Which SE blade would you say is the thinnest bte ? From those you own of course ... I guess you didn't measure the XL SE Stretch ...

I guess sadly David actually does not HAVE the Stretch XL SE - would really be interested in his opinion on that one...

[Evil D]

lc200n is fine, but i've found it to be lacking slightly to h1 when it comes to toughness in serrations.

Just wondering if you're testing these at the same edge inclusive angle? The H1 Salts I've had were very thick at the edge, especially if you're comparing them to a Caribbean. With the way serrations are ground at different angles it's something to consider when trying to compare steels in SE.

Which SE blade would you say is the thinnest bte ? From those you own of course ... I guess you didn't measure the XL SE Stretch ...

Without a doubt the ARK, but folder wise I think the lowest angles I've seen (which micro bevel the edge on the 30 degree slots so they must be ground below 15 degrees) are my MagnaCut Native 5 and Autonomy 2. I don't believe all of the Natives are ground this way though, I think I just got lucky.

[steelcity16]

Cruwear, easy answer

[SaltyCaribbeanDfly]

Magnacut but I’d hate to give up H1 and Cruwear

[Bill1170]

I chose MagnaCut based on hearing about its properties, despite zero direct experience. I’m waiting to see it offered in a model I really want, a Caribbean Lightweight or a Stretch XL Salt. I can be patient, have plenty of excellent knives already.

I’ve been using a Magnacut mule at work for a couple of hours solid each day for the last year. It is pretty much as good as the hype suggests (Spyderco’s Magnacut HT anyway) and is extremely stainless. I just really like k390 even though it literally rusts in my pocket (I live in the tropics) - it is just that nice to sharpen and use!

Thank you! Field reports like yours that back up the other information are helpful to have.

[shunsui]

I haven't played enough with magnacut and 15v to make a good comparison. I have used K390 for awhile now and it's very impressive for simple EDC where all you want to do is cut things up or open. We may be overthinking all this, I got by just fine with ATS-55 for years.

[BigFishShamu]

We may be overthinking all this, I got by just fine with ATS-55 for years.

Well said. I appreciate that we have the luxury to pick and choose which steels to EDC and put to work. I also remember my grandpa had used the same Buck 110 for every chore under the sun from when we went fishing to cutting a bunch of cardboard!

[abbazaba]

My experience with Magnacut is still limited to one knife by a different mfg. So far it's surpassed my expectations even with all the hype, but I voted K390 because it's still my favorite steel I have the most experience with.

[Manixguy@1994]

CruWear for me until I try a Magnacut folder this has become my favorite steel in the future that could change .

[ZrowsN1s]

K390 because it's been more used/vetted by me. 15V has some good potential though. Need more time with it. S90V would be my second choice.