15V Regular Production Plea

[Jayrod1980]

I didn’t bother looking throughout, but I know I’m one of many that have been asking for 15V to be a regular production steel. I read in a thread that Sal stated that steels being in regular rotation are up to the consumer, in terms of sales etc.

Given that many of us are clamoring for 15V BBB heat treat to be in the regular rotation outside of sprints, please hear me out. Once the sugar high of the most recent generous sprints are complete, there aren’t many Golden models left to run this format. While I’m so grateful I’ve gotten an opportunity this year to pick up multiple BBB 15V models for under the $425+ that eBay is charging for the Shaman, Manix 2, and PM2, the popularity over the last couple of years of this steel and heat treat should warrant some consideration (outside of Crucibles financial woes).

Other hard tool steels are great and I’m grateful for Spyderco to take risks on CruWear, K390, Maxamet, Rex 121 (and the other Rex’s), but though I own Spydercos in most of those steels, 15V is superior. It’s obviously a fast seller, and priced so far less than Maxamet and Rex 121 offerings. It sharpens so much better than almost all of the other high edge retention steels, and about on par with the softest of them in Cruwear. It has better toughness than almost all production stainless steels and edge retention is better than anything but Maxamet and Rex 121… which seem to be more expensive (or their knives are just priced higher).

Please consider making this a regular steel offering for my wallet and sanity’s sake. I’ve already purchased 3 models in the last couple of months and probably will own every release of it this year. Spyderco’s stonewash is my absolute favorite and the only finish offered that hides scratches that inevitably come from actually using a knife. If I had my way it would be the default finish, but I digress. This forum goes absolute fan girl over Shawn’s heat treat and 15V. What, after the 9 releases in the past year of this steel would it take to make this supremely superior tool steel a regular Spyderco release?

If regular rotation isn’t in the cards, at the least, please consider a Bodacious in this format so that the best Spyderco released in years gets a steel the knife it deserves!

[WilliamMunny]

I think everyone agrees 15v should stay in some form or another. I don't know if it should be featured in every model like S30V or just standard option on a well proven 3", 3.5" and 4" knife.

Personally, I am looking forward to a Manix 2 XL in 15v. I don't have a 4" folder yet, but I think this could push me over the edge to get one.

[Guts]

As much as I and I'm sure many others would like to see that, given Crucible's current bankruptcy proceedings, I think that's going to be a very tall order. I imagine Spyderco has enough on hand or if not maybe Niagra has enough in inventory to finish out the rest of the most recent announced sprint models, but after that who knows. May or may not be the last run of CPM-15V ever in the worst case.

On the more optimistic side, maybe whoever buys Crucible will hopefully keep the forge going. Or possibly there could be a situation that a different company can make the same steel, just under a different name like what's been said could end up happening with Magnacut if worst comes to worst. But if you want genuine Crucible USA made and stamped CPM-15V, I'd say buy all that you can reasonably afford for now as a hedge against future uncertainty.

[WilliamMunny]

As much as I and I'm sure many others would like to see that, given Crucible's current bankruptcy proceedings, I think that's going to be a very tall order. I imagine Spyderco has enough on hand or if not maybe Niagra has enough in inventory to finish out the rest of the most recent announced sprint models, but after that who knows. May or may not be the last run of CPM-15V ever in the worst case.

On the more optimistic side, maybe whoever buys Crucible will hopefully keep the forge going. Or possibly there could be a situation that a different company can make the same steel, just under a different name like what's been said could end up happening with Magnacut if worst comes to worst. But if you want genuine Crucible USA made and stamped CPM-15V, I'd say buy all that you can reasonably afford for now as a hedge against future uncertainty.

You're not helping someone on the fence with the Military 2.

I think I would like a Manix 2 XL better, a friend had one and I loved it, but if there is a limited chance it would be make production, I would hate to miss the Military 2.

[nerdlock]

I thought the upcoming BBB folder would be in 15v and regular production, but I haven't heard anything about it as of late, so I could be wrong.

[Mushroom]

I thought the upcoming BBB folder would be in 15v and regular production, but I haven't heard anything about it as of late, so I could be wrong.

I believe that is correct - as far as we know, their plan is to make BBB's folder design with 15V and his specialized heat treatment protocol for it. Also, it will be a regular production model.

[SpeedHoles]

I thought the upcoming BBB folder would be in 15v and regular production, but I haven't heard anything about it as of late, so I could be wrong.

I believe that is correct - as far as we know, their plan is to make BBB's folder design with 15V and his specialized heat treatment protocol for it. Also, it will be a regular production model.

This will be interesting to see unfold.


And maybe the full production plea is hitting a bit early now with it currently abundant, and still awaiting several upcoming models with it. All I can say is let your consumer purchase power do the talking and grab them while you can. Then later have the leverage of swift and easy sales at your side as an argument to push more runs with it.

[Red Leader]

My son will be getting the 15V Para 3 and I will be getting the 15V Manix 2 LW.

Lets rock!

[Evil D]

Can I just get a 15V Bodacious out of all this? I don't care if it's standard production or a sprint or dealer exclusive.

And I don't mean to hate on Maxamet but I'd trade it for 15V as a standard production option.

[Guts]

You're not helping someone on the fence with the Military 2.

I think I would like a Manix 2 XL better, a friend had one and I loved it, but if there is a limited chance it would be make production, I would hate to miss the Military 2.

Wasn't my intention to add to any FOMO , but was just looking at it from a realist perspective. It's a legit possibility that Crucible as we know it could be no more once everything shakes out. However, with these current 15V releases they upped the production quantity from what I've read, so they've been much easier to get compared to the original PM2/Manix/Shaman releases. So I think it's also possible one could wait everything out and see what happens, then buy if things end up being unfavorable for Crucible.

[Jayrod1980]

I did buy the Military 2 and it’s awesome! I like it more than my s90 carbon fiber sprint. I can’t say enough about the stonewash finish, razor sharp, even grinds and very smooth action and great detent. I have both Para 3’s. I got the LW to be more of a user/beater but I love it so much I’m having a hard time using it as intended.

I’m now waiting now for all the Jimbos and the almost-grail Manix 2 LW. FOMO is bad on these knives because they are all just so good! The grail of tool steel IMO.

I second evil’s plea for a 15V Bodacious. I’d probably buy two of them even. This is such a joy of a steel and it really feels like extra care is made with fit and finish on them (though Spyderco already has great F&F).

I’ll keep buying and hope the rest of you do too. It’s a rockstar format for any Spyderco and hopefully the Crucible situation ultimately ends up positive so we can get more knives in this steel and heat treat.

[sal]

Hi Jayrod,

Welcome to our forum.

sal

[Brock O Lee]

As much as I and I'm sure many others would like to see that, given Crucible's current bankruptcy proceedings, I think that's going to be a very tall order. I imagine Spyderco has enough on hand or if not maybe Niagra has enough in inventory to finish out the rest of the most recent announced sprint models, but after that who knows. May or may not be the last run of CPM-15V ever in the worst case.

On the more optimistic side, maybe whoever buys Crucible will hopefully keep the forge going. Or possibly there could be a situation that a different company can make the same steel, just under a different name like what's been said could end up happening with Magnacut if worst comes to worst. But if you want genuine Crucible USA made and stamped CPM-15V, I'd say buy all that you can reasonably afford for now as a hedge against future uncertainty.

Nailed it...

[SteelSammich]

As much as I and I'm sure many others would like to see that, given Crucible's current bankruptcy proceedings, I think that's going to be a very tall order. I imagine Spyderco has enough on hand or if not maybe Niagra has enough in inventory to finish out the rest of the most recent announced sprint models, but after that who knows. May or may not be the last run of CPM-15V ever in the worst case.

On the more optimistic side, maybe whoever buys Crucible will hopefully keep the forge going. Or possibly there could be a situation that a different company can make the same steel, just under a different name like what's been said could end up happening with Magnacut if worst comes to worst. But if you want genuine Crucible USA made and stamped CPM-15V, I'd say buy all that you can reasonably afford for now as a hedge against future uncertainty.

You're not helping someone on the fence with the Military 2.

I think I would like a Manix 2 XL better, a friend had one and I loved it, but if there is a limited chance it would be make production, I would hate to miss the Military 2.

I’d buy one if you want it now while they’re available.

I’m gunna get as much 15v as I can and stash it. This crucible thing is worrisome.

Worst case, I sell them later. Best case, I have a supply of knives during the coming years (yes, years) of lack of interesting steels.

[M_J87]

Fingers crossed for a Native Chief LW in 15V. Not one I've seen many requests for.

[vanka]

Whatever happens with Crucible we still gonna have all the sweet steels. Just with different names. I mean the patents have expired, the compositions are not a mystery. It's the trademarks and names that's protected. It was never a problem to produce any type of steel being 15V or Rex121. The tricky part is and always was, to convince the maker to do it. Because every steel manufacturer have their own minimal requirements to agree to make a run of any particular steel.

[capt.carl]

Can I just get a 15V Bodacious out of all this? I don't care if it's standard production or a sprint or dealer exclusive.

And I don't mean to hate on Maxamet but I'd trade it for 15V as a standard production option.

I agree, it would be one of the best

[Red Leader]

Can I just get a 15V Bodacious out of all this? I don't care if it's standard production or a sprint or dealer exclusive.

And I don't mean to hate on Maxamet but I'd trade it for 15V as a standard production option.

I agree, it would be one of the best

I haven't even really looked that hard at the Bo', but after being enlightened to the handle forward design thanks to my Leafjumper, I agree this would be a great matchup.

[Naperville]

Spyderco manufactures beautiful knives in a wide variety of steels.

If not Maxamet, S90V, or 15V then something similar in performance for almost all models should be available. But if it does not happen I am not bothered. Spyderco always comes through with something interesting. It's just my OCD and seeing the different steels in my collection at the high end of cutting performance. :-)

[Spyderfreek]

Can I just get a 15V Bodacious out of all this? I don't care if it's standard production or a sprint or dealer exclusive.

And I don't mean to hate on Maxamet but I'd trade it for 15V as a standard production option.

How much experience do you have with Maxamet? I honestly thought 15v would replace Maxamet as my favorite high wear resistance tool steel (seeing as I really love k390/10v) but I have to say, the extra hardness of Maxamet really makes a difference for me. I can blunt 15v on certain materials via edge deformation, but Maxamet doesn't seem phased by anything, once you get an edge on it it only wears by extremely slow abrasion and never actually loses it's apex shape.

I love 15v, but Maxamet is still the king for me.