What is your all time favorite steel?

[Klbsa]

For EDC type tasks (NOT hard use) I’ve settled on s110v. The edge retention and corrosion resistance is VERY good on Spyderco knives…..and it’s tough enough to handle regular use with out damage. My new favorite steel for sure.

[Jeb]

#1 - M398
#2 - REX121
#3 - DLC'd - M4

[Evil D]

At this time it's either BBB 15V or MagnaCut. I like them for different reasons but also for similar reasons, they both increase certain steel traits without major sacrifices of other traits, though 15V is not really stainless it has been far more forgiving than others.

If I could only have one of the two it would have to be MagnaCut because I don't value edge retention above everything all of the time, and MagnaCut has enough edge retention for my needs in all but what are probably just hypothetical scenarios. If I could only choose one then I'd rather have the best overall average steel because even if it's not spectacular in any one category it at least doesn't suck in any one category either.

If a version of 15V was ever possible where it has all the current traits but is also nearly corrosion proof, well that would be pretty rad. Maybe MagnaMax will be close to something like that.

[TkoK83Spy]

Rex45 for me. Not only because it's great and has a nice balance of properties I look for in a steel, but it's the steel that really started leading me down the path of sharpening and putting my own edges on my knives. I've tried many different steels during my years working in the warehouse and Rex45 just really stood out for me. I'm sure if I was still a heavy user, I'd prefer 15V...But Rex45 is kind of nostalgic for me, even though it was only about 7 years ago haha!

*As I'm carrying my Rex45 Shaman today*

[Mrj]

Rex45 for me. Not only because it's great and has a nice balance of properties I look for in a steel, but it's the steel that really started leading me down the path of sharpening and putting my own edges on my knives. I've tried many different steels during my years working in the warehouse and Rex45 just really stood out for me. I'm sure if I was still a heavy user, I'd prefer 15V...But Rex45 is kind of nostalgic for me, even though it was only about 7 years ago haha!

*As I'm carrying my Rex45 Shaman today*

Let’s go!! I’m bias but great choice.

[ASmitty]

I know this is a boring answer, but probably S30V (although S90V almost edges it out). I really like that it was one of (if not the) very first steels invented specifically for knives. I also really love M390, 20CV, and MagnaCut but they haven't been strong enough to kick S30V out of the top spot. I need to get some more time with M398 because everything I hear is glowing. And, there's a strong chance that MagnaMax could be the new golden child for me eventually.

[Flash]

As much as I’d like to be one of the cool kids and say K390, Rex 45 or 15V, It’s Magnacut for me. I’ve been using it very frequently for over a year now and it’s been an outstanding low maintenance steel.

If we could be get a Chaparral in it that’d be great.

[Brock O Lee]

This question is like asking: "who is your favourite child?"

[Skywalker]

About the large number of Rex45 mentions vs only one for Hap40 - does that reflect a noticeable difference in performance, or just the popularity of Golden vs Seki models?

I've used a Hap40 Delica for a while now and for me it acts a lot like Cruwear with a little less corrosion resistance. But, people talk about Golden Rex45 - which I have not used - in a way that reminds me much more of Seki K390.

So, curious if I'm missing something and should be keeping an eye out for Rex45 in the future.

[Mrj]

This question is like asking: "who is your favourite child?"

I could answer that but I love them the same. Obviously one does stand out tho lol.

[TkoK83Spy]

About the large number of Rex45 mentions vs only one for Hap40 - does that reflect a noticeable difference in performance, or just the popularity of Golden vs Seki models?

I've used a Hap40 Delica for a while now and for me it acts a lot like Cruwear with a little less corrosion resistance. But, people talk about Golden Rex45 - which I have not used - in a way that reminds me much more of Seki K390.

So, curious if I'm missing something and should be keeping an eye out for Rex45 in the future.

For just under $100, you can try some Rex45 right now if you like! Granted it is coated.

https://www.gpknives.com/spyderco-urban ... -c127whbkp

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[ejames13]

About the large number of Rex45 mentions vs only one for Hap40 - does that reflect a noticeable difference in performance, or just the popularity of Golden vs Seki models?

I've used a Hap40 Delica for a while now and for me it acts a lot like Cruwear with a little less corrosion resistance. But, people talk about Golden Rex45 - which I have not used - in a way that reminds me much more of Seki K390.

So, curious if I'm missing something and should be keeping an eye out for Rex45 in the future.

I have a HAP40 Delica and REX45 Military. The Military holds an edge longer and feels glassier on the stones.

I believe someone demonstrated with a Rockwell tester that the heat treat on Golden REX45 was significantly harder than Seki HAP40.

[Skywalker]

For just under $100, you can try some Rex45 right now if you like! Granted it is coated.

Yes, although Italian production introduces a third confounding factory for this steel

I have a HAP40 Delica and REX45 Military. The Military holds an edge longer and feels glassier on the stones.

I believe someone demonstrated with a Rockwell tester that the heat treat on Golden REX45 was significantly harder than Seki HAP40.

Now that you mention it I remember the hardness conversation. Though wasn't there some difficulty with the clad Hap40 being challenging to test directly?

Appreciate the direct comparison feedback

[ejames13]

For just under $100, you can try some Rex45 right now if you like! Granted it is coated.

Yes, although Italian production introduces a third confounding factory for this steel

I have a HAP40 Delica and REX45 Military. The Military holds an edge longer and feels glassier on the stones.

I believe someone demonstrated with a Rockwell tester that the heat treat on Golden REX45 was significantly harder than Seki HAP40.

Now that you mention it I remember the hardness conversation. Though wasn't there some difficulty with the clad Hap40 being challenging to test directly?

Appreciate the direct comparison feedback

Yea I remember multiple people claiming the HAP40 was run softer, which matches my experience, but not sure if that was successfully validated with a Rockwell test.

[Skar]

Welp… my vote is Hap 40, it takes a clean edge and cuts above the rest. I’m carrying it now funny enough.

Just to be clear though, I like a lot of steels with s30v, lc200n and cruwear being front runners.

[kerrcobra]

Rex45. Hands down. No question.

[KeepCalm&Carrion]

It'll be H1/H2 for me. A large part of that is due to my location (two miles inland on the Northern California coast), but also, I love serrated edges and SE H1/H2 has proven more than capable for my use.

[dsm]

Love the question! It’s been enlightening to read the responses. One of the main reasons I continue to spend my knife money with Spyderco is their dedication to offering a wide variety of steels. Reading this thread makes me realize how many I still need to try!

In my experience, I especially prefer non-stainless tool steels. I actually prefer for my knife to show some patina and use, and I don’t spend any time on saltwater so corrosion is not a concern. I’m also continually convinced that there is no “bad” steel, just different offerings.

Some favorites though:

1. K390 — incredible edge retention, beautiful patina, and a joy to touch up and sharpen. Love it with my Stretch 2.
2. BBB CPM-15V — still putting this through its paces with my Manix 2 LW. So far though, a preferable alternative (to me) vs. Maxamet.
3. CPM-M4 — another tough, great steel. I had a Rex 45 Para3 LW I sold, and was able to replace it with this the same model in this steel. Regret it a bit, but still love M4.
4. ZDP-189 — a great pairing with the Dragonfly! I especially love harder, edge retaining steels for smaller knives. This fits the bill.

[Mage7]

Well, it's interesting to me that the first post mentioned both of my top two favorites...

So I think an honorable mention should go to CPM T15.

[akapennypincher]

I am not a steel nurd, if I was a Fish Monger, or spend 8 hours a day of my working life daily say boning fish. Steel would be big deal, I would want shape blade, and blade that stay Sharpe for ac long as possible.

Simply request.