Spyderco Forums

I really enjoy Hap40 and m4. They hold a sharp edge.
Cruwear works great, kinda seems stainless as I haven’t seen any patina form on it.

M4 is the GOAT. For me anyway.

M4 was the first time I realized I had a real preference (GB1), and I still enjoy the way it sharpens and cuts more than most other steels.

K390 in the G10 P4 you mention was the first time I thought something was "better" than M4. It feels similar in use and on the stones, but also holds a fine edge slightly longer IME.

Never really connected with any other steels like those two, but Magnacut has surpassed all other stainless options for me.

BeggarSo wrote: ↑

Wed Nov 26, 2025 9:27 pm

Wow nice assortment what is that one on the far left called, I dont seem to recall that model.

I *think* that is the Rock Lobster?

15V, and K390 although for me it'll rust just if I breath on it too hard so I definitely prefer 15V and it's a shame it's not a more readily accessible steel now.

3V can do anything.

CTS-XHP….. The good Dr. doesn’t think it should be categorized as stainless. Sharpens easily and holds a fine edge for a good long time. I have several knives with this steel and while I can agree, I also think it resists corrosion well enough. I’m just not a fan of steel that is rusty when I pull it out my pocket or darkens with use.

Synov wrote: ↑

Thu Nov 27, 2025 5:06 am

3V can do anything.

If Spyderco ever make something else in it I'd be happy to try it out but it's slim pickings unless you go outside of the brand.

3V does not do anything really good, but it does make a great steel for a machete or ax.

I agree it's a shame we can't get the 15V for more stuff. Take the 15V and put the new black coating that Spyderco does and that would really help to weather proof it, this would make for a great cutting blade.

The others in Carbon I prefer is Maxamet, Rex121, K390 and M398. But even out here in the desert part of Texas that I live, I really have to stay on top of the bare steel blades and barrels lol. Let's just say I use more than my share of Frog Lube lol...

Heck I even Frog Lube my raw steel measuring equipment and bedways on my lathe...

Fan of 15V and K390 myself.

Evil D wrote: ↑

Thu Nov 27, 2025 6:38 am

Synov wrote: ↑

Thu Nov 27, 2025 5:06 am

3V can do anything.

If Spyderco ever make something else in it I'd be happy to try it out but it's slim pickings unless you go outside of the brand.

That’s what I just recently did, bought a Medford Praetorian in 3V. I still like the idea of a Bodacious in 3V, I’d definitely buy one.

BeggarSo wrote: ↑

Wed Nov 26, 2025 9:27 pm

Wow nice assortment what is that one on the far left called, I dont seem to recall that model.

Confirmed Rock Lobster, Blade HQ edition. Maybe the first one that no one really got till after it was discontinued and then it got hot. It's been said here that the designer is difficult so there won't be anymore of them which is a shame because it is really good at cutting.

Cruwear. Best balance of properties including resistance to rust and ease of sharpening.

A lttle off topic here concerning the new blade coating.

#1. Is it even out yet?
#2 Is this new coating because current DLC takes too high of temperature to apply and possibly effect certain steels.
#3. Observation I have a PM2 in DLC and the coating does not adhere as well as it does to S30V, Did I get a flawed coating or does the current DLC not work as well on Magnacut.

Off topic 2 M398 mentioned here is a stainless is it Bholers answer to Magnacut or perhaps Magnamax?

Gonna have to be k390 for me, if I had to pick one. The way it sharpens, the edge stability, the edge retention, it's just amazing. 15v is a close second but k390 takes one of the stickiest edges of any steel I've ever sharpened.

I really enjoy Hap40

Same here !
You Said it !

Aren't HAP40 and REX45 pretty much the same thing?

3V can do anything

I love 3 V !
I get all unorthidox and prefer it in my small knives , 3" or less , then regrind them full flat to less than 1mm at the spine.
Not going to break them and they make people make a little gasp when I let them try cutting a cord (small rope) with that thin polished edge tool .

3V is FUN !

Aren't HAP40 and REX45 pretty much the same thing?

yuuuuuuuup.
now . . . you are reading the fine print again aren't you ?
(couldn't get the thumbs up icon to work)

i am fond of CruWear, Rex 45 and 10V.

K390 was my long time top steel. This year I get 15V wich I like very much as well and my second try on Maxamet. After a month Maxamet is everything I read about and everything I hoped it will be. With zero complain so far. Agressive edge, no sign of dulling, easy to strop and tough enough for my use.