TTC: from buying something that otherwise interests you?
Secondly, for those who know more about steel than I do, which I assume is everyone, should I be deterred?
For me it's a major reason I've never invested in any SOG knives. They've got some really cool designs (I LOVE the Desert Dagger's ergonomics), but I'm hesitant to put down 100 bucks on something made of AUS 6, which is, as I understand it, fairly low-end.
So what say you? Is a little steel snobbery a good thing?
Do you ever let a blade's steel deter you...
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Sword and Shield
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Yes, I definitely fall into that trap! Partly because I like to try the latest whiz-bang steel to see what all the hype is. Although if I see a knife that appeals to me with a lessor steel I will usually give it a try. The Kershaw Vapor comes to mind, and I have not been disappointed with it despite the 6A steel. RKBA!
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vampyrewolf
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If you know how to make the "low end" steels perform, you can get a screaming edge on em.
I love ats-55. Most ppl don't like it, and prefer to skip right ahead to vg-10. I can get aus-8 to work with a pretty decent edge, it just doesn't keep it long.
The only time a steel directs my purchase is if I want to try a new steel. Got a BM921s last week to fill a niche in my collection. S30v to boot... the 440c slipjoint isn't a problem, just strop the sucker.
<img src="http://www.members.shaw.ca/pjharyett/sp ... pyder5.gif">
Mei Fides, Mei Victus
We are programmed to receive. You can check out any time you like, but you can never leave.
I love ats-55. Most ppl don't like it, and prefer to skip right ahead to vg-10. I can get aus-8 to work with a pretty decent edge, it just doesn't keep it long.
The only time a steel directs my purchase is if I want to try a new steel. Got a BM921s last week to fill a niche in my collection. S30v to boot... the 440c slipjoint isn't a problem, just strop the sucker.
<img src="http://www.members.shaw.ca/pjharyett/sp ... pyder5.gif">
Mei Fides, Mei Victus
We are programmed to receive. You can check out any time you like, but you can never leave.
No, I don't let the steel dictate the knives I buy, for the most part (unless it's something like Surgical Steel, which is complete trash).
If I like a knife design and can afford it, I buy it, regardless of the steel.
That's not to say that I don't have my favorite steels, mind you! And naturally, just like everyone else, I'd love the for the knife I'm lusting after to be made out of my favorite steels.
But stop me from buying a particular knife? Nope!
Sniper -- One Shot, One Kill Email: ST8PEN01@aol.com
If I like a knife design and can afford it, I buy it, regardless of the steel.
That's not to say that I don't have my favorite steels, mind you! And naturally, just like everyone else, I'd love the for the knife I'm lusting after to be made out of my favorite steels.
But stop me from buying a particular knife? Nope!
Sniper -- One Shot, One Kill Email: ST8PEN01@aol.com
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glockman99
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As long as it doesn't say "Made in Pakistan" on the blade, I'm generally ok with it. <img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0>
Dann Fassnacht Aberdeen, WA glockman99@hotmail.com ICQ: 53675663
Dann Fassnacht Aberdeen, WA glockman99@hotmail.com ICQ: 53675663
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Jimmy_Dean
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To me, the steel used is very important. Especially since I bought the "Sportsman's Dream" knife set a few years ago I saw on TV. It has the Surgical Steel Jim mentionned and as you could imagine it's a piece of junk. So yeah, I really pay attention to the type of steel of my knives and won't buy one that has a steel I had a bad experience with.
I don't know what's wrong with AUS-6 though. I borrowed my friend's Spydercard and it cuts really well and is low maintenance.
Take Care
-Dean
I don't know what's wrong with AUS-6 though. I borrowed my friend's Spydercard and it cuts really well and is low maintenance.
Take Care
-Dean
The Saint,
Steel is important to me. i have next to zilch knowledge about blade steels. But while buying i knife i keep the steel it has on the back of my mind since i would not like to waste money on scrap metal.
Have a great day,
Kaizer.
A door half open is a door half closed. But a knife half open is a knife fully closed.
Steel is important to me. i have next to zilch knowledge about blade steels. But while buying i knife i keep the steel it has on the back of my mind since i would not like to waste money on scrap metal.
Have a great day,
Kaizer.
A door half open is a door half closed. But a knife half open is a knife fully closed.
I wanted a VG-10 PE Pro-Grip so I bought on on Ebay recently (was listed with VG-10).
It turned out that it had ATS-55 instead of VG-10 so I had it returned.
I wouldn't buy 440C in an expensive knife (>$80). For the rest I'm OK with GIN-1/AUS-8/ATS-34/BG-42/CPM-S30V/440V/VG-10/12C27 as long as it comes from a reliable vendor and it matches the price tag of the knife.
Ted
It turned out that it had ATS-55 instead of VG-10 so I had it returned.
I wouldn't buy 440C in an expensive knife (>$80). For the rest I'm OK with GIN-1/AUS-8/ATS-34/BG-42/CPM-S30V/440V/VG-10/12C27 as long as it comes from a reliable vendor and it matches the price tag of the knife.
Ted
I have no problem with AUS-6, as long as the steel is properly heat-treated. With most of the larger knife manufacturers, I don't believe this is an issue, even on their lower-end folders. Now if I'm purchasing a high-end, i.e. an expensive one, then I'll seriously consider the type of steel used because then I'm paying for performance.
Edited by - Medic2110 on 4/29/2004 8:52:19 AM
Edited by - Medic2110 on 4/29/2004 8:52:19 AM
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brownie0486
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Isn't the heart and pulse of any knife in the steel?
Of course I make decisions based on the steel used. Won't ouch the aus stuff, 440, pakistani, etc, etc.
I want the knife I carry to have heart and be able to feel the pulse. Knives made from the lower graded steels are not worth the effort to carry them if and when I need to use it, I don't want it to snap, bend, etc.
Brownie
Of course I make decisions based on the steel used. Won't ouch the aus stuff, 440, pakistani, etc, etc.
I want the knife I carry to have heart and be able to feel the pulse. Knives made from the lower graded steels are not worth the effort to carry them if and when I need to use it, I don't want it to snap, bend, etc.
Brownie
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Photoplanet
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Having had knives with ATS-34 for many years (Spyderco Military, and Benchmade/Emerson CQC-7), I do look for this steel as a benchmark when knife shopping.
I have just received a used Military in CPM-440V, which will become my EDC for work as my original Mili has some handle looseness (Mk1 knive, different handle construction).
I do have 'other' knives, mainly Spderco, models Experimental 1 & 2, which have Gin 1 steel I think, and these are 'carry much, use seldom' knives, whereas the Milis get used everyday for something or other.
I also have a Cold Steel Kobun, with carbon V blade, but I find this very hard to sharpen to my liking.
One chance......Be ready.
I have just received a used Military in CPM-440V, which will become my EDC for work as my original Mili has some handle looseness (Mk1 knive, different handle construction).
I do have 'other' knives, mainly Spderco, models Experimental 1 & 2, which have Gin 1 steel I think, and these are 'carry much, use seldom' knives, whereas the Milis get used everyday for something or other.
I also have a Cold Steel Kobun, with carbon V blade, but I find this very hard to sharpen to my liking.
One chance......Be ready.
cdf posted: The maker is more important than the steel, with the better manufactures you have very little to worry about .
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
I really agree with cdf; the better makers seem to have good heat treats, and you rarely get a bad apple among them, even when buying some of the lower-end steels.
I know many custom knifemakers who universally agree that, even when using an "inferior" steel, a good heat treat will turn out a first-class product.
While on the subject of heat treatment, Paul Bos is widely recognized as the Master, and I tend to agree with that. I have several examples of his work, and the man simply performs magic with steel. Great edgeholding, extraordinary toughness. He's first-class if there ever was one.
Sniper -- One Shot, One Kill Email: ST8PEN01@aol.com
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
I really agree with cdf; the better makers seem to have good heat treats, and you rarely get a bad apple among them, even when buying some of the lower-end steels.
I know many custom knifemakers who universally agree that, even when using an "inferior" steel, a good heat treat will turn out a first-class product.
While on the subject of heat treatment, Paul Bos is widely recognized as the Master, and I tend to agree with that. I have several examples of his work, and the man simply performs magic with steel. Great edgeholding, extraordinary toughness. He's first-class if there ever was one.
Sniper -- One Shot, One Kill Email: ST8PEN01@aol.com
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dialex
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While I fuly understand and agree that a proper heat treatment makes even a lower steel perform great, I must admit that I am a steel junkie. I have a few AUS-6 knives, a few ATS-34 / 154-CM ones and I am pretty satisfied with them, but I definitely preffer a better steel.
Just like my friend Vampyrewolf, I find ATS-55 a very underrated steel, I am very fond of it. I even preffer ATS-55 over VG-10 - which is a great steel anytime.
But my very favorites are: S30V; S60V (or CPM 440V if you like) and of course Stellite (3K first, than 6K) <img src="wink.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0>
I don't have any D2 knives, so I can't tell anything about this one so far...
<a href="http://users.pcnet.ro/dialex"><font color=blue>(my page)</font></a>
Just like my friend Vampyrewolf, I find ATS-55 a very underrated steel, I am very fond of it. I even preffer ATS-55 over VG-10 - which is a great steel anytime.
But my very favorites are: S30V; S60V (or CPM 440V if you like) and of course Stellite (3K first, than 6K) <img src="wink.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0>
I don't have any D2 knives, so I can't tell anything about this one so far...
<a href="http://users.pcnet.ro/dialex"><font color=blue>(my page)</font></a>
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sc_rebel1957
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If I may quote Hob <img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0>
I like Aus-6. I may not have the edge retention of S30V but its a fine grained steel, that takes a very good edge. But that just shows you why I like Spydercos so much. You can get a Spyderco with a S30V blade for $50-60....where else can you get such a deal?
The thing is <img src="spyder.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0> has found out how to make AUS-6A work better than most.
The temper is the key in this I think, not to bash another knife company at all but I have been greatly dissapoined in the past with CRKTs 6A.
But back OT yea I'm guilty also of letting steel dictate my choice in knives.
Like Patrick (WV) and some others I can get a VERY sharp edge on ATS-55 and I have alot of <img src="spyder.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0>s in that steel.
The CPM steels are a cut above the rest IMO, altho ATS-34 and it's American clone I54CM are still good choices they have been passed by a far margin by VG-10.
I can get the best edge on D2 of all the steels mentioned, but it's a major PIA to work with if it's dull.
M2HSS is another of my favorites of the older steels.
To my way of thinking Spyderco has the single best 3 choices for a EDC carry knife avalible on the market.
Couple that with awesome ergonomics and continued pushing the envelope in designs and in the world of production knives they have no equal.
Ron
http://www.geocities.com/joyce43_c/RONSKNIFESHOP
I like Aus-6. I may not have the edge retention of S30V but its a fine grained steel, that takes a very good edge. But that just shows you why I like Spydercos so much. You can get a Spyderco with a S30V blade for $50-60....where else can you get such a deal?
The thing is <img src="spyder.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0> has found out how to make AUS-6A work better than most.
The temper is the key in this I think, not to bash another knife company at all but I have been greatly dissapoined in the past with CRKTs 6A.
But back OT yea I'm guilty also of letting steel dictate my choice in knives.
Like Patrick (WV) and some others I can get a VERY sharp edge on ATS-55 and I have alot of <img src="spyder.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0>s in that steel.
The CPM steels are a cut above the rest IMO, altho ATS-34 and it's American clone I54CM are still good choices they have been passed by a far margin by VG-10.
I can get the best edge on D2 of all the steels mentioned, but it's a major PIA to work with if it's dull.
M2HSS is another of my favorites of the older steels.
To my way of thinking Spyderco has the single best 3 choices for a EDC carry knife avalible on the market.
Couple that with awesome ergonomics and continued pushing the envelope in designs and in the world of production knives they have no equal.
Ron
http://www.geocities.com/joyce43_c/RONSKNIFESHOP