Buying my first PM2: S30V or S110V?
Re: Buying my first PM2: S30V or S110V?
I get kick out of some of you suggesting steels that the OP didn't ask about. The choices were simple, S30 or S110V.
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Re: Buying my first PM2: S30V or S110V?
k390 has less chromium, three times the molybdenum, and 2% cobalt and 1% tungsten that 10v hasn’t got.
Re: Buying my first PM2: S30V or S110V?
Of the two, S30V, unless you have the right abrasives for S110V, then, S30V. Why S30V? Better balance of key metrics.
-Marc (pocketing an S30V Military2 today)
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Re: Buying my first PM2: S30V or S110V?
S30V. It will do everything you need it to, and then some.
Spyderco : Resilience, Tenacious, Persistence, Manix 2 G10, Para 3 G10, Para 3 LW, Paramilitary 2,
BBS Paramilitary 2, Amalgam, Native Chief, Blade HQ Manix 2 XL, S30V Shaman, Gayle Bradley 2, DLC M4 Shaman, Magnitude, Z Wear Shaman, DLC S30V Shaman, Stretch 2, Kapara, CF/S90V Native Chief, Endela, K390 Endura, DLT 20cv Zome Endela x 2, Police 4 LW K390, SNK Native Chief, SNK Manix 2 XL, K390 Stretch 2, Stretch 2 XL, K390 Endela
BBS Paramilitary 2, Amalgam, Native Chief, Blade HQ Manix 2 XL, S30V Shaman, Gayle Bradley 2, DLC M4 Shaman, Magnitude, Z Wear Shaman, DLC S30V Shaman, Stretch 2, Kapara, CF/S90V Native Chief, Endela, K390 Endura, DLT 20cv Zome Endela x 2, Police 4 LW K390, SNK Native Chief, SNK Manix 2 XL, K390 Stretch 2, Stretch 2 XL, K390 Endela
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Re: Buying my first PM2: S30V or S110V?
Right. The guy says:
1: mainly a fidget toy
2: only cut a little tape.
3: stressed NOT hard use
4: can't sharpen well.
And people are recommending super steels? He may as well have not wasted his time writing that paragraph. Seems like people will always recommend the super steel no matter what the customer says.
Re: Buying my first PM2: S30V or S110V?
BornIn1500 wrote: ↑Sun Aug 09, 2020 11:06 amRight. The guy says:
1: mainly a fidget toy
2: only cut a little tape.
3: stressed NOT hard use
4: can't sharpen well.
And people are recommending super steels? He may as well have not wasted his time writing that paragraph. Seems like people will always recommend the super steel no matter what the customer says.
S110V is a super steel, and if he is contemplating spending the extra money on it there are other options that are the same price. I brought them up because he/she might not know about them, and may actually prefer the G10 colors as well. We all know once you start buying Spyderco’s you end up wanting the best of every model, and why not start with the best. I also dare say that at least 50% of the knife community would be just fine with VG10 or less, S30V is even over doing it.
Dane
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Re: Buying my first PM2: S30V or S110V?
I made a reply explaining my situation but I don’t think any of my replies are going through. I wrote one last night.
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Re: Buying my first PM2: S30V or S110V?
Bcuz it's mostly a fidget knife I will say neither. I'd go para 3 lightweight with bd1n. I'd have to check price, but it was 91 last I checked. However if the standard pm2 is the only model of interest, s30v is where to go. For around the same price as a pm2 the lightweight para 3 has the spy27 out.
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Re: Buying my first PM2: S30V or S110V?
Welcome. Enjoy . You have picked the right brand and a superb pattern model PM2 .
Re: Buying my first PM2: S30V or S110V?
Hands down S30V OP. If you want one a little fancier since you won't be using it hard and seem to enjoy having it out and playing with it. Check out bladeswelove on eBay. He has them in S30V and with different hardware, pocket clips or scale colors to spice it up a bit.
15 's in 10 different steels
1 - Bradford Guardian 3 / Vanadis 4E Wharnie
1 - Monterey Bay Knives Slayback Flipper / ZDP 189
1 - CRK Small Sebenza 31/Macassar Ebony Inlays
1 - CRK Large Inkosi Insingo/ Black Micarta Inlays
1 - CRK Small Sebenza 31 Insingo/Magnacut
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1 - Bradford Guardian 3 / Vanadis 4E Wharnie
1 - Monterey Bay Knives Slayback Flipper / ZDP 189
1 - CRK Small Sebenza 31/Macassar Ebony Inlays
1 - CRK Large Inkosi Insingo/ Black Micarta Inlays
1 - CRK Small Sebenza 31 Insingo/Magnacut
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Re: Buying my first PM2: S30V or S110V?
My vote: S30V
It really is a fine steel, particularly from Spyderco.
Well balanced is the word for it. Not any challenge to sharpen.
My PM2 with S30V is one of my all time favorites that doesn't ever let me down.
It really is a fine steel, particularly from Spyderco.
Well balanced is the word for it. Not any challenge to sharpen.
My PM2 with S30V is one of my all time favorites that doesn't ever let me down.
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Re: Buying my first PM2: S30V or S110V?
Given what OP wants/needs, yes the S30V. Ain't nothin' wrong with S30V. If the plain black G-10 scales become "boring," well, aftermarket.
My collection so far: 52100 Military (2); 52100 PM2 (2); 52100 Para3; Stretch2 V-Toku; KnifeWorks M4 PM2; BentoBox M390 PM2; BentoBox S90V Military; Police4 K390; S110V PM2; SS Delica AUS-6; Wayne Goddard Sprint VG-10
Wish list: Hundred Pacer; Sliverax; Mantra; 52100 PM2 SE; Kapara
Wish list: Hundred Pacer; Sliverax; Mantra; 52100 PM2 SE; Kapara
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Re: Buying my first PM2: S30V or S110V?
Hey plshelpme, welcome to the forum.
I got hooked on Spyderco, I own more Spydies than any other brand. A friend bought my first Spyderco as a gift. He has a lot of knives by any standard. I saw his knives and got excited using some, and then wanted those knives. One or two anyway. He was super helpful in keeping me focused on what I really wanted from a knife and then finding the best option at the best price, and not just saying yeah this is cool buy it.
Personally, I do not think my Para 3, Tenacious, Waterway or Mule are fidgety at all. Don't get me wrong I have wasted days fidgeting with cord trying to wrap the Mule. I have a Kershaw Knockout $70 that is my fidget knife, but this is outside the parameters. As I have no knowledge it makes me curious.
What is the fidgetiest Spyderco for the money?
I got hooked on Spyderco, I own more Spydies than any other brand. A friend bought my first Spyderco as a gift. He has a lot of knives by any standard. I saw his knives and got excited using some, and then wanted those knives. One or two anyway. He was super helpful in keeping me focused on what I really wanted from a knife and then finding the best option at the best price, and not just saying yeah this is cool buy it.
Personally, I do not think my Para 3, Tenacious, Waterway or Mule are fidgety at all. Don't get me wrong I have wasted days fidgeting with cord trying to wrap the Mule. I have a Kershaw Knockout $70 that is my fidget knife, but this is outside the parameters. As I have no knowledge it makes me curious.
What is the fidgetiest Spyderco for the money?
Spyderco: Tenacious G10, Waterway, Para 3 Spy27, Pacific Salt H1, Catcherman, In the Mule Team Stable(Z-Max, Z-Wear, S45VN, Magnacut, SRS13/SUS405, M398, Aeb-l, 15v)
Re: Buying my first PM2: S30V or S110V?
S110V is frustrating to maintain for beginning sharpeners. I recommend you get the S30V, which is a very good and balanced steel. It’ll be easier to maintain. Also I second the recommendation to get a Sharpmaker.
Re: Buying my first PM2: S30V or S110V?
S110V is the superior steel in a lot of ways to S30V, especially with the HT Spyderco uses now which got rid of the microchipping issue that it had in the first runs. And it's one of my favorite steels (if you couldn't tell by my icon :D)
But I'll suggest you get the S30V model if you're not a good sharpener or your work just requires cutting non-abrasive materials, or don't own a Spyderco Sharpmaker to make your touch-ups consistent. S110V is picky and lack of consistency in sharpening angles can make it seem like it takes forever to get sharp, hence why the myth that it's hard to get it razor sharp appeared awhile back.
Also, if you want to fidget it, ignore the Para 3 recommendations. The longer blade of the PM2 will make it easier to snap open/closed, while the Para3 feels a bit less fun in that regard.
But I'll suggest you get the S30V model if you're not a good sharpener or your work just requires cutting non-abrasive materials, or don't own a Spyderco Sharpmaker to make your touch-ups consistent. S110V is picky and lack of consistency in sharpening angles can make it seem like it takes forever to get sharp, hence why the myth that it's hard to get it razor sharp appeared awhile back.
Also, if you want to fidget it, ignore the Para 3 recommendations. The longer blade of the PM2 will make it easier to snap open/closed, while the Para3 feels a bit less fun in that regard.
Re: Buying my first PM2: S30V or S110V?
That one is not even close for me. I would jump at the S110V over S30V without a second thought.
I own 3 Para2 models in the newer/better blade steels and the S110V is my current favorite. The Para2 and C-36 Military models are my two quintesscential favorite Golden, CO made Spyderco models to use for new blade steels. And the S110V Para2 model is currently one of the better ones you can get for EDC uses in my humble opinion>> based on personal usage.
I own 3 Para2 models in the newer/better blade steels and the S110V is my current favorite. The Para2 and C-36 Military models are my two quintesscential favorite Golden, CO made Spyderco models to use for new blade steels. And the S110V Para2 model is currently one of the better ones you can get for EDC uses in my humble opinion>> based on personal usage.
Re: Buying my first PM2: S30V or S110V?
I own numerous Spydercos in both steels, including a couple of Paramilitary 2s.
S30V is a well-balanced steel for EDC. It has good edge-retention and rust-resistance, it has adequate toughness for a folder (since Spyderco knows how to heat treat), and it can be sharpened on the Sharpmaker.
S110V is more of a trade-off. It has some of the best edge-retention and rust-resistance on the market, has adequate toughness for a folder, and is a genuine pain to sharpen with normal equipment. If you have diamond or CBN rods/stones and some patience, you’ll be fine. Or, if you plan to just send the knife to Spyderco for sharpening (or have another professional sharpen it), you’ll be fine. The real key is to never let it get truly dull. As soon as it won’t slice paper easily, hone it. Otherwise, you’ll need to cancel your appointments and download some audiobooks to keep you entertained while you sharpen. :)
S30V is a well-balanced steel for EDC. It has good edge-retention and rust-resistance, it has adequate toughness for a folder (since Spyderco knows how to heat treat), and it can be sharpened on the Sharpmaker.
S110V is more of a trade-off. It has some of the best edge-retention and rust-resistance on the market, has adequate toughness for a folder, and is a genuine pain to sharpen with normal equipment. If you have diamond or CBN rods/stones and some patience, you’ll be fine. Or, if you plan to just send the knife to Spyderco for sharpening (or have another professional sharpen it), you’ll be fine. The real key is to never let it get truly dull. As soon as it won’t slice paper easily, hone it. Otherwise, you’ll need to cancel your appointments and download some audiobooks to keep you entertained while you sharpen. :)
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Re: Buying my first PM2: S30V or S110V?
I'd start with the S30V unless you're going to be sending back the S110V for sharpening.
People make it sound like S30V is butter, but I still find it one of the best all-around steels. It is tough. It resists abrasives better than VG10. It takes a great edge.
Compared to S110V, yes, it is easier to sharpen but compared to 1095, AUS8, BD1N, it is a beast. It's all relative.
People make it sound like S30V is butter, but I still find it one of the best all-around steels. It is tough. It resists abrasives better than VG10. It takes a great edge.
Compared to S110V, yes, it is easier to sharpen but compared to 1095, AUS8, BD1N, it is a beast. It's all relative.
Re: Buying my first PM2: S30V or S110V?
I will offer my personal opinion but there are many more knowledgable folks here than I am. I am fortunate enough to own a PM2 in s110 and s30v. I love them both. The 110 holds an edge much longer but its a little more difficult to sharpen. The s30 doesnt hold an edge as long but its easier to sharpen. At least for me, if I bought another one, s30v would be just fine. I think its one of those cases where you cannot really go wrong either way, cheers!
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