Why does spyderco use XHP for fancier knives rather than harder working knives?

[metaphoricalsimile]

XHP has a great combination of edge retention and toughness, which I think lends a steel to harder work knives. Despite this, Spyderco seems to use it for dressier knives such as the Swayback, Domino, McBee and Chaparral, rather than harder working knives like the Manix, Endura, PM2, etc. Why is this? Would you like to see XHP in some more "serious use" folders? I know I would.

[SG89]

There was an XHP Manix2 LW exclusive from KC and Cutlery Shoppe puts out Golden made XHP folders too like the Shaman and PM2 among others.

[Fireman]

“I feel your pain”
Having the steel follow the function is important.
Why have a chopper in rex 121 or a butter knife in 3v etcetera.
Having a premium or unique steel in a high dollar knife makes sense as well to a collector.
Randal made knives is one of the exceptions to the rule.
In the future, all knives will be Magna Cut and will be just fine

[TBoneEsteban]

Ha - that is kind of a cool concept: Butter knives made from premium steels. CPM S110V butter knife!

(Sorry, straying off topic entirely...) :D

[Bemo]

IIRC, there was talk of more extended use of this steel but there was a shortage available and Spydero and others (Cold Steel) moved on to other steels.

[FourStringFiend]

The swayback and chaparral are “serious use” knives. They are both very thin behind the edge slicey beasts. If you have had them and thought they were too “fancy” to use, you are missing out.(the swayback is pricey but you can get it around 200 on the right deal)

That XHP Manix 2 LW is on my short list because I enjoy the steel. The Brown handles at a plus as well.

[amateur blacksmith]

100%. It is excellent steel and I would like to see it more in regular production popular knives. Not mad scramble Sprints and exclusives, that sell out in 3 minutes. That gets old.

[metaphoricalsimile]

The swayback and chaparral are “serious use” knives. They are both very thin behind the edge slicey beasts. If you have had them and thought they were too “fancy” to use, you are missing out.(the swayback is pricey but you can get it around 200 on the right deal)

That XHP Manix 2 LW is on my short list because I enjoy the steel. The Brown handles at a plus as well.

I don't think they're too fancy to use. I would make other choices if I were carrying a knife while doing a house remodeling project though.

[FourStringFiend]

I don't think they're too fancy to use. I would make other choices if I were carrying a knife while doing a house remodeling project though.

I would agree with that. They don’t really fit into that use. Everyone’s need is different. I’m all fore more XHP in tough folders though.

[JMM]

Aside from the Manix2 LW in XHP there was also a G10 version, I have it and like it, but it honestly gets zero pocket time from me, between the all Manix2 models/steels I have 99% of my Manix2 pocket time goes to 4V, Rex45, and S90V.

In my experience XHP should be treated like a tool steel not a stainless steel. A wee dot of mineral oil spread out to make a very thin coating on your blade will do wonders, once I started doing that I've never seen a speck of dust on my XHP knives.

Cheers,

John

[Naperville]

There was an XHP Manix2 LW exclusive from KC and Cutlery Shoppe puts out Golden made XHP folders too like the Shaman and PM2 among others.

Was there an XHP Shaman? Man-O-Man if so I missed out on that one. :confused:

I still have to get a Shaman but have not had the cash when these Sprints come out. It's hard on a budget.

[Naperville]

I like XHP. When Cold Steel said they were moving away from it I bought 3 of their XHP models immediately.

[Danke]

I've had a Military in XHP for ten years.

[VooDooChild]

There was an XHP Manix2 LW exclusive from KC and Cutlery Shoppe puts out Golden made XHP folders too like the Shaman and PM2 among others.

Was there an XHP Shaman? Man-O-Man if so I missed out on that one. :confused:

I still have to get a Shaman but have not had the cash when these Sprints come out. It's hard on a budget.

2 of them. One was dlc and one was stonewashed. They were fairly recent as well. Sold out now.

The CS xhp native chief is still available though.

[PyriteParachute]

Have XHP on my Hundred Pacer. Got it recently, and the factory edge was a bit chippy. Will see if later edges get past overheated steel.

[sal]

Hi TboneEsteban, PyriteParachute,

Welcome to our forum.

Hey Metaphoricalsimile,

We're always open to suggestions. what did you have i mind?

sal

[Wartstein]

XHP has a great combination of edge retention and toughness, which I think lends a steel to harder work knives. Despite this, Spyderco seems to use it for dressier knives such as the Swayback, Domino, McBee and Chaparral, rather than harder working knives like the Manix, Endura, PM2, etc. Why is this? Would you like to see XHP in some more "serious use" folders? I know I would.

I'd also like to see more XHP, it's a great steel!
I am glad though they used it in the Chap, cause for me this thing is s real, great performing work horse (in the arena of small folders of course)

[metaphoricalsimile]

Hi TboneEsteban, PyriteParachute,

Welcome to our forum.

Hey Metaphoricalsimile,

We're always open to suggestions. what did you have i mind?

sal

XHP seems like it would be perfect for for easy-to-maintain knives with durable handle materials and locks. The entire Native series, Paramilitaries, and Shaman come to mind. Which as others have mentioned have happened in sprint runs, but it would be nice to get at least a few sturdier models with XHP in regular production.

[yowzer]

I'd be happy to see XHP replace S30V all around.

[metaphoricalsimile]

I'd be happy to see XHP replace S30V all around.

I think that stainlessness is a great benefit for general purpose knives, so IMO the semi-stainless nature of XHP lends itself better to more specialized models. I feel like there is a decent place for S30V (and it's newer derivatives) in the lineup.