Spyderco Forums

There a lot of great steels out there, but I seem to be gravitating to 20CV in my Watu lately.
I have other knives in the steel but the Watu just seems to cut better (for me). It could be the blade thickness and the thin grind, but it doesn't matter, I like the knife.

Same. Sharpens up great and really rust resistant. I bike with a 20cv dragonfly in my jersey. So it’s just soaked in sweat all the time and is completely fine.

Agreed. My favorite EDC is the DLT Trading Company Para-Military 2 with a red handle and M390 steel (the original steel that 20CV was modeled on). I have several 20CV knives, but none of them are Spydercos. Knife Steel Nerds has a great article about this line of steels: https://knifesteelnerds.com/2020/06/01 ... -and-204p/.

I’m also a big fan of 20CV. Easy to sharpen and holds the edge well.

20CV is Awesome!!!

I have the KJ Endura and the DLT Dragonfly2 exclusives, count me in as a fan . MG2

Yes. I like it too. Just remember that M390 and CTS204P are the same thing from other foundries.

I am fond of 20CV because it seems to get overlooked as compared to its brothers.

I happen to have my Manix in 20CV sitting here right next to me. I sees plenty of use.

I have a great 204P Delica that I wouldn't part with for anything.

Knuckle bumps to all.

I've always enjoyed Spyderco's 20CV/204P/M390. I also appreciate that their blades are usually ground thin enough to take advantage of it.

When rust is a concern but I want a little more hardness than toughness, I can happily reach for a Military Model, PM2, Manix2, Pattadese, or Watu, as I have specimens of each model in the 20CV/204P/M390 family.

If there is a detectable difference in the high performance of these models, I would presume the reason will be found in geometry, not recipe.

EDIT TO ADD: The Watu is a lovely blade.

Had a nice little family of these steels at one point in time. Nothing wrong with any of them, a favorite of the stainless steels for me.

Picked up this Manix and the LW 20CV one pretty close together and realized I've mostly been carrying the LW. Time to get the G10 in pocket for a little while.

Just bumping the thread because either way, still loving 20CV/M390/204P.

Skywalker wrote: ↑

Tue Sep 19, 2023 6:35 am

Picked up this Manix and the LW 20CV one pretty close together and realized I've mostly been carrying the LW. Time to get the G10 in pocket for a little while.

Just bumping the thread because either way, still loving 20CV/M390/204P.

Favorite of mine too . I have the KJ exclusive but this one seems to get the most attention . MG2

I dislike my PM3LW in 20CV, but I think that is more the wedge of a blade than the steel itself. It just dosesnt cut nicely, likely due to the length:thickness ratio. Also I have ended up with some ragged edges off the SM stones, but I dont feel like Im doing anything different compared to cruwear, vg10, or s90v.

So count me in the 'meh' camp. My experience with it does not leave me wanting more, though I know its a very popular steel family. One exception is the REC avocado PM2 or manix, but I only want those for the colors, not the 204p.

I'm 20CV poor and have just the one knife in it, but I'm liking it so far...

Spyderwebs wrote: ↑

Tue Sep 19, 2023 9:44 am

Also I have ended up with some ragged edges off the SM stones, but I dont feel like Im doing anything different compared to cruwear, vg10, or s90v.

Could you elaborate on how the edge was ragged? Also, just the med+fine rods or also using any of diamonds/CBN/ultrafines?

I have several knives with 20CV, 204P, and M390 that get touched up on the SM often. No issues with ragged edges. I sharpen them just like I would any other steel