K294

[Bolster]

Any interest in Bohler K294? 2.5% carbon, 9.5% vanadium. Over on BF, Ankerson says for edge retention, "K390 is close to K294" but that nothing he's aware of, beats K294 or 10V yet (that was posted in 2012). "K294 steel is the steel when one needs the absolute maximum in edge holding... K294 beat S110V in edge retention by 17%" (posted in 2011). Apparently Phil Wilson works with K294, producing it around 64 Rc.

[Barmoley]

K294 is identical to 10V, so you'd expect performance to be the same or similar enough not to see a difference.

[ykspydiefan]

So Bolster, inside scoop or did you get the best guess ever? Either way looks like we get a shot at this steel.

[Mushroom]

Wow, you spoke that into existence rather quick!

Featured in Reveal 13 - https://catalog.spyderco.com/spyderco-r ... 3/?page=22

[CLOK]

K294 Mule is listed for $95.00

Interesting price but many factors could have made it increase to that. (Shipping, Japan, Heat Treat, Sharpening)

[Ramonade]

I was directly interested, since I've been wanting to try 10V for a while, but at 95 bucks it'll quickly become 150/160€ once it lands here in France...
I have time to think until the drop

[dull&blunt]

If Japan is heat treating this Mule like their K390 line, I'm absolutely interested in it.

[Emerson]

Everything I've seen so far compares it to 10v. Anyone know specifics on the advantages or disadvantages compared to 10v?

[legOFwhat?]

The only conclusion I can come up with is that if Bolster weights the same as a duck, he's a witch.

The PMA11'S are great mules so I'll want one of these too!

[standy99]

The only conclusion I can come up with is that if Bolster weights the same as a duck, he's a witch.

The PMA11'S are great mules so I'll want one of these too!

It’s a new mule, that’s enough for me to want one

[Bemo]

The only conclusion I can come up with is that if Bolster weights the same as a duck, he's a witch.

The PMA11'S are great mules so I'll want one of these too!

Any day with a Monty Python and the Holy Grail reference is a good day. Add a Spyderco reveal day... well that's an 11.

[Bolster]

The only conclusion I can come up with is that if Bolster weights the same as a duck, he's a witch.

Much as I'd like to claim insider knowledge..."While Eric, Sal, Kristi and I were trading limericks over cocktails last night..." in truth I was shocked when I saw the reveal. I had just been reading about K294 yesterday, and thought, "Wow, that sounds like a cool steel, I wonder what the Spydie Mule Brotherhood thinks about it."

To be honest...I do have ducks that often visit my swimming pool. Make of that what you will.

[tcarltonw]

It’s a new mule, that’s enough for me to want one

Haha same

Also, what does the "P" in the mule team number stand for?

[CLOK]

It’s a new mule, that’s enough for me to want one

Haha same

Also, what does the "P" in the mule team number stand for?

I have been under the assumption that it stands for "Plain" as in Plain Edge since a lot of the knives with Spyderedge will be followed by "S". I can be completely wrong though.

[Barmoley]

Everything I've seen so far compares it to 10v. Anyone know specifics on the advantages or disadvantages compared to 10v?

It is 10V made by a different manufacturer, there shouldn't be any noticeable differences.

[JRinFL]

The only conclusion I can come up with is that if Bolster weights the same as a duck, he's a witch.

The PMA11'S are great mules so I'll want one of these too!

I say we build a bridge out of him.

[vanka]

K294 Mule is listed for $95.00

Interesting price but many factors could have made it increase to that. (Shipping, Japan, Heat Treat, Sharpening)

You've guessed it right. Steel goes from Germany (Bohler K294) to Japan and then to SFO to be sold. It adds up a bit to the price.

[Bolster]

It is 10V made by a different manufacturer, there shouldn't be any noticeable differences.

Surely looks like a similar formula. Very slight differences in Cr and V percentages, and Bohler claims no sulfur content for K294. I don't know what manufacturing process differences might exist, if any.

After reading around a bit, and guessing a lot, I'm thinking K294 might have a Catra in the 740-760 range, with toughness around 7-8 ft lbs when run hard in the 62-64 Rc range. <-- All guesses, but if close to reality, then it's a well-balanced steel for its upper E.R. range.

10V is one of the steels that is on the good side of Larrin's "straight orange line" in the attached toughness x edge retention graphic.

[barnaclesonaboat]

I'm excited about it. I'm new to the Mule Team and am stoked about the opportunity to put something akin to A11 through the paces since I didn't even know Mule Team existed back when the PMA11 mule was released.

[electro-static]

I am curious to see what seki does with it. Will
buy.