52100 Native Chief?

[Cl1ff]

I’m fairly certain there are decent length threads in praise of the 52100 sprints.
I think it is enough that people like them and have a desire for more.

I think a pretty well known quote from Sal about steels is something like “all good just different”.
If your preferences and priorities are different, it’s all good, there is no steel common to everyone.

14C28N is easily the better steel for me as well. I live literally right on the gulf coast of Florida and use my knives around water often.
However, my interest in steels extends beyond my personal functional needs. I’m always overly curious because it is fun to me.

As I have already written, the 52100 Sprints are an interesting set of knives with a uniqueness to them that I find cool, especially the serrated versions. There’s a special experience to be had in every flavor of good steel.

I similarly find the K390, 15V, Rex45, Rex121, XHP, M4, Maxamet, Cruwear, 4V, Super Blue, and etc. knives intriguing.

MagnaCut is probably the best possible steel for me, but I don’t own a single knife in it. I’ve been meaning to change that as I’m just waiting for models that I want (Native Chief for example).

That’s why I’m interested in 52100 Sprints or at least think they are neat and understand why some people would request another.

[skybladefromthe]

As a 52100 virgin, somebody please explain to me the attraction. And it's gotta be more than "easy to sharpen." Is it the toughness y'all like?

It would be the hope of a patina developing for me. Most of my knives are stainless. And I would be interested in how sharp it can get. I had a shot at the carbon fiber PM2 but I didn't know much at that point. So it has sort of a grail mystique for me now.

[RadioactiveSpyder]

I’d be all over a 52100 Chief if it meant we could finally get a proper peel-ply CF-handled version of the Chief, i.e. the peel-ply CF they used on the 52100 Military and all the other S90V Golden sprints. NOT the slick stuff they used on the S90V Chief — that drove me crazy. Blade swaps are easy enough if you’re not a fan of 52100 steel, but please use the proper peel-ply CF!

If the upcoming CF S90V Military 2 sprint run doesn’t come with peel-ply CF handles, I’m going to be really disappointed (as I’m sure many others will be).

[Naperville]

Roll it out AEBL and/or 52100 and I'll try to buy both!

[dan31]

52100 should live on. The Native series. Native 5 and Native Chief.

[Manifestgtr]

I would absolutely love a 52100 chief. The 52100 millie is one of my all time favorites and that combo, 52100 with grippy carbon fiber, would be amazing

[Flash]

Comes down to cost:

If the price to produce a blade in 52100 can be passed onto the customer, then yes, a cheaper Native Chief in this steel would be good and something that I would consider purchasing.

[kobold]

I know that Golden is at capacity limits in pushing knives through but I wonder if there is a chance that we will see a 52100 Chief? I know that a lot of people have their issues with it but it’s my favorite steel that Spyderco puts out and it’s the perfect platform for it. On the opposite end of the steel spectrum I wonder why we haven’t seen a regular production run in 110V?

Asking as one who never experienced 52100, why is it your preferred steel next to steels like Magnacut and Cruwear?

[skybladefromthe]

I know that Golden is at capacity limits in pushing knives through but I wonder if there is a chance that we will see a 52100 Chief? I know that a lot of people have their issues with it but it’s my favorite steel that Spyderco puts out and it’s the perfect platform for it. On the opposite end of the steel spectrum I wonder why we haven’t seen a regular production run in 110V?

Asking as one who never experienced 52100, why is it your preferred steel next to steels like Magnacut and Cruwear?

For me it's not about being a preferred steel but rather one on top of my list I want to experience. Cruwear is my edc and has been for five years. That doesn't preclude my desire to try a low alloy carbonaceous type steel. I would like to take the ride with a Spyderco quality product if possible.

[jdw]

I know that Golden is at capacity limits in pushing knives through but I wonder if there is a chance that we will see a 52100 Chief? I know that a lot of people have their issues with it but it’s my favorite steel that Spyderco puts out and it’s the perfect platform for it. On the opposite end of the steel spectrum I wonder why we haven’t seen a regular production run in 110V?

Asking as one who never experienced 52100, why is it your preferred steel next to steels like Magnacut and Cruwear?

Hi kobold. I have never really tried to quantify my experience with the steel. I like it mainly for the reasons that I outlined earlier in the thread. In short, I like the way 52100 responds to sharpening considering the toughness of the steel and the edge retention that I get compared to ease of sharpening. I also love watching a patina develop on large blade. My love for 52100 comes in part because I have beat the living hades out of it on my Military without any real issues and I would like to try it with the thinner Native Chief ergos. That’s part of the beauty of Spyderco knives, they really do have a steel for everybody.

[p_atrick]

Not trying to yuck anybody's yum, but 52100 rusts way too fast for my liking. As already mentioned, you can force a patina with ease. But I will say that it sharpens like a dream.

[kobold]

I know that Golden is at capacity limits in pushing knives through but I wonder if there is a chance that we will see a 52100 Chief? I know that a lot of people have their issues with it but it’s my favorite steel that Spyderco puts out and it’s the perfect platform for it. On the opposite end of the steel spectrum I wonder why we haven’t seen a regular production run in 110V?

Asking as one who never experienced 52100, why is it your preferred steel next to steels like Magnacut and Cruwear?

For me it's not about being a preferred steel but rather one on top of my list I want to experience. Cruwear is my edc and has been for five years. That doesn't preclude my desire to try a low alloy carbonaceous type steel. I would like to take the ride with a Spyderco quality product if possible.

Yes, I think I have a spot for only one more Chief in my collection and I want to get not just one with a good steel, but also a steel, that I don't have yet..

[kobold]

I know that Golden is at capacity limits in pushing knives through but I wonder if there is a chance that we will see a 52100 Chief? I know that a lot of people have their issues with it but it’s my favorite steel that Spyderco puts out and it’s the perfect platform for it. On the opposite end of the steel spectrum I wonder why we haven’t seen a regular production run in 110V?

Asking as one who never experienced 52100, why is it your preferred steel next to steels like Magnacut and Cruwear?

Hi kobold. I have never really tried to quantify my experience with the steel. I like it mainly for the reasons that I outlined earlier in the thread. In short, I like the way 52100 responds to sharpening considering the toughness of the steel and the edge retention that I get compared to ease of sharpening. I also love watching a patina develop on large blade. My love for 52100 comes in part because I have beat the living hades out of it on my Military without any real issues and I would like to try it with the thinner Native Chief ergos. That’s part of the beauty of Spyderco knives, they really do have a steel for everybody.

Thank you JDW, sounds interesting. I am also a fan of patinas and easy to sharpen, but tough steels.

[Manifestgtr]

Asking as one who never experienced 52100, why is it your preferred steel next to steels like Magnacut and Cruwear?

Cruwear and magnacut top 52100 for me, as do k390, 4v and 15v.

But I really like bearing steels like 52100 for some reason…each one I’ve encountered has been great to sharpen/maintain and super tough (lc200n for example). 52100 also has a long tradition in the knife making world, too. I like the idea of marrying newer, more ergonomic designs with more traditional materials. It makes for a compelling product and Spyderco’s 52100 series definitely fits that bill.

[skybladefromthe]

Asking as one who never experienced 52100, why is it your preferred steel next to steels like Magnacut and Cruwear?

I like the idea of marrying newer, more ergonomic designs with more traditional materials. It makes for a compelling product and Spyderco’s 52100 series definitely fits that bill.

Agree. Well put. Thanks.

[twinboysdad]

Not trying to yuck anybody's yum, but 52100 rusts way too fast for my liking. As already mentioned, you can force a patina with ease. But I will say that it sharpens like a dream.

Total agreement with this guy^^. 52100 does not “might” patina, I will patina from your skin oil touching it. It does sharpen up stupid easy and is a white stone steel for me vs brown stone like VG10

[marty_bill_]

52100 is great steel and in a NC well thar be awesome... IMO

[VandymanG]

I would far and away rather have 14C28N than 52100. Same toughness, better edge retention, and it is stainless.

Umm both please Been want a quality heat treated 14C28N Spyderco knife for a long time. I also had no clue Spyderco made a knife with 52100 steel. I’ve kind of fallen in love with knives that patina and need more care.

[Doc Dan]

I would far and away rather have 14C28N than 52100. Same toughness, better edge retention, and it is stainless.

Umm both please Been want a quality heat treated 14C28N Spyderco knife for a long time. I also had no clue Spyderco made a knife with 52100 steel. I’ve kind of fallen in love with knives that patina and need more care.

I hear ya. I have forced patination, but I found that I prefer to just let it happen with use.