Spyderco Forums

What steel should be next, M390, Elmax, M4, Magnacut, Spy27????????? IDK

Welcome aboard. As a new member, your first few posts get moderated. It just popped up for me now.

It would depend on your use case, I think. Best all-arounder in that list would be Magnacut, followed by M390 & Spy27 (others will disagree with my order here). M4 & Elmax as both interesting steels as well. Elmax has been over shadowed by other steels the last few years.

Welcome to the forum. Spyderco seems to do them all well. I do not think you can really go wrong, so maybe get the steel in the next model you want.

I would go for the M4 or Spy27 if it was me but I'd probably agree that it might be best to decide by finding the knife you want.

Looking at those in your signature, why not try an extremely corrosion-resistant one: Vanax, LC200N, MagnaCut, H1?

I’m keen on getting a Native or a Bugout, my dream knife is an M4 tanto pm2

And also, isn’t s110v super corrosion resistant?

Dear boulderman1:

Welcome to the Spyderco Forum.

Stay safe,

Mike

boulderman1 wrote: ↑

Mon Apr 11, 2022 7:09 pm

And also, isn’t s110v super corrosion resistant?

Yes, but having a 100% rust proof knife is different than having a blade that resists corrosion really well. Other metal parts of a regular folder can also rust.

It isn't something on a lot of peoples radar but for some of us a truly rustproof knife is a big deal.

H1 is also a cool steel because it's extremely tough like carbon steels.

If those types don't interest you, M4 is a very fine steel that's very well balanced. Sharpens easily for how well it holds an edge, and it's pretty tough. Reasonably priced too.

What folders are rustproof? I’m guessing anything in Spyderco’s Salt line, looks like they have one in magnacut right now which would check off another steel for me

I'd go for M4 and either H1 or LC200N

boulderman1 wrote: ↑

Wed Apr 13, 2022 2:33 pm

What folders are rustproof? I’m guessing anything in Spyderco’s Salt line, looks like they have one in magnacut right now which would check off another steel for me

You are correct: Anything in the Salt line.

I'm almost positive the only Salt folders available at this time are those in H1 and LC200N, both great choices. The only MagnaCut Salt that has been announced is the Native 5 Salt, but it hasn't been released yet.

I love M4. I’ve got some magnacut coming tomorrow or Saturday. Finally really going to put it to the test, supposed to be the bees knees. My absolute favorite steel is Delta 3V though!

Murphjd25's comment about Delta 4v reminded me: I'd try to save a bit and try out custom heat treated steel. A steel you've known and used as a production heat treated product. I've had custom heat treated 3v and compared to mass produced, it had a big difference. Even steels like D2. $40 pocket knife vs custom or small batch is a massive difference. I really think it's a worthwhile thing, especially if you can get a good knife maker who is known for high performance heat treats to do a knife in one of your favorite steels.

Books, good info, I like that idea a lot, and I think m4 or magnacut is my choice depending on my budget and availability, you guys are all awesome, thanks for the awesome forum!!!