ATS-34 or CPM-440V

[BRIAN]

I'm looking for a new knife. The military has caught my attention but I'm not familiar with CPM-440V. Which is a better steel: ATS-34 or CPM-440V??? What are the pro's and con's for each? Thanx for any info you can give me.

[sam the man..]

Hi there! Can't say which steel is better 'cos that's personal preferences but I surely felt that the CPM440V Military spydie ROCKS! 'Cos it holds the edge very well and a very robust steel too! <img src="wink.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle>

Sam

have spydies
will travel...

[Clay Kesting]

Brian,

Given the option I would always chose CPM440V. It has a very fine grain structure due to the way it is manufactured and, as a result can take a very sharp edge. You can find out more about the manufacturing process here: http://www.crucibleservice.com/crucpm.htm. It also holds it's edge well, and I've had no problems with chipping under normal use.

OTOH I feel ATS34 is somewhat over rated. I'm never really happy with the edge I get on it, and end up sharpening fairly frequently. Hope this helps.

Take care,





Clay

Don't worry that the world might end tomorrow, in Australia it's tomorrow already.

[Paul Work]

In my experience, CPM 440-V takes and keeps a far better edge than ATS-34. It's also more stain resistant. ATS-34 is easier to sharpen. Overall, 440-V out performs ATS-34.
I prefer 8-A or 440-C over ATS-34.
Just my 2 cents.

Paul

[BRIAN]

Thank you all for you responses. I'm going to go with the CPM-440V. Thanx for your help.

[Brian_Turner]

I like the edge better on 440V, but I have had two 440V knives that experienced chipping. I'm becoming a big fan of ATS-55, VG10, and BG42. Makers are tending to be much happier with 420V than 440V. For big blades, I love CPM3V.

[jyork]

I was wondering if someone knew of a good book or website that explains to a novice about the different blade grades?

[Clay Kesting]

The BladeForums' Steel FAQ by Joe Talmadge is a good place to start: http://www.BladeForums.com/features/faqsteel.shtml

Clay

Don't worry that the world might end tomorrow, in Australia it's tomorrow already.

Edited by - Clay Kesting on 8/25/00 2:55:09 PM

[jyork]

Thanks Clay, very informative. Always looking tolearn more.

Jey

[Joe Talmadge]

Notice that Spyderco has lowered, by about 2 points Rc, the hardness of their 440V. That will increase toughness and should take care of any chipping problems that might have been seen on the older 440V blades. But it also will lower somewhat the wear resistance, and of course lower the strength a bit.

I'd still go with 440V, especially if everything else in your collection is the ubiquitous ATS-34. Might as well check out 440V!

Joe