Some disturbing info

[dePaul]

I was recently informed at the BF that the quality of the 440V steel of the Military is of a lower quality comparing to those of other manufactures. Obviously, the answer here will be that it is not so. But apparently the hardness on the Rockwell scale is only 56?? I have recently ordered a Military, don&#180;t tell me now that I&#180;ve made a mistake <img src="sad.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle>

[sal]

Hi dePaul. Sometimes the &quot;opinions&quot; of many is a &quot;guess&quot; at best. First of all, there is only one other manufacturer that at this time (to my knowledge) is using CPM440V, and that is Kershaw.

They followed our lead. We developed grinding wheels (2 years) which they simpy ordered from our supplier. They first made theirs too hard (anything over 57 gets brittle) as well. Ken Onion &amp; I are friends and share info often.

56/57 is the best hardness for this material. We get better edge retention and toughness at the lower Rc. Those that think &quot;harder is better&quot; have more to learn. Glass is certainly harder than steel, but makes a poor knife. Optimum working hardness is the goal.

I carry a Military daily and have for years. I believe you will be pleased with the model design, engineering and materials.

sal

[dePaul]

You&#180;ve calmed me down Sal. Thx for your response. Now, I just have to be patient...

[Ben S]

I have a Native and love it so I clearly don't have a problem with your 440v HOWEVER glass knives are sometimes used it surgery. It can make a good knife for some purposes.

(Use once esp.)

[Paul Work]

I have a Native and can't say enough good about it, Great knife. I also have a custom in 440V hardened to 59RC. I was told by the maker this was as hard as he would dare go. He also said not to use the knife in a thrusting maneuver or the blade might shatter. I would rather have the 56RC, it still holds a better edge than anything I have found.

Paul

[sam the man..]

Phew! CPM 440V no good? What vicous rumour... Its like putting sand into someone's rice-bowl, errr - I mean dinner plate! Or too much salt on your steak! *blueargh!* Since getting one and carrying it daily for chores, I have a mighty high opinion on the Spyderco Military! <img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle> It has been subjected to heavy abuse and what impresses me the most -- its the survivability, corrosion resistance and edge-retention of this steel! Its just bad if someone would put down such a fine spydie. I detect sour-grapes on my looser-o-meter.. *hee-hee!* <img src="wink.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle>

Sam

have spydies
will travel...

[dePaul]

Samo, we all know the guy on the BF. He is a well known character. In fact, there were other people, finding his arguments being correct!
BTW i didn&#180;t say that the CPM440V sucks. I just heard that Spyderco doesn&#180;t heat treat it well. I believe though they are wrong.

[RLR]

RC is tricky - saw Talonite ratings (low!) and almost fell over. It's about hardness, lubricity and other factors (grind, geometry, etc.) Unless we are all metalurgists, some 'microscopic' variances won't make that big a difference.

Use and learn. Cheers,

RLR