Bob Loveless' view on CPM metals

[john row]

In the January 2001 issue of Blade magazine, Mr. Loveless expresses his less than favorable views on CPM metals. Of course, Bob Loveless' vast experience, his well earned reputation and wide spread respect in the field certainly would lend credence to his views. I don't think I misread the statements since Mr. Loveless has never dalied around being politically correct or verbally pussy footing around to save anyone's feelings. <img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle>

My very limited experience has been as an end USER. I'm certainly not a bladesmith nor metalurgist. Nor do I place myself in the same realm as Mr. Loveless as far as the process and craft of knifemaking etc. And I actually feel kind of stupid disagreeing with his statements. BUT...



One of the contentions is that A LOT of the knife buying public are being manipulated by marketing hype in regards to new steel, or other materials being introduced. I feel strongly, in this case, that CPM's offer distinct advantages over more traditional steels.

I also believe strongly that the &quot;factory&quot; manufacturers are currently THE leaders that the custom makers WERE in the research, development and introduction of metals and other new materials and even the design and manufacture processes to improve the performance that has become expected by today's knife users.

Please don't get me wrong - Bob Loveless is GOD to me! I just disagree with his statements on this matter.

John Row

[Carlos]

I think that everyone is trying to judge too quickly. We won't really know whether one or more of the CPM steels are optimal for knives for some years yet. Spyderco et al are still in the learning phase of the use of these steels for production cutlery.

My only concern with the CPM steels is that they may be too biased towards edge holding vs. ease of resharpening. It may turn out that we'll end up preferring ATS-34/55, VG-10, or BG-42, in terms of long-term useability. But then perhaps one or more of the CPM's may become standard high-end steels used in cutlery. Blanket judgements for or against are premature IMO.

Of course I can't comment on S60V until I've tried a knife with that steel. Hopefully there will be a large folder (3.5&quot; to 4&quot; blade) from Spyderco with S60V and and a tip-up clip before too long. <img src="wink.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle> Acutally I'm waiting for something similar in VG-10 as well, but I can be as patient as a spider if necessary.

Edited by - Carlos on 10/30/00 9:22:38 PM