blade material

[NavAv]

I like the looks of the JD Smith. From your home page info the blade material is VG-10.

Browsing the KnifeCenter listings, they say the steel is ATS-34. Is there any big difference? Are the knives made of both steels? I'm very new to this whole internet knife thing, but my lifelong "thing" with knives has recently been revived. I feel a need for a quality knife for the coffee table with which to open all the junk mail.

Just today I polished two Randalls (Orlando) that have been hanging in my bedroom for about 20 years. Thanks.

[Carlos]

In terms of ignot steels, VG-10 is the next step up in performace. Better edge retention and better corrosion resistance. Pretty soon I expect that ATS-34 will be extinct at Spyderco as all of the ATS-34 models are slowly switched over to VG-10. If the knife is in fact being switched to VG-10, then you might consider waiting to get a new version.

I like the design of the JD Smith but for em the clip is on the wrong end of the handle. <img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle>

[sal]

Hi NavAv. Welcome to the spyderco forum. Todays knife world is better than ever.

The JD Smith model has undergone a change in makers. All new tooling and a new blade steel has been selected. The new model should be out soon.

sal

[NavAv]

Thanks Carlos and Sal, good to know. Now another question: how about ATS-55 as compared to VG-10? And, Sal, is the new steel for the JD Smith the VG-10?

[sal]

Hi NavAv. VG10 is the new steel on the JD Smith. ATS55 &amp; VG10 are quite similar in many properties. VG10 has a slight edge in corrossion resistance.

sal

[NavAv]

Hi Sal, could you tell me when the VG-10 version of the JD Smith will be out? I have placed my name on a waiting list for one.

[sal]

Hi NavAv. It's scheulded for January.

sal