S90v

[hydraulicman]

Is there such a thing as S90V? Is it better that s30v. and by better I mean does it hold and edge longer?

[Joe Talmadge]

S30V is not as wear-resistant as S90V, but S30V is much tougher than S90V. S30V is much easier to sharpen than S90V.

As far as holding an edge, remember that edge holding is not inherent in a steel -- all the steel gives you is certain properties, and depending on which of those properties you need, you'll get relatively more or less edge holding. So if the primary mechanism for edge degradation <i>for your particular knife uses </i> is mostly abrasive wear (e.g., you slice abrasive carpeting, etc.), then S90V will hold an edge better because it's more wear-resistant. If micro-chipping is more the problem, S30V will hold an edge better because it's tougher. In any case, S30V will be easier to re-sharpen.

Joe

[Knife Knut]

Joe, do you have access to the full datasheets for the CPM steels in question? If so how did you get them, or how can I get a copy?
The Datasheets on the website seem intended to obfuscate.

Knife Knut on a shoestring budget. <P>RKBA

[hydraulicman]

I am not so much conserned with brittleness I just want a steel that is hard if not the hardest. now where would I go to find that in a knife

[wire edge]

TO HYDRAULIC MAN here are a few, Microtech is starting to use S90V on limited runs,keep your eye on them. Benchmade offers the mini afck 2,striker,710axis,nimravus,nimravus cub in High Speed Steel (M2) this is hardened to 62 Rc and is used for drill bits. Its not a stainless but they teflon coat it BT2 for stain resistance. Its very hard and tough and in my experience,holds an edge as well as 440V.

[whereami]

Remember, the harder the metal the more brittle it becomes. Also, the harder the metal the harder it is to sharpen although it will hold an edge longer than most. Choose a blade hardness for the type of work you will mostly do with it. High impact, use a softer metal and low impact use a harder metal.