I just bought 3 knives (Spyder &amp; Kersh), I'll take VG10 over S30V steel. How does the M390 steel compare? This knife looks fantastic!
1431136
Personally, I think it is a fantastic knife. It's hard to really COMPARE M390 to VG10 or S30V, but from what I've experienced and have read about, it probably beats s30V without question. VG10 is tricky, I'm not sure how they compare to each other in cutting performance, but I'm fairly certain M390 is more corrosion resistant than VG10. I haven't gone so far as to abuse my knife by sticking it in pure chlorine or saltwater for a day or anything, but by reputation M390 might have the best corrosion resistance for a steel with its class of edge taking and holding.
1701705
I don't know why they show the trainer knife or the d2 description. I have bought three of these knives over the last three years with the drop point and they have all been 154 cm. I like this steel for this knife. It is a lot easier to sharpen than d2 but still has good edge retention. The description on the knives I bought only show 154cm. The blade is the same all the way and is a full tang that is cut out the same as the aluminum handle scales. The only negatives on this knife with me is the sheath, which is probably just my preferences, and handle scales have sharp edges and should have been blended and more curved around the edges for comfort. I don't know why they show the trainer knife or the d2 description. I have bought three of these knives over the last three years with the drop point and they have all been 154 cm. I like this steel for this knife. It is a lot easier to sharpen than d2 but still has good edge retention. The description on the knives I bought only show 154cm. The blade is the same all the way and is a full tang that is cut out the same as the aluminum handle scales. The only negatives on this knife with me is the sheath, which is probably just my preferences, and handle scales have sharp edges and should... » Read More I don't know why they show the trainer knife or the d2 description. I have bought three of these knives over the last three years with the drop point and they have all been 154 cm. I like this steel for this knife. It is a lot easier to sharpen than d2 but still has good edge retention. The description on the knives I bought only show 154cm. The blade is the same all the way and is a full tang that is cut out the same as the aluminum handle scales. The only negatives on this knife with me is the sheath, which is probably just my preferences, and handle scales have sharp edges and should have been blended and more curved around the edges for comfort. « Show Less
1017208
According to CRKT, 8Cr15MoV is "AUS 4 high-carbon stainless steel." It's their "brand" I suppose. The knife won't come incredibly sharp but it's quick to get it to your liking and holds an edge moderately well. The M16-10's are SMALL. If you have big hands or plan on using it often I suggest something in the M##-14 range. I've owned many variations of these, and given many as gifts. A good balance of value and quality. I can't justify spending top dollar for a knife which is, in my opinion, a tool that in its nature wears out and needs to be replaced.
931544
Hey Kenji, The only indication as to the type of steel on the knife (or at least the one I received) is "stainless". Honestly, it is a good quality knife; I would not say it is 420 grade quality, but if you clean it between uses it should be alright. I ordered the knife several months ago for spearfishing, and honestly it's a great knife. There is no corrosion on mine, even though it has seen salt water 15+ times. I recommend it if you are a diver or spearo. Hope that helps,Luke
1672868
According to my research, 440HC is the hardest grade for Stainless Steel (what Buck uses for their standard blades). S30V is an alloy (the best steel to use for blades according to Buck). 8Cr13MoV is Chinese Stainless steel and I would avoid it for that reason (different hardness standards) - difficult to tell where it ranks with the others and of course I would have questions about consistency in the alloys made by different manufacturers. Hope this helps.... see also: http://www.buckknives.com/index.cfm?event=about.feature
1260709
It's very high quality steel, S30V, that's found mostly in high end knives. I'm unsure of the Rockwell rating but do know that it's high. If you research the quality of knife steel you'll find that the steel used for this particular knife, S30V is getting harder to find unless you only buy high end blades. You can find more detailed information about this and other blade steel found in today's knives by looking up "Sandvik" blade steel. As a general rule when looking for another knife I've found that these three types of blade steel (154CM, 14C28N, S30V) are the best that you'll find in today's knives. I hope this helps.
53937
several of the answers given are knives made from carbon steel rather than stainless. this knife is vg10...a steel that i have in all of the spyderco knives i own. it all comes down to what you want a knife to do, really. i have owned a gerber gator for the better part of 20 yrs with the 420hc steel and it has performed flawlessly for me...and now i find that they have the gator in 154cm! two of my most favorite fixed blade knives are the benchmade steep country and the esee 3...both of which will near the $100 mark.
1865875
I personally like the satin finish. You will be able to see the lines where the VG10 steel is laminated with the other steel. It's quite beautifully to see if you into that sort of thing. However, it's really up to the individual who's buying and what they're preferences are. If you are buying this knife for tactical purposes for yourself or someone in the Armed Forces, you should get the black one.
391418
Has anybody else received this knife recently with full flat ground blade with s30v? Thanks
69663
Boyfriend, this knife WILL be your OFFICIAL GO TO knife! Meats, veggies, a watermelon, even soft fresh bread cuts like butter. Please remember to use your knife steel after a good amount of use like I do and it will continue to impress you. For a long time my go to was the Forschner Victorinox, suggested by Cook's Illustrated.....I think the Wusthof Nakiri has it beat big time. Hope you love it like I do!
630700
It all depends on how much you use a knife of this type, and how you use it. Personally, it was definitely worth it; the VG-1 inner core (and thus the edge) can become sharper than the carbon SRK, which the 420J stainless outer core helps strengthen the blade and adds further corrosion resistance. If you use this type of knife often, and your budget allows you to spend a little more, then the extra cost IS worth it.
1210628
Good question, I could not find any info except VG/vV8-10 on the blade. Regardless, this is a fantastic little knife for EDC.
1747088
Yes. I own the rat5 along with several other higher quality blades. (Ie) Esee 4,5,6 BK-2 and three Ka-bars from when i served in the Marine Corps. I can honestly say the Sk5 is on my list of knives to own. The quality is all there and definitely worth the 30 bucks. If i could go back and do it again i would choose the Sk5 over the Rat5 based just on craftsmanship.
376758
VG-1 (V Gold 1) isn't the same steel as VG-10 (V Gold 10). With a hardness of 58-61, VG-1 holds a good edge. It's a strong premium steel that won't disappoint. You'll get years of good performance out of the CS Master Hunter and at a good price point. Compare to the Fallkniven F1 in 3G laminate steel.
2231
The knife is on the heavy side but is very reliable. As for a knife that is stylish and is lighter made with the same type of steel I would personally go with a spyderco sage carbon fiber as the blade length is almost the same I and the choral near the blade is really nice for cutting. Also the leaf blade design really stands out. If you don't want to break the bank the spyderco stretch, and endura are longer other options with nice steel. I own lots of other pocket knives from different makers but I like the feel of spyderco knives over most knife manufacturers.
935754
They both have good steel. The first uses VG-1 steel which has a very hard core, the second uses AUS8A which is very slightly less hard. Pick the one in your price range, with the color you like. One caveat many black blades get marred with use and the inner steel shows through.
1246353
I heard that aswell. Upon recieving mine (straight edge) the sheath works perfect. Snug enough so it doesnt drop out if upside down and not latched but, still very easy to draw from if needed. I was hesitent to purchase at first because i wasnt sure if i would be recieving the non serrated version but i went ahead ahead and bought and am very glad i did. Its a hell of a knife for only a hundred bucks. Id purchase it again in a heartbeat. You will recieve the straight edge if purchased.