1095 and 440C for me. Don’t see a need for all these new fancy “super steels”. Most people used to think 440C was a “super steel”. But to each their own.
Hey Jeff, whatever y'all are doing with your S35VN, just keep doing it. I've got the 3 and the Xancudo and my freehand edges are some of the best I've ever gotten in that steel. I'm hoping that you're planning on building a 3HM in S35VN one day.
Well, to our credit we take it to the recommended heat treat instead of cheating it to try and produce a tougher blade. I won't mention the name but I have a blade from one of the larger knife manufacturers and it's probably the worst heat treat I've ever seen on a high grade steel. Will not hold an edge. Not just a fluke either. Bought another one and it's the same way. So, what has happened is the company used a great steel then fudged the heat treat to make it tougher. If you're gonna do that then it's probably be better just to go with a cheaper steel.
That steel cuts for days. Like the old Henry rifle adage. Sharpen it on monday and cut all week/month.
The steel itself is a brand name with recognition and reputation. I recently was looking at some heat treated blade blanks all at 58~RC. They were all identical geometry CNC made drop point hunters with the only difference being the steel and a small cutout in the handle to identify the different steels that would be hidden by the handle. The M390 was twice the price of the N690 and K110 (D2 equivalent) blade blanks. I questioned the guy on it and he basically told me people pay more for M390 because of the name. Never mind if the heat treat is on the soft side and it is a waste of money to pay more.
You guys subject the Esee 3 in S35VN through hell until it finally gave its soul. Now I would love to see if the 4 in S35VN would hold up under the same abuse since it is slightly thicker?
I'm trying not to be impatient, but... any idea when dealers might start selling these? That black and white G10 is calling my name.
My 3 in s35vn just showed up and 4 just shipped. Freaking good day. Now to get some time in the field. Still have a few days left to cut their teeth on a whitetail!