Best steel for a user Paramilitary 2 edc?

Silly Rabbit

Silly Rabbit

Joined
Jun 9, 2010
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I just lost a sprint run CTS-XHP orange pm2 (yeah I know, ouch!!)

I had bought a backup for it in case such a thing ever happened, a M390 sprint run (so I have one NIB) but I see they are too desireable to use as a beater!

I've been out of the knife loop per say for a little while...if I were to replace it with a PM2 (no other choice has to be a PM2) what is the latest and greatest super steel I should consider for every day carry, I did like the CTS-XHP

Thanks....
 
I like the M4 a lot, it's preformed wonderfully both for slicing and cutting course medium(burlap coffee sacks for my use). I haven't had a single issue with rust yet. I oil it once a week and wipe it down if moisture comes into contact with it.


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Hmmm thanks guys, I've been doing some reading here and it seems the s110v may be the current best relative value pm2 edc, next the M4, s110v to be $150ish and the M4 about $200 does that sound about correct?
What should I expect to get for a bento box exclusive PM2 M390 absolute new in box? Looks to be a realistic 300-325?
 
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Surfingringo said:
Spyderco's s30v is an excellent user steel. Great balance of properties.
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Good advice above, & I would agree based on the OP question and references made.

Seriously, why spend more money for a different steel without a specific reason based in intended application and use ...

Regards,
 
I gotta say, I have the Manix 2 in blurple and while i love the look and feel of the knife, I wish the blade was S30V.

I'm just not as taken with S110v as many others seem to be. I think if I were cutting very abrasive mediums all day, and needed something that would hold an edge against that, it would be good, but for actual real life EDC, I like S30V better as an "all around" kinda steel.
 
I don't have a Para yet but so far my favorite user steels are just what you mentioned. In order of preference :
M390
CTS-XHP

I have one S110V but it hasn't done as well for me as the above.

The M390 surprises me once in a while and or it is the Ritter blade . . . in any case I'm-a-liking-it.
And the CTS-XHP I even reground one of several knives I have in that steel just for using it to shave sharp jagged areas off mild steel parts and it does it like it was born to it.
 
Silly Rabbit said:
I'm eyeballing the CPM M4 version.... Thoughts?
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M4 is a good option if you don't mind spending the extra coin and can deal with a blade that isn't fully stainless. Ease of sharpening is similar to s30v but it offers a notable boost in edge retention and toughness. It really doesn't take much to care for it either. Just wipe it off after use and don't let a little light staining bother you and you'll be fine.
 
M390 is my pick. Easier to sharpen than S90V and S110V, but more stain resistent than M4 and S30V. Similar edge retention than M4 (and only slightly less than S90V) in my experience for light use slicing type EDC tasks.
 
They haven't made one out of a steel that would be bad for an edc knife.

Personally, I'm not fond of s30v, so I'd try to snag something else. Of the current stock, probably the s110v. There's a 52100 sprint slated for some time in the future though. I'll be pre-ordering that bad boy if I can.
 
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