Blade steels - 80CrV2, k510 and N690

Cedar_5

Cedar_5

Joined
Jun 14, 2019
Messages
73
Rookie to steel selection. I've started initial communications with a knifemaker about a custom order. The steel choices are k510, 80CrV2 and N690. The blade I am envisioning would be for hunting, including field dressing. I have two other customs in the works in the US, with two different knife makers. Both are using Magnacut, although each provided other options - including some even I had heard of or read about. These three choices are unfamiliar to me, and although I did some research, I quickly was lost. Any input would be most appreciated.
 
N690 is similar to VG-10. I am not a VG-10 fan after a few years of solid use including plenty of butchering.

80CrV2 is a popular low alloy and out of the 3 original steels listed I would choose it even though I normally do not carry low alloy knives.

Out of all the steels listed above Magnacut is a favorite of mine but I gave a S45VN knife to an Australian friend who hunts Sambar regularly and he loves the steel for his hunting needs.
 
N690. Stainless and with big carbides. Like 440C as mentioned before. Cuts longer. Most used steel in Europe.
 
What I have found personally is a rolled edge with bone contact is a major reason for knife dulling when processing animals. I prefer a knife in the 61-62 Rc range for butchering as there is enough yield strength that I no longer have rolled edge issues even if I am cold and tired and really getting sloppy cutting joints. I believe N690 would be heat treated to soft for my liking.

This year on a whitetail buck I harvested I used a 2.5 inch Magnacut blade for gutting, skinning, and entirely butcher to freezer with out touching up the balde. The knife was still able to slice newsprint after. That is the kind of performance i like in a hunting knife.
 
Thank you all for the input - and for the questions. The knifemaker has listed those three options, but the website made it sound like there might be other choices. When I asked if he has used Magnacut, he said the only three options are those listed on the website, and that he has not used Magnacut before. I chalked up the answer to my ignorance - perhaps because these steels are much more commonly used in Europe and that they could be equivalent to those of which I am aware.

I am not, however, wed to that knifemaker, which is one of the reasons for my post. I have two other pending custom projects, and both knifemakers had more options for steel. I also understand that heat treatment and geometry are more important than the steel itself, but if the steel itself isn't optimal for my needs, I may need to look elsewhere.

My real problem (or one of my many problems) is that I am probably spending too much time and money on knives. I think that means I'm in good company on this website. I have also already looked up some of the folks who have posted on here and can see their knives - which is not good for my aforementioned problem!
 
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