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Thoughts on 420J2, 5Cr13Mov and 8Cr13Mov?
- Thread starter Donders88
- Start date
- Joined
- Jun 23, 2008
- Messages
- 1,428
420J2 is used on a lot of the sketchy quality knife show stuff. Never had a 5Cr blade but I suspect it is also a more soft steel like the 420. Not great edge holding, fairly easy to sharpen to a working edge but not very durable.
8Cr13Mov however has a great reputation among the more budget friendly production stuff. Any knife in particular you are looking at?
Remember, there is more to the knife than steel, much more. Geometry plays a HUGE part in what kind of function the blade is best suited to perform. Not to mention grip, carry method, legal restrictions, etc.
My favorite 8Cr knife is between the Spyderco Tenacious and Kershaw Cryo ATM.
8Cr13Mov however has a great reputation among the more budget friendly production stuff. Any knife in particular you are looking at?
Remember, there is more to the knife than steel, much more. Geometry plays a HUGE part in what kind of function the blade is best suited to perform. Not to mention grip, carry method, legal restrictions, etc.
My favorite 8Cr knife is between the Spyderco Tenacious and Kershaw Cryo ATM.
The general consensus from what I've seen is that 8Cr is the way to go for a good, wallet friendly blade, I've bought an 8" Buck and a 10.25" Chinese knife, both full tang, the buck is 8Cr and the Chinese one is 5Cr, the buck cost me I think about 13 Australian dollars (yep, I'm an Aussie) and the Chinese knife cost me about 15 from memory, I was looking at buying another 10.25" that looked a bit nicer but it wasn't full tang and it was 420J2, so I have held back for now on buying that, and by the sounds of it I won't be getting it haha
- Joined
- Jul 19, 2012
- Messages
- 1,774
Another good experience with 8CR13MOV (at least I think that's what the steel was) in my Byrd (Spyderco budget brand). Gave it a beating with SES work and renovations. It took a good edge, kept it well and was easy to sharpen after I'd punished it for a bit.
What are your planned uses for your shiny new knife mate? And what are your requirements?
What are your planned uses for your shiny new knife mate? And what are your requirements?
- Joined
- Oct 27, 2012
- Messages
- 3,610
I also like 8CR13MOV, easy to sharpen to a good sharp edge, edge holding is not bad.
420J2 and 5CR13MOV I have little experience with. I tend to avoid them. From my very limited understanding however I think either could provide a serviceable blade if made and HT right.
If it's a folder your considering, a Spyderco Tenacious is a great choice with 8CR.
420J2 and 5CR13MOV I have little experience with. I tend to avoid them. From my very limited understanding however I think either could provide a serviceable blade if made and HT right.
If it's a folder your considering, a Spyderco Tenacious is a great choice with 8CR.
Uses could end up being just about anything from cutting fishing line, whittling wood, skinning Roos, cutting up meat, opening boxes, just general purpose I guess, but without the limitation of being a smaller folding knife, and I like the feel of a heavier knife, something solid feels good
It seems 8Cr is the best bang for your buck for a good everyday knife, and the 5Cr is more of a cheaper "sometimes" blade
It seems 8Cr is the best bang for your buck for a good everyday knife, and the 5Cr is more of a cheaper "sometimes" blade
- Joined
- Jul 19, 2012
- Messages
- 1,774
I would strongly suggest spending a bit of time browsing the threads here - this place has a wealth of information when it comes to all things sharp and pointy. There are a LOT of steels used in knife manufacture, from the very low end (some of which you've mentioned) to the incredibly high end purpose made stuff. It's about finding what fits your purpose, preference and (always) budget.
If you're looking for a solid budget folder that will hold up well I'd also suggest you look at the Svord Peasant Knife. It'll set you back about $20. They're as simple as a folding knife gets but can be easily opened one handed. They're made from a good steel, take a great edge, hold it well and can stand a bit of rough use. They can also be dismantled for cleaning really easily. They aren't stainless, but if you're roo shooting you can take care of guns so I'd assume you can look after a knife. They're not everyone's style but are definitely worth a look.
Opinel also make some great, basic and inexpensive folders in both stainless and non-stainless steels. A lot of people here have a lot of respect for those French knives and their ability to take an incredible edge.
If you're looking for a solid budget folder that will hold up well I'd also suggest you look at the Svord Peasant Knife. It'll set you back about $20. They're as simple as a folding knife gets but can be easily opened one handed. They're made from a good steel, take a great edge, hold it well and can stand a bit of rough use. They can also be dismantled for cleaning really easily. They aren't stainless, but if you're roo shooting you can take care of guns so I'd assume you can look after a knife. They're not everyone's style but are definitely worth a look.
Opinel also make some great, basic and inexpensive folders in both stainless and non-stainless steels. A lot of people here have a lot of respect for those French knives and their ability to take an incredible edge.
