Which Spyderco steel for my first Paramilitary 2?

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garbam

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Nov 7, 2016
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Hey guys new to BF and I just started looking for a serious folder. I've been reading about how great the Spyderco Paramilitary 2 is, but I'm not sure what steel I should buy. I'll be mostly using it for breaking down boxes opening packages nothing to extreme. I'm looking at some of the limited sprint runs that are out there, cpm m4, cruwear, cts-xhp, elmax or m390. I've been reading the forums trying to find more info on my own but I'd love to hear your thoughts on these steels, and are these super steels worth the price over the basic s30v? Thanks
 
I'm wondering the same thing. I really like the Paramilitary 2 with carbon fiber scales and CPM S90V steel! They are EXPENSIVE, and hard to find though! I'd be interested in reading everyone's recommendations.
 
I've tried the plain jane S30V, CPM-M4, CTS-204p, and CPM-CRUWEAR. The CRUWEAR is my favorite by a long shot. I love the balance of ease of sharpening, corrosion resistance (for a non-stainless), and edge retention. It really depends on what attributes you value most.

All that said, I could still be perfectly happy with plain ole S30V.
 
They're all good. Spyderco wouldn't use a bad steel. I'd go with the S30V. If you're new, don't waste money on steels you won't be able to appreciate!

If you want to though, buy what ever tickles your fancy! Who am I to tell you how to spend your money!?
 
Just pick out your favorite color/pattern. You're getting a winner no matter which you choose.
 
I agree with everything said here. One thing to keep in mind are steels that are reactive. Meaning the blade will develop a patina if used on acidic foods and it would also rust if you're in a high humid area or you sweat a lot. I'm no steel expert, but out of the steels listed I believe M4 is reactive. I think cruwear is too, but from everything I've read it doesn't really patina.

I'm not sure about M390 or elmax, so I'll let the experts chime in with regards to how reactive all of the steels are.
 
I'd probably go with the S110V production model. The high carbide steel should stand-up well to cutting boxes and it's stainless. Also, the cost premium over a standard S30V model isn't high, making the S110V model a relative bargain.
 
I really like the cpm cruwear version, the s110v was a pain sharpening. I've sold my elmax and cts-xhp sprint runs. These are what I have left of my collection. I just prepaid for the bentbox m390 really looking forward to it. Thanks to BF for the heads up on that one :thumbup:

 
I'd have to say the S110V version as well, it's superb! I wish I'd kept one of the Foliage Green and Elmax versions, that one checked all of the right boxes for me too.
 
The M4 can still be caught below $200. CTS 204 is Carpenters M390 which frequently pops up in the Exchange under $200.
I have both and have yet to need sharpening.
 
The steels are all different in their own ways. If you want to use them a lot without having to sharpen then the high performance steels are worth it. For the normal user it will be hard to tell the difference. The high performance steels can really be a challenge to sharpen and S30V is a good steel for average use so it isn't a mistake to start there. M4 can be challenging in corrosive conditions so that is a consideration for some people. Of course some of the versions can be hard to find these days and will be expensive so don't get too picky on what you want.

The newer PM2 models have pushed almost all other knives out of my EDC rotation. I carry and use S30V, M4 (2 different versions), S110V and Cruwear.

DSC_4455b_zpsmlfvx3ue.jpg
 
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Has anyone tried the Carbon Fiber S90V Paramilitary?
I see one on an auction site that looks like it may go for a reasonable price. I know Phil Wilson does a lot of customs in that steel, so it must be good.
 
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lilbitcajun said:
Has anyone tried the Carbon Fiber S90V Paramilitary?
Click to expand...

People like to collect the sprint run PM2's and most CF s90v versions are probably not users. I had one, took a while to track it down. It was the sharpest factory edge PM2 I've had the M4 Jade was damn close. The s90v's are like four years old so you'll most likely have a hard time finding one. And if you do be prepared to pay upwards of $350.
My CF s90v second from right
 
Can't go wrong with any of them but I would recommend starting with one of the s30v models. Probably the best performance value of any of them.
 
garbam said:
Hey guys new to BF and I just started looking for a serious folder. I've been reading about how great the Spyderco Paramilitary 2 is, but I'm not sure what steel I should buy. I'll be mostly using it for breaking down boxes opening packages nothing to extreme. I'm looking at some of the limited sprint runs that are out there, cpm m4, cruwear, cts-xhp, elmax or m390. I've been reading the forums trying to find more info on my own but I'd love to hear your thoughts on these steels, and are these super steels worth the price over the basic s30v? Thanks
Click to expand...
I guess the first thing I would ask... How are your sharpening skills?

The answer to that, would guide a better reply..

My PM2 ownership is down to 3.. Elmax, CTS-XHP, and s30v..

Love Elmax, but it's my least carried. (It looks to Great, next to my Foliage D2, PM1 and Military)
CTS is simply awesome and stays razor! I have a couple with that steel.
S30V, with a toothy edge.. perfect for box break down, package opening, and resharpening..
 
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There is no wrong choice. Get an S30V to start with and likely end up like me, buying any new variant that comes out 'cos I like the knife so much.

The question above about your sharpening skills is relevant, it's the difference between should you start with S30V or S110V. Both are IMO great value for money. Do you have a Sharpmaker?

A CF/S90V Para2 would be awesome, I don't have one sadly, but it's more a collectors thing as the S110V production version is so similar in the steel and waaaay cheaper, and it's easy to add different scales if you want.
If you do find a mint S90V/CF Para2, send it to me and I will send you a nice S110V Para2 with custom scales on it :D

The Sprints and Exclusives are more expensive to a lot more expensive.
I really like the Elmax, a favorite of mine, better edge holding than S30V and similar to sharpen.
Only just got the Cruwear and M4 variants and haven't really used them yet, but my Cruwear Manix and GB M4 are both awesome for edge holding and ease of sharpening, as long as you don't mind non-stainless.

DSC00407_zpsnldrts9w.jpg


DSC00404_zps3jpebfuy.jpg
 
So long as black or digicam scales are ok, I'd recommend going with the base model in s30v. Starting with a baseline would in my mind be a better way to experience the geometry & ergonomics of this knife.

From there, learn to sharpen including the performance differences related to the grit finish of the edge and how cutting with differing grit finish feels and performs.
From there learn to adjust the secondary edge bevels and how this effect performance.
You may also, at some point, decide to adjust the primary grind; a natural progression after a number of sharpenings as the thickness behind the edge increases.

The geometry of the blade grinds will net more performance gains than any super-steel currently available (s30v IS a super-steel in itself, specifically designed for knives).

Learn to appreciate the geometry of the blade (and how to adjust it to suit your personal uses) and the ergonomics of the knife.
I think this is the only way a person would be able to appreciate a change in steel in a knife model, and possibly to select a different steel based on personal usage.

EDIT:
Make sure you get a real Spyderco product (not a China clone) !!!
I you are unfamiliar, Google is your friend. Learn about this.
Buy from a reputable dealer or Spyderco directly.
 
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