Which steel has the best balance overall?

T

tfc111601

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Jan 10, 2003
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I want to know which stainless steel has the best balance of edge retention, corrosion resistance, toughness and ease of sharpening? I'm particularly interested in S30V, ATS-34 and BG-42. All input would greatly be appreciated.
 
With the criteria that you've laid out, I would say BG42. I only say that, because you threw in ease of sharpening. without that, I would pick S30V, with BG42 a close second.:D ;)
I am only voicing opinions on the steels you listed here.
 
Originally posted by Mike Hull
With the criteria that you've laid out, I would say BG42. I only say that, because you threw in ease of sharpening. without that, I would pick S30V, with BG42 a close second.:D ;)
Click to expand...

Stole the words right out of my mouth! I was going to say BG-42 before I even opened the thread!
 
I use diamond stones. They all yield to diamond stones (but 420V is a bit more work).

You don't have to make a big compromise to get corrosion resistance along with a hard blade that resists edge rolling and contains a lot of carbides for wear resistance.

But hardness is part of what makes blades "hard" to sharpen, the carbide content is arguably an even stronger contributor towards how "hard" a blade is to sharpen.

Buy diamond stones and never be concerned about sharpenability.

If you want a really tough blade, you must generally take care of a non-stainless blade.

So S30V is relatively tough for stainless (maybe the toughest stainless at any given hardness level comparison), but not so tough compared to simpler carbon steels. It is a very good edge holder, contains good dose of carbides, can be run hard, and is corrosion resistant.

So S30V is, to me, the most well rounded of the stainless steels right now. It is a small but noteable upgrade from ATS-34 and BG-42 in all areas (edge holding, corrosion resistance, toughness) IF heat treated optimally and if you just buy diamond sharpening gear to negate that parameter.
 
actually, with the criteria that you have laid out I would say 440C

I dont use it any more, but it is a very good steel for the qualities you require.
 
Who said Rosta Frei

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Klaus
 
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