Blade Steel Doesn't Matter

[@franka9760]

I'm just a knife steel nerd! I've got everything from an Opinel in carbon steel to some of the latest in MagnaCut. I love reading about the variety of steels and their different properties. It's fascinating to me how the content of the steel and the way it's processed and heat-treated results in so many different characteristics.

[@SMKWcom]

We have a wide range of brands and steels in our personal collections as well so it is always interesting to see what others thoughts are

[@mikafoxx2717]

True true. I'm a nerd and read must of larrin's articles. But I know that at best I'll use his forge heat treating method in basic carbon steel, and the fanciest steel I have is D2 and nitro-V. Moras in 1095 or 12c27m take more beating in a day than most super steels end up seeing in their lifetime. I'd love a MagnaCut to support Larrin and get the best jack of all trades, but I won't get a poor knife with it. If I'm getting a great steel, It's gotta get a good heat treatment, geometry, and be a smaller (useful) fixed blade that can take a beating. Most steels that people hate like 440a-c, 420hc, and even mora 12c27 is down to bring heat treated poorly or too softly or being in shitty knives that make you think the steel is worse. Yeah, mora and opinel could be harder in stainless, but it does the job.

[@Wcquick]

I was a welder for 37 years, primarily in aerospace but also a structural steel contractor. I was always aware of the alloys and heat treat conditions of the metal prior to weld fabrication or repair. Metallurgy is fascinating engineering/science.

[@kennthwilliamson128]

You have spoken the unspoken words that shall not be mentioned. You mentioned so many things that I'm guilty of. Especially the grabbing of a lesser quality knife to do a job. Brutally honest video. Way to go! Now I'm going to start using those higher dollar knives for tougher tasks.

[@alexcrowder1673]

Thats why I got an ESEE Sencillo in MagnaCut because then I dont have to be afraid to use it. I use the hell out if it even though its only 1/8th inch thick. I dont baby it at all. Even if i did break it, ESEE's warranty is 2nd to none. That steel and warranty combo was the whole reason i wanted the ESEE Sencillo. My wife actually just surprised me with it! Its funny to me so many other giys wives hate them buying knives.... meanwhile my wife lets me keep and breed the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd largest python species in the world at our house. She even has her own reticulated python thats 12ft long and still growing fast. Shes a hell of a woman. I havent managed to get her hooked on knives herself yet, but im not greedy. Ill take what i can get lol.

[@Slinky108]

I could almost argue that heat treating is as important as blade steel!

[@alexdetrojan4534]

Agreed.

[@Roosterdad50]

I must agree.

[@christianoberreiter5011]

I can confidently argue that heat treat is more important as steel chemistry

[@nemo5335]

And blade geometry is more important than both.

[@NonScientificBladeTesting]

Amen ​@@nemo5335

[@richardkev3077]

Yup. Right on all points. I have a couple of premium (okay, almost premium) knives, and I’ve seldom used them. What have a used the most? A tiny knife with VG-10 steel. It does more than 95% of everything I need a knife for. But my premium knives? Mostly I admire them. And when I need to break down a bunch of boxes? I reach for a box-cutter with replaceable blades.

[@SigogglinJack]

This constant changing up of steel composition is a product of the internet and more especially KZbin. I’m 60 and have seen this SuperSteel hype explode at the same time KZbin knife channels and instagram and all the rest were growing. People are enticed to buy the latest and greatest. We we were cutting stuff just fine in the 60's, 70's, 80’s and 90's. Now this years “Super Steel” will be old news in a few months. Just my opinion. Great video.

[@yogibro6442]

My co worker was talking about hunting in sub zero weather and how they brought a big 'ol bag of old fashioned fud knives to field dress and prepare the elk to haul out. From a professional game processor I talked to it's kinda nice sometimes to sharpen once a day or two instead of after every carcase. Using modern diamond sharpening stones go a lot quicker than old oil stones too.

[@kypesandstripesoutdoors]

Exactly! I have a conversation on the youtubes about 1095 steel. This guy talked about 1095 high carbon steel like it was aluminum or mild steel from Lowes. This super steel mentality is a total joke..

[@Ingeb91]

@@kypesandstripesoutdoors Bang for buck, you can't really beat 1095, because it's so absurdly easy and cheap to mass produce with a good heat treatment. the 8 dollar knives will always perform if they're made with 1095. But sometimes people want to have a bit more fun with it. That's why there's a gigantic industry of nerds talking about vanadium carbides and powder metallurgy. Nerding out is fun

[@kypesandstripesoutdoors]

@Ingeb91 I totally get where you're coming from, my friend! The side of this is dont like is that it is leading to a level of snobbery in some that is pretty unwarranted. I own many high-end knives with premium steel because I'm a sucker for knives. However I know they won't dance circles around my tried and trues.

[@greenflame8398]

Great points here! Yeah, when it comes down to price / capability I find myself reaching for D2 blades to actually do work with.

[@tamjam52]

I have probably 70 D2 knives. I use 2 or 3 every day. If it gets dull, I sharpen it on the Worksharp. I'm afraid to give one away, or afraid to try them on woodworking , cutting firewood, and hiking!🇺🇸🎾🏌‍♂️🇺🇲🇺🇲

[@TylerHelton13]

Could not agree more. My grandfathers Old Time 8OT with 1095 blades has seen more hard work than my high end blade ever will. After 20+ years of him carrying it and me having it since his passing in 2013 it’s still a good knife that will cut whatever I need to cut.

[@SMKWcom]

The best knives are the ones that stand the test of time

[@YPEDC]

I’ve been thinking about this subject a lot lately. I have a couple of really nice knives that have been pocket princesses for a while. But I came to the realization that those materials were used so that it can withstand hard use. The hardest things I cut on a regular basis is either wood or large plastic straps that tie pallets together.

[@SMKWcom]

We have run into a few sneaky straps that hold pallets and wood together that had metal bands in the center so be careful

[@YPEDC]

@@SMKWcom I’ve definitely scraped through those before

[@toddcarr.]

To me the most important thing is heat treat with any steel pertaining to its intended use, and it being priced in accordance to its level of performance. In areas that are important to you Such as toughness, stainless, edge retention etc.. or a combination of those traits you get what you pay for generally. The better the heat treat on a piece of steel the easier it's going to be to sharpen it and keep that edge maintained where if it's poorly treated you'll get things like chipping, rolled edges, and overall sub par performance. As far as sharpening goes Higher end steels are relatively easy to sharpen when using the proper stones such as diamond ones and that goes to using the proper tools for a job at hand. Some steels such as 420hc, 440C, and 14C28N can be sharpened easily on whetstone, sandpaper, or even rocks in a pinch where steels like S110V you will struggle on a whetstone because the steel is harder than the stone. In today's sharpening world diamond stones are affordable and can be used on any steel to get sharp along with diamond emulsions for stropping. A well heat treated piece of steel is a pleasure to sharpen vs struggling with a poorly treated one in almost every instance. I personally think that 14C28N is a steel that i would be more than happy with for the rest of my life for outdoor usage and in the kitchen, along with regular carbon steel in my carving knives for woodworking indoors, but having the option for something better such as Magnacut means that i have to sharpen less often is nice as well. Also for those who have no interest in sharpening and send thier knives out for that service will appreciate those higher end steels that have to be sharpened less often. It will mean more money up front but will save you in the long run as maintenance is something every knife needs if it's being used. Sorry for the long comment lol. Thanks for the great vid and keep making sharp things fun and enjoyable

[@Mridgwell]

Well said !!

[@edwardbrandwein1203]

You've put into words what I've always felt. When I have a messy cutting job, the old beater comes out.

[@SMKWcom]

💯

[@willglo]

This discussion reminds me of the 9mm vs. .45acp argument.

[@--RSL--]

Oh god don’t open that can up 🙄

[@rjflippo]

NATO issued knife steel.. what would it be 😂

[@Silence-and-Violence]

​@@rjflippo14C28N. Made by Northern Europeans. Very reliable and easy to heat treat en masse. It's totally NATO steel.

[@wesb123]

Which round won WW2?

[@KnifeChatswithTobias]

I think what matters more is how well you can sharpen the steel you’re using. I like 440a and 1095 because I can sharpen it fairly easy and get it razor sharp using a variety of items, including wet stones and sandpaper. Preaching to the choir, my friend. BTW… Most of my packages that get opened are from eBay or SMKW. I rarely buy from Amazon. I use wire cutters for zip ties right tool for the right job. And finally, I use an OTF for cutting boxes. Yes, it’s a box cutter with a replaceable razor blade.

[@SMKWcom]

Thanks for watching T! We have sharpened knives on everything from the newest and best WorkSharp to coffee cups and it is all about being able to use and maintain your tools

[@KnifeChatswithTobias]

@@SMKWcom , yep. I use coffee cups for and ceramic tiles for honing blades.

[@Sanctified_Leather]

Absolute facts !!! Thank You 🙏 amazing facts & Points !!! Wholly agree with everything you’ve stated!!! 👍

[@SMKWcom]

Thanks for watching Steven!

[@SteelNSpiritPrime]

💯 To your point… I live in a neighborhood, work in an office, and carry M390 to cut Amazon boxes and rope because of its edge retention and corrosion resistance. I also choose to drive my kids to school over paved roads in a Jeep Grand Cherokee because of its exceptional 4x4 capability. 🤣 Murica! Blade steel is just one little piece of what makes our crazy obsession with knives so beautiful.

[@marclucier2533]

I’m a tradesman, I use my 940 osbourne to score drywall, cut tyvex, trim tape, I use a spiderco dragonfly in my other pocket for boxes and mail. I bought my osbourne to work, not sit on a shelf.

[@SMKWcom]

A knife that stands up to drywall is a durn good knife

[@MikoTactical]

My company buys us razor blades to score drywall, I’m a new “knife guy” so I’m reluctant to use anything nice at work yet 😂

[@Barney_Greenway]

Basically I second your thoughts. When it comes to sharpening, I like the differences in how the edge strops to a sharp edge. Celery root can be pretty tough as well as sweet potato. Edge geometry in the short run provides a significant difference in performance. Elmax, 15V and S45VN are my current favorites for different tasks. Cheers from Germany 🍻

[@SMKWcom]

Thanks for watching and Cheers back!

[@zero61288]

I’m a forklift mechanic by trade and most of the time, my knife is used to open parts boxes, straps and plastic bags. Sure I have the occasional odd ball thing to cut but I’m mostly cutting cardboard and plastic. I have used S30V, SPY27, CTS BD1N, 20CV, D2, and bucks 420HC. After using those steels, D2 and S30V stood up the best. S30V is my favorite steel because it holds an edge very well after A LOT of cutting, and it’s fairly easy to sharpen. In the woods, though, I prefer 420HC from Buck. I can whittle and carve wood, process game, and do whatever I need to without worrying about edge damage. I can also bring the edge back to life with just a few passes on my strop or ceramic stone. Of course, I always have a SAK with me at all times and if the blades get dull, they’re super easy to bring back to screaming sharp.

[@SMKWcom]

Great way to look at it and a nice spread of metals!

[@BolsteredBlades]

For me, steel doesn't really matter. If I'm going to clear my property, I'll take the right tool for the right job. So it's just for the value of collection. If the knife speaks to me...I want it! Thanks TC!

[@SMKWcom]

Thanks for watching! Right tool for the right job is a great way to look at it

[@rstrand0809]

destroyed the edge on my sanremnu 710 on black floor striping pad. I cut up the big disc to do the edges of the floor and remembered that there are bits of carbide in there. Dull as a butter knife when i was done, but I was shocked that the coating held up without deep scratching. it took hard work to reprofile. I still use it today

[@SMKWcom]

Glad you were able to bring it back and keep using it!

[@tamatoa8261]

When you're right, you're right. A lot of very good comments with valid points. This topic could've gone sideways. But you make such a great argument. It's like you read my mind.

[@SMKWcom]

The comments on this video swing wide both ways and you can see we poked the bear with one but for the most part it has been a good discussion maker

[@billclancy4913]

Edge geometry matters, proper heat treatment matters, some blade steels are better than others.

[@SMKWcom]

By all of these things combined you get an excellent knife!

[@alexdetrojan4534]

Finally someone spitting some truth. My favorite steel is properly heat treated 420 J2. Knife snobs can laugh, but this steel and 420 HC has served me well for decades...

[@SMKWcom]

That it is your favorite is all that matters 👍

[@smievil]

might be my most used kitchen knife steel, don't really need too frequent sharpening and it's easy to just steelrod it. but i have one knife that doesn't really hold an edge at all that might have it so it's also my worst steel.

[@TwitchRadio]

The way I like to weigh my options or what I like to call my perfect balance is as follows (how much it matters ratio😂: 25%- type of steel vs its purpose 25% - grip type and size 25% - Deployment type (I'm all fixed blade) 25% - Value versus expected longevity I weigh these four categories out before I buy a knife, and I've come to the conclusion there's only a handful of value steals I would buy but I always end up coming back to 14C28N sandvik stainless steel... And for a higher end steal, well I'm still debating on that but right now Elmax has been up there for some years now ( fell in love with it with the giant mouse fix blade I got years ago)... Anyways there's my two cents on the subject😂.. Have a great day y'all 😎✌️

[@SMKWcom]

Good way to look at it!

[@pmantos1]

I completely agree, bravo sir!!!! I work in IT so I don't really do a lot of cutting tasks for my job, day to day I cut mostly packages, (as you've mentioned) and mostly food. I carry a Swiss Army Knife, (Spartan) and the last time I used it was a few days ago to use the screw driver on the end of the can opener to change out a Power Supply on a desktop unit, (makes a great Phillips Head). I like you have many knives, especially SAKs and I do carry different ones off and on so they'll get some use, but I couldn't agree more, as long as you keep it sharp, you're in business! Cheers mate!

[@SMKWcom]

Using the tools you have matters most!

[@thaknobodi]

My most carried knife is in CTS-BD1. An original Manix LW. Basically a slightly higher performing AUS-8 level steel. Gets scary sharp. I spent an hour last night reprofiling a BM mini crooked river S30V, using 140, 400 & 600 grit diamond. Exhausting

[@SMKWcom]

Thanks for watching!

[@avdmustang]

I think some people secretly are afraid to sharpen or don’t know how, so they opt for knives with superb edge retention instead.

[@SMKWcom]

We all have to start at the beginning and will mess up from time to time. There are some steels that we even have trouble with so finding ones you like and can work with can be key 👍

[@Monsoonpain]

I'm guilty of this.

[@tyarnold4088]

Most people start off like that. True.

[@Monsoonpain]

@avdmustang - sort of....some are just too busy. I used to care about edge retention, then I wised up. Now I just want a balance of toughness with a bit of corrosion resistance, I can oil a blade if needed. Magnacut, S35, S45, 14c, 440c is FINE enough for me. I DO have the fancy high HRC, stuff that is brittle...but I would NEVER buy em again

[@Monsoonpain]

@avdmustang - sort of....some are just too busy. I used to care about edge retention, then I wised up. Now I just want a balance of toughness with a bit of corrosion resistance, I can oil a blade if needed. Magnacut, S35, S45, 14c, 440c is FINE enough for me. I DO have the fancy high HRC, stuff that is brittle...but I would NEVER buy em again

[@bigjim55able]

I hope you have your armored jockstrap on after this one. That said, I've dressed enough deer with 440C to fill a boxcar but i kept a honesteel in my pocket and used it regularly. ATS 34 and D2 were a Godsend. I haven't used my skinners in quite a while, but I suspect that i could dress several deer with my premium blades without touching up the edge.

[@SMKWcom]

Fall is coming...might be time to sharpen that 440C and hit the woods again Jim

[@bobgj0905]

Maybe opening battery package by cutting thick clear plastic covering is my typical hardest cutting job.

[@SMKWcom]

Thanks for watching Bob!

[@Hungrybird474]

And most dangerous

[@EroticOnion23]

Yall don't use scissors for that??.. 😆

[@mikehigbee2320]

My experience is that if I use the knife it gets dull. Whether it's a Swiss Army Knife or Magnacut. Both can start out shaving sharp. But with a little use it no longer shaves, no matter the steel. I've seen all the tests to show what has better edge retention, but I never experience it. So I'm just happy with AUS 8 or better.

[@SMKWcom]

The more you use them the quicker they need maintenance

[@rwe1]

Totally agree. Last thing I worry about is what steel the blade is. I also carry a beater knife that I'll probably go to before I pull out one of my nicer knives.

[@SMKWcom]

We usually have more than one on us so depends what the task is which one we are going to pull

[@echosierra9990]

My edc is used for all kinds of stuff. Opening and breaking down boxes, opening plastic bags, to cutting string or rope, to cleaning game. My current favorites are 14c28n, D2, & cpm 154.

[@SMKWcom]

Nice picks

[@bobl2833]

3:45 Special occasions. Like riding public transportation in Chicago. Great presentation.

[@SMKWcom]

Always have to be careful when riding the Subway

[@tyarnold4088]

In Chicago it's the L train. It's above ground, but still dangerous for sure. Lol.

[@johndak1]

I agree with what you said in your video %100. I definitely use mine for Amazon packages and some of my knives for cutting food on a camping trip and flipper knives I sit and fidget with them. Most of all I just like to open my knife keeper box and just enjoy looking at the beauty of the knife.

[@scrick7112]

TC. I use wire snips for zip ties, for Amazon pkgs.I use my box cutter with replaceable razor blades, I do like LN 200 or Vanax for my out door folders in case I leave them outside for the night camping or cleaning trout. I do admit I have some Queen folders and fixed blades. See ya TC

[@SMKWcom]

Thanks for watching and good on you for using the right tools for the right job

[@RobertPace-qz3bt]

Generally speaking. The harder the steel. The longer it can retain its edge, but it also gets harder to resharpen. Some steels are so hard you almost have to use a diamond sharpener to even sharpen it.

[@beaurex4756]

I've got about 100 knives, $10-$300+. Blade steel from 420HC, S35VN, M390. The knife I carry most is a Ganzo Firebird with 440C. It gets stropped occasionally, and a diamond stone infrequently and it's always sharp. The M390 is trickier to sharpen, even on a diamond stone. Like you said, mostly they open Amazon boxes, then cut them for recycling.

[@tomjensen618]

I love my 23$ True folder that I got at the local lumber store and I have zero idea what it's made of. It's gotten everything cut that i've encountered and yes I do sharpen from time to time, so what?

[@SMKWcom]

As long as it works 👍

[@ronnebulis1922]

I've been using a knife as a can opener for a long time now and I like it.

[@MichaelR-kl6hk]

Great video and a su jet I've been thinking about for quite a while. My main carry for a long time now has been an Acta Non Verba P100 which is made from N690, which is equivalent to 440C from what I understand and I've never had a probity it.

[@alexxxpierce7788]

TC speaking truth, I always carry more than one knife…, there’s usually 3 different blades on me for different tasks, and then I have two more under the counter here @ work, it all depends what I’m cutting, I honestly don’t think I could carry just one blade…💯😄

[@GS-lh2nx]

Ha you said the quiet part outloud.

[@Ingeb91]

I like a 1095 as much as the next dude, but i have a ton of budget knives, and I push them when I'm out in the woods, I get to see what wear resistance can do for me, and that's why I'm now trying out D2 and magnacut to begin with, and I'll try some of the crazy edge retention steels later on. I just want to see what 1 step up in wear resistance will do for me, and cpm d2 and magnacut should be about the same, though one is also corrosion resistant, while the other will petina almost immediately. We're all nerds here. That's why we spend a little extra, but yeah I completely understand your "I use my cheap knives for the hard tasks" statement. I'm trying to wean myself off of using my 8 dollar mora basic for basically everything. it works, but it gets boring you know?

[@SMKWcom]

Good on you for testing the limits of each tool for what you want them to do 👍

[@ShiozakiSama]

Ok so I own knives of many brands. Boker to buck. Spyderco to Ozark trail. Mossy oak to Utica. Civivi and others. From Walmart folders to knives bought at fancy knife stores to the manufactuers themself. My use case is I use them to cut open packages, box paper and cardboard. I also use them with food prep when its just for myself. OR, where I work, I keep things like my buck or Civivi, to open plastic food bags. (And yes I use mineral oil for food safeness, because sometimes, with knives all around a kitchen, sometimes you do not have that extra second to go hunt one down. I also garden with my knives. I dont care if a knife is not made to dig or pry. I use them anyway. Because sometimes a trowel is just too big and wont cut roots or branches as easily. My soil is sandy, with lots of clay and rock. So knives will dull noticably in less than a week albeit S45vn, 440c, AUS8 or 10, D2, or junky 420. You know what has not rusted yet? My mysterious black pocket folder from Walmart. Was 3 bucks. IT also has not broke. You know what I am not using to dig in my sandy, clay and rock filled soil? My Spydie PM2... My Tree brand, my Higo no Kami. There is a scratch on my PM2 and it bugs me to this day. Yeah sure I can buff it out ot just bite the bullet and use it. Thats not the point. sometimes I want my pretty knife, that was a gift that IU can cherish. And sometimes I want that junk knife to practice on or keep my other knives pretty. DO NOT get me wrong, I love my knife steels. And I do get bent out of shape when something goes wrong or steels get mis labeled. But that gets trumped by the love for knives and my collection, albeit small, but it is mine. And that is what counts. But I also know a Knife for me, needs to be a Knife first and foremost, and is non negotiable. All my knives will do the jobs I need them to do without question. but if a cheaper junkier knife will do it just the same, why use my babies?

[@SMKWcom]

You get it! It is not just about steel, or cost, or any one thing but all the things! Glad you use and love your knives and thanks for watching

[@upnorth5465]

S90v is what ive settled on for a folding blade. I cut cardboard, tape, rope, zip ties, straps and foam mainly. That being said i also carry a folding box cutter and use it primarily and save my knife when im cutting less punishing materials, especially after i just spent 30-60 min putting a wicked edge on it the night before lol

[@flying2lowAK]

I have some nice knifes but my work horse is my mora companion. Use it daily for food prep, box cutting and packages camping, hiking. Dug in the dirt to cut roots. Its the knife i grab for yard work and house repairs iv taken it to work to cut insulation for aircraft tho it dulled pretty fast. I have a problem with beating up my expesive ones i avoid it and the mora is called to duty. List goes on for the mora and iv only owned it for 3 years i sharpen it by hand and strop it once a week.

[@Kristianux]

I got into knives after starting to look into new folder since my current one wasn't performing to my standarts. I do in fact do have to cut a bunch of zip ties and do a lot of wire stripping. I've lost about ⅜" on the 440A blade from constant sharpening done (800 grit) and when on field batoning some kindling the liner lock just gave out. That last part is not steel related but the point still stands, the EDC's are meant to be trashed a bit at least, for there is no need for extra thoughness if you are not going to use it hard. I have D2 crossbar lock knife on the way already. Something that will handle my demands hopefully and will not be too devastating to break or loose. The anodized scales will wear nicely too fos some extra flair.

[@SecretSquirrel-et6dl]

The alternate knife is really the only knife you need. When I started truly assessing what I need, I’ve carried the mossy oak folding utility knife and I love it. I love traditional slip joints but for the money and intended use, I’m a Rough Ryder man all day long and mainly the whittler pattern, but the folding utility knife and a pack of blades is what you need.

[@evanschneider9717]

I carry S30v because I like bucks BOS heat treat and that it’s a powder steel made in the USA. Although I am guilty of the alternative knife for harder task but it’s another S30v 110 in G-10 do I can keep my carry one nice so it’s the same steel but different knife. But it also depends on what the knife is for like I have a buck 808 and use it as a machete so I like the fact that it has 5160 a spring steel in it

[@SMKWcom]

Nice carries on both and good to see you put them to work 👍

[@Salamando3D]

I always laugh at how people in this community complain about soft heat treats (particularly from Italian makers) when the majority of their use is as you said: breaking down cardboard and cutting open other knife boxes/Amazon packages. It's so easy to jump on bandwagons. It's no fun owning a rad knife and letting it collect dust. Where's the joy in that? I love using my knives. But maybe that's just me 😉 Unless it's a legit collector's item or has sentimental value, I'm gonna enjoy making use of my tools as they were intended. And sometimes I just reach for my box cutter. Use the best tool for the job, don't try to justify your knife's existence! Thanks for a sensible take on this subject, TC! 😎👍👊

[@SMKWcom]

Thanks for watching! We have a lot of tools that have sentimental value attached to them and knives are no different

[@ironman2326]

My heavy duty folders are either the Benchmade mini adamas or Griptilian but my Victorinox works great for opening envelopes and Amazon packages and usually gets used more.

[@ajmprovidence]

I carry a tiny Swiss Army knife with nail clippers, nail file, knife, toothpick and tweezers. Then I usually carry a shaman CTS xhp to work. If it's a light duty day, I will carry a s45vn para3 or the all-time greatest budget knife, the civivi sokoke. I enjoy all three steels however the survey is dull by the end of the week. The para3 is dull after a month or 2. The Shaman loses its razor sharp edge after a couple days but then it seems to stay very sharp for a very long time.

[@SMKWcom]

Good on you for carrying such a wide range of steels. It really comes down to what you are using the tools for for how long they last and as always maintain and oil them as needed

[@DeweyBlanton-ku7db]

Watched your video months ago and got busy and didn't comment but owning my business working on anything and everything that will go through my doors but 25 plus years in auto body repair and did mostly hard collision repairs. Cutting open boxes, rubbers, bumper covers on wrecks and even body filler. Kershaw is my main edc but I have some cold steel ,CRKT, and a few other knives under 150 bucks but Kershaw is hard to beat in my neck of the woods. I'm fixing to purchase a Work Tuff Gear fixed blade as soon as I make up my mind. 👍👍

[@SMKWcom]

Thanks for watching

[@MountainMenAxes]

I'm consistently cutting fiberglass backing full of epoxy on the back of granite countertops. It destroyed s30v.

[@mikeaye098765]

Just want to say, I got a blue collar job and I carry a leatherman wave plus (company supplied) and an also a spyderco para 2 s30v. Cutting ground fabrics in excavation will dull my leatherman 1.5 hours into my shift. Spyderco will be dull within 4 hours. Dragging my blade through the earth will put small chips on S30v. 420HC holds up a lot better. It’s is vastly easier to sharpen the 420 compared to s30v. 420 sharpens like a dream with regular sharpening stones and or rocks on the ground. S30v takes a cheap diamond stone or wet stone to sharpen.

[@ibmoosed]

I’d like to see more folders in cpm3v

[@hanktheknife4352]

Our grand-&grand-&grandparents had one knife for harder use than opening amazon packages and it worked out well. They used it, we carry it as a gem. Me included, and I got dozens.

[@SMKWcom]

Exactly! The also cleaned, oiled, and maintained those tools for every job which is a major step many people look over now days

[@ScottieG59]

Yes, I have many premium steel blades, but I carry box cutters for cardboard and my common yard work knife is a partially serrated 3Cr folder, and I have to use it a lot cutting or digging out stubborn fibrous weeds.

[@Wcquick]

Good conversation, I prefer knife steel that is easy and quick to sharpen in the shop or field. The 420/440/1095 steels have been practical and adequate for my EDC uses as a welder/metal worker for over 35 years

[@SMKWcom]

Always good to have materials and tools you can work with and fix. Thanks for watching

[@Roosterdad50]

I just ordered from you guys today. I ordered the RR Denim micarta Barlow and the RR Denim micarta Electrician's Knife. Can't wait till they come in!

[@SMKWcom]

🙌🙌🙌

[@TucoDog-ho6fw]

The toughest material I generally encounter are zip ties. The only time I will cut a zip tie with a folding or fixed blade knife is if I don’t have a better tool available. Flush cut pliers work best. Breaking down cardboard, replaceable blade utility knives. Feed bags , a cheap old fixed blade that is kept stuck in a crack of a chunk of firewood. That knife gets a couple swipes across a diamond plate once in a while and that’s all it needs. Actually my nice knives don’t get much use, but I sure do enjoy owning them.

[@SMKWcom]

Zip ties are one of the regular tough things most people cut and get hurt on.

[@TucoDog-ho6fw]

@@SMKWcom Exactly. Tricky to cut with a knife. You wind up exerting so much pressure that if you’re not paying attention, you could really hurt yourself. Thanks for the videos. I thoroughly enjoy them. It must be neat working for such an amazing organization.

[@Roosterdad50]

I process a lot of tree branches on my property. For that my Becker BK-9 does a great job. For smaller jobs such as opening and collapsing boxes and other packaging I use whichever folder I'm carrying that day. On my nightstand though I have an old Kamp King camping knife for small tasks in my room. Great video.

[@SMKWcom]

Great collection and good use for each of them. Maybe Ethan Becker needs to make a knife dedicated to breaking down boxes...

[@arbitrarynightjar2788]

Honestly I only focus on the corrosion resistance because I sweat more than most and my knife is always in my pocket. I also look at the blade shape and handle material, but those are due to personal choice. I agree with you on all of this.

[@AidenGray-d8p]

Wood or leather have to be the roughest on my knives, at least on a daily or weekly basis. Yeah, I have proper tools for those things, but I don't carry them in my pocket. The budget steel I usually keep in my pocket hasn't failed me yet.

[@SMKWcom]

Cutting both wood and leather would beat up any edge but glad you use your tools and care for them as well

[@Marlevlyn]

Early tonight I was using my leatherman t4(420HC) to cut a stick to have a point for roasting marshmallows and it looked like it was hard in the edge.

[@SMKWcom]

A noble use for a knife anytime!

[@patrickbledsoe2176]

I cut alot of heavy plastic stuff at work and my leatherman dulled b4 the day was over... but my bugout holds up all-day ( plastic straps)

[@dennishein2812]

Knife steel count to an extent depending on what you are cutting . There are some really crappy steels out there in the bargain knives that are all many of us can afford. I have a couple of knives reserved for self defense that don't get used for anything else. Any of my edc knives are used for any kind of cutting. Now that I'm retired and disabled I don't do much heavy cutting. When I was a mechanic my knives also served as gasket scrapers.

[@BillBranscome]

I couldn’t agree more! My favorite pocket knife has 154cm steel and I couldn’t be happier with it. I’m a outdoors man as well as a truck driver by trade and use it on anything from cutting a sandwich in half to cutting air hose to make a repair if I need to. It’s also my hunting knife I use to skin game with or process a chicken that I raise. It sharpens up well, I just really like it.

[@SMKWcom]

154cm is awesome! Be sure to clean your knife off between each of those, we would hate for you to get sandwich on your air hose lol

[@BillBranscome]

😂

[@spacepope87]

My issue with "lower" quality steel knives is that the QC on them is generally bad. They also tend to use lower quality materials on the handles/scales.

[@mbhaus6349]

That’s why they are affordable. But the qc part isn’t true. Good budget knifes like civivi for example come better than most of the Spydies or benchmades i got send.

[@spacepope87]

@@mbhaus6349 I'll look into Civivi.

[@JeffRhine]

"Only using their knives to open Amazon packages." This hit a little too close to home 😂

[@SMKWcom]

he calls us out like that at times...always hurts lol

[@edged_mindset]

I need the most premium expensive steels because that make for the best pictures on social media

[@SMKWcom]

Truth!

[@edged_mindset]

@SMKWcom 😅

[@sentinelfox6937]

I go hunting, splitting vig wood cut offs from a saw mill for fire at the hubting lodge and have a lot of dense packages to cut at work like plastic boxes and zipties ofc a box cutter would do there but aometimes the zipties are at difficult places and i neet more tip to get them of than the 60 degree spare blades ... Help me 😂 i need 2 ar least i know ... Thinking about a small hatchet

[@williammoore3134]

This is so true! Best honest video I’ve seen in quite a while. I will easily reach for a knife I’ve spent far less money on to do majority tasks then an expensive one. They all get the job done when taken care of. Great video!

[@7AZRAEL7]

Blade steel matters to me I would be embarrassed to tell anybody I got stabbed with D2

[@SMKWcom]

Please try not get stabbed by any steels...or any other materials while your at it as well

[@7AZRAEL7]

@SMKWcom thank you for the advice Don't worry I wear safety goggles in the shower and a hard hat when I mow the yard Safety first!!

[@csh6220]

I remember when 154 cm and vg-10 were the supersteels and not that long ago. With every new supersteel comes a super price. I carry a Case trapper because it is easy to open my mail with. 420 j2 and 3cr13 are about the only steels I won't consider. They become dull quickly, in my experience.

[@seth7131]

After buying a bugout, im wondering why benchmade is popular. The s30v on their blades suck so far, i feel like i should have sharpened through 2 burnt edges by now. But! The gerber fastball i find to hold a way better edge than the benchmade s30v. I cut tape and the edge lasts a week with stropping. I can see why people may think premium steels suck sometimes, people do say and mean what the title of this is

[@Bj-vi3tq]

Very true, sir. Unless you actually use it to "work" every day, the blade style is probably more important than the steel. A quick smoothing up can keep almost any blade reasonably sharp enough for the average person.

[@SMKWcom]

Keeping your tools in working condition is always. top priority

[@cheesemstr872]

I almost always carry a folder and a fixed blade, always making sure that one of them is a "crappy" steel.

[@SMKWcom]

We prefer to say user lol

[@oxidizedoregano]

I mostly use my knife when I'm fishing or camping to gut fish or cut small pieces of wood into kindling and dispatching Gobies. Otherwise, my knife doesn't get used much so I mostly just use 3cr13 or 440 steel blades cuz it's cheap and easy to sharpen and replace

[@livinglarge13]

My most used knife is a Spyderco Bow River with 8cr13 mov I cut trap n net rope clean n cut fish and game open boxes n broke the tip prying like a fool it mighr not hold an edge like a super steel but in most cases I can strip it back or sharpen it on a river rock in quick order if needed

[@tfwj69]

I was gifted a Benchmade 810 contego. It is sharp! But with it being M390, I am scared about sharping it.

[@SMKWcom]

Send it into Benchmade themselves! www.benchmade.com/pages/lifesharp

[@Ron-Ton_78]

The highest end steel I’ve had is S30V. In my experience blade geometry and heat treating seem to be the most crucial factors. And of course if you can sharpen to a serviceable edge once it gets dull.

[@piperkennard1039]

As long as the heat treatment is right. If they charge alot of money for a knife because it has a premium blade steel, but its not heat treated correctly than your not getting your money's worth for instance they charge 250 or more when they should charge 150 or less because the heat treatment doesn't stand up . A premium steel that is not heat treated to the best if its premium like m390 and other premium steels will still cut good just not as much as it should. If you dont care about steel running soft and you have a lot of money and you would spend a 1000 if you wanted a knife brand bad enough with the knowledge that the blade steel is not what it needs to be thats cool but just know your getting ripped off 😂😂. Good video, brother 👌

[@sadisticD]

For me I don't care as much about edge retention as I do corrosion resistance. I live in the southeast and use my knives for carving and like to hike a lot. I keep them clean but don't want to worry if I ever forget or miss a spot.

[@SMKWcom]

Take a look at the Spyderco Salt series, they hold up to salt water and moisture like nobody's business

[@houserhythm]

The thing is that if you want a nicer knife, you're also paying for the higher end steel, whether you want to or not. Not many knives out there (if any) with a satin titanium handle, with fat carbon inserts and 14c28n blade...

[@Βόρειο_Σέλας]

Life in general tends to be very complicated these days including all products, nothing is simple anymore unless you choose to do so. For many years I have been using Opinel carbon steel folders and I have tried some fancy M390 and sv90v knives both in fixed blade and folding. Yes the edge retention is great but they tend to take longer sharpening but not often but the cost was astronomical compared to my simple carbon steel knives. So, my personal preference is to use my old Opinels and the hand forged Scandinavian fixed blades, they take a crazy edge very quickly and very comfortable in terms of ergonomics. The new steels are great but I always thought of KISS principle. Cheers

[@rayhancock3350]

I couldn't agree more! Thank you for the content!

[@SMKWcom]

Thank you for watching!

[@johnm4110]

I have a drawer full of knives. None are premium steel, the best steel I own is 14c28n on a kershaw blur. All my knives get hard use so it is hard to swallow spending $200+ on a knife when a $60 knife will do the job. Also, when they do go dull it usually just takes a few strokes on a leather strop to bring them back.

[@uslanja]

I have been using for the past 5 years a Buck 311 made only for Canadian Tire with a 420J2 blade that retailed for 9.99$. I use it on everything from cutting branches and vines in my woodlots too opening packages, scraping off caulking or cleaning the dirt out from under my fingernails. (My more expensive knives are just for fun and collecting) I touch the blade up on the edge of my car window glass, a rock, sandpaper or whatever Is handy. Rinse it off when it gets dirty and the darn thing just keeps going. Best 10 bucks ever spent 😊

[@frankberkemeier]

Great shirt!!

[@SMKWcom]

We love @GrunyStyle

[@ukaszwojcik5131]

What do you think of 420 HC steel from Buck?

[@kreed4]

100% agree. That said, knives with premium steel hold their secondary value more, and enthusiasts generally buy with the expectation they will may resell and otherwise rotate the knives in their collection.

[@SMKWcom]

First question we always ask is, "What are you using it for" and then we make steel suggestions

[@seangephart543]

Well..? I mostly have case knives and have found I prefer the CS and CV over the SS.. are they different steels.. sure feels like to..

[@Stantonv]

Do i ned a wristwatch that will survive water depths of 2000 feet? Of course not but i do like knowing that it could. Would i wear a $6,000 watch everyday? Of course not, i am going to wear the Casio when i am walking in a high crime area.

[@SMKWcom]

Using the right tool for the job and place is always the best idea and maintaining them afterwards

[@drpeemac]

While I had to repair tyre in the middle of nowhere, used 440 something blade of leatherman rebar to cut puncture black stuff, it got chipped on the cutting shaft for no apparent reason, did it stop me from repaing tyre offcourse not but if I have better steel for survival situation why not. Survival impacts on the very fear of one being dead either can be equipment failure or competency, that's why I would suggest to have a better one for what person budget/law allows. Emergency comes for no apparent reason, and if you or your family life depends on that very same thing, keep all the equipment top notch applies to edc as well. Technology definitely makes life simpler, and that's all the priority, after all.

[@sgtgrantham]

Today I cut 2 packages open. 3 plastic wrapped tools. Several cords and rope. 1 apple and 1 zip tie all with my benchmade 940 with magnate was at SMKW Monday and Wednesday wish I had seen you and got a picture.

[@jeffreyfinney6930]

I've worked in a warehouse for 26 years I don't use the utility blades we are free to use pocket knives. I encounter yes cardboard, zipties,airbags. The most difficult thing is the thick plastic shipping straps that need to be cut at times. My edc Ontario rat 1 aus8 does fine easy to sharpen and strop.

[@newassistance238]

I use mine to cut what needs cut. My shears were mangling gutters I was working on so I whipped out a new magnacut blade and cut that aluminum like I wanted it.

[@SMKWcom]

Nice! Always good to know people are using their knives, and gutters always are a hassle

[@Hungrybird474]

I like to keep the knives too sharp with a ceramic rod and strop . What is strange is how some knives get dull just sitting in the air and others stay just off the strop sharp . Anyone ?

[@SMKWcom]

Ghost cuts....

[@tayloralexander291]

​@@SMKWcom😂

[@oreocat5617]

What do I actually use? I'm with you, I just pull out an Old Timer. If it gets dull it's easy to sharpen.

[@SMKWcom]

No school like the old school!

[@gk.spinoza]

I think each companies proprietary tempering process has the most to do with how your blade performs. i use my pocket knives 5 days a week at work, and its from regular hard use that i have learned the most about knife companies, blade steels & blade grinds than from the technical books i have also read. One of the greatest daily hard use blade steels that are quick & easy to keep sharp is 4034 SS and/or 420HC...440A & 440C are also at the top of my personal list. When i find a knife for work that blows me away, i often but another and keep it for when i have worn out the first one One cheap but excellent knife for hard use in a shipping warehouse environment is a $20 folder with 7cr17 HC Steel blade: "S&W SWA25" with black oxide finish and deep carry clip with tough & grippy rubbery plastic grip scales, i used the first one for 5 straight years and it was the first knife that impressed me enough that i bought another one.

[@SMKWcom]

Glad you keep an open mind about blade steel and find what works for you. The best knife is the one that you have on you when you need one