Cold Steel - XHP vs S35VN - Edge Retention Comparison, also unleashed

cedric-ada-store.creator-spri...
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[@howardgreen9718]

Time to change it up cut paper until the knife can no longer cut rope 😬

[@13irishsailors]

Start paper cutting rope untill theres no more knife?

[@Wildwestwrangler]

You must like reeaaallllyyyyy!!! Long vudeos!!!

[@SubliminalD-pm1wy]

12 days later!

[@andyrichardson6188]

Great job. Thanks for staying on it and adding more testing data. You're developing a excellent set of tests.

[@49giants3]

I just got the recon 1 in xhp. Thanks for the video Pete. We appreciate your hard work my friend

[@rbs1889]

I'm getting all the XHP Cold Steels I can get my hand on!

[@SHADOW-ke6xz]

Ron Broeders me to! just got my last one I wanted in the xhp and just so people know pretty soon they will be scarce and I think highly sought after.

[@majormassenspektrometer]

I'm glad I still have my AL in XHP. But got me a new SV35 AL so I can replace the XHP Lawlman and put it in the drawer.

[@hersheljackson69]

Me too, hard to find

[@joshuabriggs7114]

Very impressive result for the s35vn- it went longer than I expected. personally I like CTS-XHP but prefer the slightly tougher s35vn. they are very similar steels but the Tungsten and Niobium and slightly lower chromium results in a less chippy steel with added toughness. in reality they'd be nearly impossible to tell apart in real world use. Thanks for all the cutting! it's a lot of work!👍

[@jasonmiller9495]

In my opinion this is the best blade channel. Great information and entertaining

[@Oozy9Millimeetah]

Glad to see cold steel s35vn is performing well, i just got recon1 in XHP, ordered American lawman,but it was out of stock and got the recon1 instead, no biggie almost glad it turned out this way. Really glad you did this comparison, XHP or S35VN both are good.

[@canvasbagfight]

I was wondering this just yesterday. Really glad I got my XHP lawman in time.

[@justincrain5268]

I appreciate the addition on a Mars Volta solo at the beginning of the vid. Mars Volta and knives. Good stuff!

[@tombrown8800]

You make great videos . Lot of dedication to do this many edge retention tests but I love um. I can tell you are really into knives & thirst for knowledge.

[@BazonBlades]

Excellent, excellent work on this video. And a comparison that will certainly be a hot topic this year. I have an XHP Recon 1 rwview coming up soon and will definitely mention and link this video.

[@MrSATism]

I'm honestly loving mine, I got the mini and micro recon 1 as well, and IMO a lot of people are not paying attention to how good the mini is as an edc option

[@charlescollier7217]

Not surprised. This is part of why I've been so appreciative of Cold Steel's use of XHP. It's allowed super-steel level retention, easy sharpening and maintenance, and all at prices way under some of the other major brands. By the way, Pete, Cold Steel says they will be replacing their CTS BD-1 with AUS-10. If you get a chance, would love to see a comparison between the two.

[@ArikGST]

Aus10 would be quite the downgrade, that`s sad to hear :/

[@ljason888]

German Survivalist why aus10 should be like a vg10

[@ArikGST]

Yeah, and VG10 is inferior to CTS-BD1 in terms of both edge retention and toughness, so it`s a downgrade.

[@ljason888]

German Survivalist Don't know where you're getting that information from but according to the guys on BladeForums BD1 loses its edge way faster...www.bladeforums.com/threads/cts-bd1-vs-other-more-common-steels-vg-10-s30v-aus-8.1117549/

[@ArikGST]

@@griff7749 They are really really close in terms of composition so any difference that might exist has to be neglegible. Really Bd1 isn't much different either, I overestimated the difference in my original post.

[@JKS_Crafting]

Great and interesting test as always. Especially as I don't know much about CTS-XHP. Good to see that there is no sky falling (missy likely) for those that like Cold Steel in the future either.

[@mrblauer1]

I like these videos and the data it collects, Combined with other sources of similar information, it helps me understand the possible performance I can expect. I see you sharpening the knife on the same table as your cut tests. I wonder if the abrasives and steel particles left in/on the wooden cutting board will create an additional dulling affect in future cut tests.

[@DaveBegotka]

I have had a 4in folding Cold Steel Tanto for nearly 30 years now as a work knife and it has been incredible, holds a good edge and is tough as nails!

[@2manysigns]

Just ordered one from Blades Canada of the "exclusive" satin finish spear point . It's the 35 stuff . I've owned two other Recon 1's both in AUS 8 I believe and they've been great . I just want the triad lock which my first two don't have . Confidence inspiring tool for me . Looking forward to receiving it in the mail and fun to see this demo on the edge . Thanks

[@randallkelley3599]

That is really hard work, thank you so much for your time........very interesting!

[@christapherdane]

Don't listen to the critics, you are doing some of the best tests, PERIOD. THANK YOU!

[@TheLochs]

CTS-XHP is one of my favorite steels.

[@JRs-guitars]

@Bryan J yep...junk steel. Don't need a microscope to see that lol

[@oxman1800]

Can’t wait to see you compare cold steels bd -1 vs it’s replacement, Aus10a.

[@oxman1800]

Shrabsters All the models that currently use cts bd1, voyagers, Spartan, rajah 2 etc.

[@MrSATism]

I'm upset that they did not upgrade the spartan to xhp, or the current s35vn, but that's my personal gripe

[@chasewilliams9030]

Aus 10a is better for high impacts I believe. less prone to chipping especially for knives like the Spartan

[@pop4803]

Thanks Pete, for all your test. I own an old lanky noticed that you use it also. Question do I get new diamond stones for it or save money for kme or whatever. They are expensive. You've got plenty of experience what do you think?

[@mforrest1508]

The dinosaur was a nice touch. Sad to see xhp gone. Just bought a colossus. My guilty pleasure Knife. May have to buy another

[@JamesMBC]

I'll take the improved toughness of S35VN over the increased edge retention of CTS-XHP, any day. Minor edge retention means having to sharpen a bit earlier, who cares? Minor toughness could mean chips or snaps, which is a big deal. Just putting this out there: Hardness and edge retention are not the only stat that matters.

[@majormassenspektrometer]

Well Hardness and Retention is very important for penetration.

[@WeGetWildTV]

Blade HQ charts show that both steels have the same toughness at 6/10 points

[@joeylee6094]

@@majormassenspektrometer that's what she said?

[@jkilla9934]

You make it sound like XHP has shitty toughness which is not true.

[@coherence_x54r]

What's the difference when you have a knife sharpening system, for example my KME. XHP is no slouch.

[@markanthonystringfellow3923]

Great Job Pete!!!

[@OLMmedic]

Glad u did this. I guessed this would be the case

[@justilan]

Good vid!! Been waiting for this one!! I thing we all can sum-up Cold Steel this year with one word - disappointment . They could at least lower prices down which they didn't, and its a shame cause CS is may favorite knife company..

[@hustler539]

What sharpener where you using?

[@ass_rake_258]

What is the sharpening jig that you are using?

[@tonycanniffe2360]

Been waiting for this one...

[@Gpknives]

Great comparison. Nice to see that even though we're losing XHP we're getting a solid replacement from Cold Steel's S35VN. I wonder if S35VN will offer enhanced toughness or corrosion resistance. Great knives either way. Keep up the great work, always enjoy your videos.

[@frozenturtlefarts1025]

GPKNIVES I was thinking it might be a little tougher at a certain hardness maybe??

[@Gpknives]

Yeah, probably. You run both at the same hardness and S35VN would be tougher than XHP. Lots of factors come into play.

[@stevenhaha3064]

Losing XHP？Why doesn't Cold Steel continue to use this material？what is the reason？

[@bergknivesandsharpening8014]

Steven HaHa i read carpenter is not selling steel to knife makers anymore. I ordered an xhp ultimate hunter because i like the steel so much and now its gone :(

[@TechandTacticalYT]

Another great video. I review knives on my channel as well and much of my knowledge comes from your earlier videos. Keep the great content coming!

[@AGMartinez]

Edge retention at 295 of 370 = 0.7972 because a close correlation is Carbon of 1.34 to 1.6 = 0.8375.

[@charlescombs2522]

Could you tell me about Bohler N690 Steel. Retention? Corrosion? Thank you for your help!

[@tonycanniffe2360]

So I ordered a spear point Recon 1 (already had the tanto) coz the seller advertised xhp. Cept it was S35vn. I kept it but decided to get the clip point in xhp. Happily it actually was the correct Steel. (different seller). Interestingly the tanto is hollow ground, the clip and spear point flat ground.

[@Kevinclearysharpstuff]

Good work and two great knives!

[@Wall_enjoyer]

Absolutely love your shirt!

[@TheScottyp1]

been waiting for this

[@TheReligiousLeft]

Cold Steel does make a satin finished S35VN version of the Recon 1. But it’s only available through BladesCanada. I bought one and love it!

[@SpaceLab-ei5sq]

Hmm, I would love to get my hands on one of those Ti-Lite 4s in XHP but I wish they had one with the satin finish... Even though they're really over the top sometimes, cold Steel really has put out a ton of awesome folders over the years, tho their factory edges used to be much sharper

[@choffnosky987]

What sharpening set do you have?

[@coldhart79]

Thanks for the test done and review. Both are good steel which in normal usage will last a long long time. I am more afraid of sharpening the blades lol

[@ccooper8040]

Great comparison. Glad I got the XHP American Lawman before the change. I wish your test were done with 20-25 degree edges. These angles are a little more everyday angles. 17 just seems a little less durable for edc. Thanks

[@CedricAda]

17 is a grear angle for most uses, I havent found durability issues with any of the steels so far. I’ve even batonned my 17 degree knives and have done okay. Theres a great video on the neroknives channel where he see how steep AUS8 can go before it fails and it was about 10° per side

[@J85909266]

This is just the video I wanted to see. Thank you so much, man. I need one of those flat dark earth Lawmans.

[@SuperSteelSteve]

I wonder if s35vn would do better with a course finish? Same 17° dps just with a say 600 grit edge. Its got a fair amount of vanadium in it. Awsome test once again sir.

[@dragonclaw88]

just got me a new CTS XHP cold steel lawman...love it...did yall know you can polish up DLC so it looks like a mirror? its looks so awesome...i put up a short vid about it if you wanna see how it looks and how its done

[@nitrorc4life1]

I like s35vn, but due prefer xhp over it, and have both steels in various models and manufacturers. Cannot go wrong with either in my opinion. Thank you again Cedric.

[@RJ-vb7gh]

I can't say I've heard about a lot of Cold Steel tactical folding blades braking in any steel... but in a "tactical" knife tougher is better. And on a long deployment to a to a wet climate more rust resistant is a good thing as is easier field sharpening. In all reality, I'm guessing Cold Steel is switching because S35VN is the current flavor of the month among people who are buying mid price folders. On the other hand, it's a pretty good all around steel, which it's hard to go wrong with.

[@readyme]

Good video. Off topic... can you do a sharper video? I want to get a sharpener but not sure what to look for.

[@christopherskipp1525]

Does CS make the code 4 in xhp?

[@dannynguyen3367]

I have those in xhp is it worth for upgrade to s35vn

[@AreteFinancialGroup]

What kind of sharpener does he have?

[@christamu2]

Keep up the great work.

[@brianfollett687]

Pete , where did you get the S35VN Recon 1 ? Off the CS website ? And its now a flat grind , right ? When you tested the LawMan was that version a hollow grind ? If yes , I think that would definitely have an impact on the cutting results, because CS's hollow grinds are soo thin behind the edge , l love their hollow grinds , I hope they don't go flat on all of their knives. STOCK UP on the XHP , BOYS...

[@drameday]

Wow have we become a spoiled lot. Many in this comment section complaining about s35vn. I get that xhp is a great steel, of course. But Carpenter isn’t selling it as knife steel anymore. From what I’ve read, they are only making it for industrial applications. (Whatever that means) So CS has no choice but to pick a comparable steel. S35vn is probably the most comparable when price is considered along with toughness, edge retention, and corrosion resistance. Did you guys want to go back to AUS8?

[@darrylreformina1438]

You just have to trust what Cold Steel is doing, as i am really sure they definitely do. I love Cold Steel 🤙🏽

[@steverodgers8035]

How's the xhp with corrosion?

[@wsmaga]

awesome video, thanks so much.

[@m.p.2327]

How is xhp holding up in corrosion resistance? I guess s35vn is better, but sadly i have neither of this steels to compare.

[@Greg_M308]

Really helpful, thanks!

[@johngunter735]

Could you do a video of ZDP-189 vs M4???

[@GutiTheJ]

that intro is kino

[@SHADOW-ke6xz]

Don't quote me but one day a cold steel in hxp will be a thing in the knife community...Like sought after I mean. Their xhp for me has been amazing and I use my blades all the time , but if I'm being honest the only time I sharpened my xhp blades wasn't because I had to it was because I just wanted fresh edge and wanted to see what it was like to sharpen it. Love your channel Cedric!

[@buzzbloomfield2754]

This aged well. It's true.

[@demo2952]

Prayers for your freedom mate.

[@maysdogus]

When I grow up, I'm going to Bovine University!

[@sst3tz]

That Intro! Nice

[@keithberry5870]

I’m glad a got a American lawman and a code 4 in CTS XHP before the switch over

[@mooseclappin11]

According to their 2018 catalog, a few of the knives will still be made in XHP. Unfortunately, the Lawman isn't one of them.

[@poorasslawstudent]

I'm new to knives, can you tell me what you are using to sharpen and any other suggestions you might have for a beginning knife sharpener. many thanks

[@hyssean12]

Get a lansky diamond kit and practice on cheap knives. Watch KZbin videos. Don't practice on a knife you care about to much because you might ruin a couple.

[@mak450]

Damn. Guess I better pull the trigger quick before the XHP models are all bought.

[@islientrageqd6482]

May I suggest a Tough Test for Cold Steel vs other Companies in all steels: CPM-S35VN & CTS-XHP & AUS 10A & CTS-BD1 & their old AUS 8A (trying to bend & brake it). That would be COOOOOLLLL! Then we would know who really makes their steel better. Plus a chart of CUT amounts from each steel type & each company compared. Basically, I would like to know which companies steel is the BOMB.

[@ryansgr8]

XHP is one of my favorite steels so I am disappointed that Carpenter can't seem to keep up with supply demands of the cutlery market.

[@MrSATism]

But isn't more of lack of demand from the industrial market? Because other than s30v/35vn, there isn't really a steel that I know of that manufacturers specifically tailored for the knife market

[@D00MTR33]

@@MrSATism vg10, 14c28n, bd1, bd1n, white paper, blue paper are designed for the knife market.

[@blackmarketbarber]

Outstanding video.

[@zdp-189]

I love my XHPs, Broken Skull and Spydo red weave Domino. BTW, Did I hear some Uematsu Black Mage's Final Fantasy metal music in there!

[@0nfir34h1m]

What was the song in the beginning? Was that L’via L’viaquez by The Mars Volta?

[@CedricAda]

Hunter Cunning yeah man, one of the solos

[@justinpatrickhoffman]

Good choice

[@justinpatrickhoffman]

Knew I recognized it

[@thechugdude]

Love Mars Volta and At the drive-in

[@johnnyboy1586]

I think blade geometry would favour the lawman as being hollow grind too .better slicer.maybe if using same knife for both steels might be closer result

[@dalecarpenter8828]

Xhp is right in there with d2 for edge holding ! Both get really sharp and hold the edge longer than most steels that I have tried !

[@travmaster3035]

I would agree but only if the D2 you mention is actually cpmD2 not the china D2 which sadly happens to be a ingot steel, compared to the cpmD2 which is a powdered form steel which is much much more correct in the way the composition develops when heat treated & its night & day in the overall performance department, basically China’s D2 is the equivalent to say poorly heat treated s35 & cpm’s D2 is comparable to a mid level heat treat of s30vn, none the less american steel is legit, chinas not so much, unless taiwan or japan then will receive quality

[@SeanJohnson-qm4pu]

I carried a recon1 in the jungle for 6 months and it chipped out a lot. I preferred my esee 1095 or even a sog aus8 that didn't chip out.

[@Hornel66]

Great stuff. I know your from Australia and not a Kiwi, but can you say Bret, Jemaine, and Brabra?

[@ramonrodriguez5728]

My mistake. They are both saber, or high flat grind knives. I don't think you should just call it flat though because flat to me means full flat grind.

[@merlynquasar6214]

Hey Pete what do you use to sharpen your bark rivers?

[@CedricAda]

I freehand with the blue worksharp belt (no guide, just the whole convex flat against the belt) does okay

[@budthecyborg4575]

Amazing how much of a difference edge angle makes. XHP at 17 degrees is about as good as CPM10V at 20 degrees.

[@baltimoreravens1515]

Great video

[@jownbey]

Had my s35vn recon 1 waved and tiger stripe acid etched. Like a cqc8 on crank lol

[@tonycanniffe2360]

That Recon1looks so badass with the 17dps edge. Good result for the s35vn but still...

[@ramonrodriguez5728]

That is a high flat grind on the recon & the lawman from what l know is hallow even though yours look flat. If it is the different grinds will make a difference on the test, big difference.

[@Elslemmo]

Wooohooooo EXPLOSIONS !!!!!!

[@daw162]

I've used some of this stuff - it wears under a microscope like carbon steel does, but it doesn't rust (for obvious reasons). At this point, I'd like to have some stock to make tools, I suspect it may be similar to something that's being offered by woodworking suppliers now and would love to test that. BUT, I can't find any in blanks 2+ inches wide an a hundredth thick anywhere.

[@daw162]

update to this -I did find XHP stock from carpenter in a thickness good for woodworking planes. It isn't fine edge tough if it meets anything less than ideal, but in clean wood, it has double the edge life of O1 and almost double A2. A good steel for finishing planes after others do the heavy work. Grinds slow, and files and drills slowly before hardening and tempering, but can be hardened and tempered with a quick high heat and oven temper and works really well. If the heat before quench is slow in the open atmosphere, then bad things happen, but that can be skipped. It does need to get pretty hot compared to carbon steel, though ( very bright orange to dull yellow-orange - around 1900F). Quenches easily in vegetable oil and doesn't warp much. But the steel stock is expensive!

[@rodrigoteresa7944]

Hopefully Carpenter updates their facilitues so they can keep up with demand.

[@tiredrummertube]

I sharpened my Coldsteel xhp to 15* and it chipped all over the place. (I know that is asking a lot from an edc)Thx for this video, because I had been wondering why Coldsteel went to s35vn and the difference. Your test surprised me though, since I thought xhp was fairly quick to dull (imho). I hope you will do a few more tests. thx again!

[@Oozy9Millimeetah]

I would suggest you take a really close look at your apex with a flashlight and look for a small wire edge. Very common problem.

[@paddyspotatopeelers2154]

Great job mate,I've just got a lansky basic and a coarse diamond stone and will get the strop after watching your results and I have to say best edges on the two knives I've done.so thank you.atb paddy😀👍☘

[@mt_baldwin]

I use the same set up you just described. I highly recommend you use only one rod when sharpening, when you switch hones, take the hone off the rod and put the new hone on that same rod, don't have three hones on three rods as you sharpen. Each rod will get ever so slightly bent differently from one another over time and this'll cause a big problem as you go up in grits, either seeming like nothings happening or leaving you with a jagged, uneven edge when you strop. Yes I learned this the hard way.

[@eliasburgstaller4544]

paddys potato peelers Don't get the lansky strop...just get a normal one where you freehand it. It's way more versitale, you get a bigger stropping surface and you dont have to be that exact with your stropping angle :)

[@paddyspotatopeelers2154]

elias burgstaller that makes a lot of sense but I will only sharpen and reprofile with this system on knives I really want to look great.i love stroping my knives and sit most nights and strop one or two blades .i also free hand sharpen.i love trying all ways of getting the little blighters sharp.atb paddy.😀👍☘

[@tonycanniffe2360]

paddys potato peelers I like the Ceramic/honing stone paddy. I have the strop too. (I can send you some kangaroo skin if you want some to make strops. It’s a finer pored and thinner leather.)

[@paddyspotatopeelers2154]

Tony Canniffe that's awfully nice of you to offer mate,but I think I would be frightened I'd shred them to quickly I'm a bit heavy handed lol .there to expensive for that,I'd panic every time I stropped .but the thought is so genourous my friend thank you.atb paddy😀👍🙏☘

[@Cr0cket20]

Great look at the performances of the steel.

[@hoguemusic9706]

What sharpener did you use there?

[@REgamerPRO]

Lansky diamond

[@madmartigan7723]

In search of honest information: I have always used more budget friendly knives. Most of my experience is with Buck's 420hc, 1095 and Case's "True sharp" and CV steel. However, I have recently had a desire to diversify my knife collection and start buying more "premium", mid to high-endish knives. My question is would S35vn be a major upgrade to the aforementioned steels that I listed? Sorry if this is an elementary questions, but I'm just so inexperienced in this field. Any information will be helpful and greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

[@CedricAda]

You’ll definitely notice an improvement jumping from those steels to something like s35vn. Some of the smaller graduations as you climb the ‘steel ladder’ are a little harder for the end user to pick up, but hoing from older steels like those to steels like this is a decent amount of extra carbon and other elements so you should feel it

[@madmartigan7723]

@@CedricAda Thank you for your input. Over the last few months, I've been able to get into a few different knives with more "modern" steels. Your information has definitely proven true in my recent experiences. I'm enjoying the journey and appreciating your videos. Thank you.

[@coherence_x54r]

Just bought a Code 4 in XHP, can't believe I still found one!

[@darrylreformina1438]

2 just sold on Ebay, spear point & clip point. Both XHP

[@coherence_x54r]

@@darrylreformina1438 I looked and looked. Bought a fully serrated and with my KME I made it a plain 20°. Took an hour and a half 😭

[@darrylreformina1438]

@@coherence_x54r nice 👌. I was eyeing the clip point, but just slipped my mind until it was too late. Anyways, stay safe and GOD bless >

[@coherence_x54r]

@@darrylreformina1438 thanks same to you. I fumbled last minute yesterday on a bid for a factory second Spyderco PM2 in S110V for $130, stay sharp and God bless 🙏

[@darrylreformina1438]

@@coherence_x54r oh boy. Gotta play that waiting game now. It's alright, I'm sure one should pop up sometime soon 🤙🏽

[@MichaelTravis12c27]

Is that Recon 1 hollow ground or saber ground?

[@CedricAda]

Blue Mountain Bushcraft and Outdoors looks flat, but could ve slightly hollow!

[@MrSATism]

From the literatrure I've seen, it claims that they changed it to a flat grind, but from my experience I do see some hollow-ness. It's a suprisingly good slicer, like a REALLY good slicer, even at 20 dps

[@DPIDDY69]

I love my BS with XHP. great steel.

[@SHADOW-ke6xz]

I love their xhp and it sucks that their dumping it

[@chrisl9872]

Thanks dude....very good revue....helps a lot!!

[@j.k.7807]

Did I just watch you put a 17° "Worksharp Edge" on a blade using a Lansky system?

[@monsterslayer4317]

Sorry, you confused me...which knife was XHP? Isn't the XHP American Lawman hollow ground, and the S35V Recon 1 flat ground? That would make a big difference in edge life...

[@frozenturtlefarts1025]

I didn't think it would beat it.