My Top 5 Favorite Knife Steels & Why

THIS IS MY TOP 5 FAVORITE BLADE STEELS ON KNIVES, THESE ARE STEELS THAT I LOVE THE MOST ON MY KNIVES. THESE ARE THE BEST KNIFE STEELS YOU CAN HAVE ON YOUR KNIFE, AFTER YEARS OF TESTING DIFFERENT KNIVES AND BLADE STEELS THESE ARE MY 5 ULTIMATE STEELS OF ALL. SO IF YOU ARE WANTING THE BEST BLADE STEELS IMO THESE ARE WHAT I WOULD GO WITH FOR POCKET KNIFE STEELS.
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[@NeevesKnives]

I DID MAKE A MISTAKE IN THE VIDEO WHEN SPEAKING ABOUT CRUWEAR, THE TOUGHNESS WOULD BE AN 8/10, WHEN READING THE SPECS I READ THE BLADE HQ ONE WHICH IS NOT AS ACCURATE ON THAT PARTICULAR STEEL AS LARRIN ON KNIFE STEEL NERDS. I LINKED INFORMATION IN THE DESCRIPTION TO CHARTS ETC.. THANK YOU FOR WATCHING

[@DinoNucci]

a lowercase comment

[@cynic4159]

I have to say I always walk away feeling like I've learned something from your videos which is why your Chanel is at the top of my favorites.

[@NeevesKnives]

I appreciate that!

[@20alphabet]

Same here.

[@experienceprecision5406]

That's why I became a member. Few bucks a month to support the lad. 👍

[@patrickbledsoe2176]

Exactly !!! And always get a thumbs up but I got 4 kids 2 n diapers and 1 in collage so sending cash isn't in the budget but the dude that does thank you for supporting great creators like this guy

[@NeevesKnives]

@@experienceprecision5406 I appreciate that 👊

[@c7t1consulting87]

CPM 20CV and CPM S45VN are two of my underrated favs. Fantastic well balanced steels for this hot and humid Houston climate.

[@thomaszinecker1785]

Way too brittle man no steel should have a glass edge. Hey be careful!!! Not a line on premium steels

[@skylerbond56]

​@@thomaszinecker1785I've never had chipping issues with s35vn so I just stick with that and 14c28n as they strop up in like 10 seconds so I keep a shaving edge for long time with those

[@acid6urns]

how tf is 20cv underrated? literally half the knives on the market are in 20cv or m390 😂

[@BC08]

@@acid6urns That fact the 20CV and M390 are more readily available than S90V shows they are very overrated if anything

[@tacklecentralfishing1051]

S30V does just fine for me holds a good edge is easy to sharpen responds to a strop real well. People hate on it but it just works for me 👍

[@MattH-wg7ou]

I didnt know people hated on S30V lol

[@IlliniDog01]

@@MattH-wg7ou Just compared to M390 and Magnacut, etc. If the price is reasonable, most people are just fine with it. You just can't price it like a premium steel any more since it no longer out-performs most of them.

[@patrickmulligan3101]

Agreed. There was a time where S30V was the industry standard for a "decent" knife. Times just change and we have a lot of other options. But for most people, S30V is going to do the job for EDC and be very low maintenance as it doesn't rust easily. There a plethora of solid EDC knives with that steel. I've explored into other steels higher range and I have to say I would always feel just better about having my EDC with S30V becuase I know it'll do its job and take a moderate beating.@@IlliniDog01 What I would say is though is that these knives with S30V haven't really declined in price (cough cough BENCHMADE) and these companies need to realize that the sliding scale has forced that steel into mid-tier

[@christophermitchell7925]

@@IlliniDog01It’s still a premium steel that out performs lower, more commonly used grades of steel.

[@phil2082]

S30V is very close to the best steels on every category.

[@aarneuuk9601]

This is a SUPER video All the info I'd ever need Lots of effort has gone into production Thank you!

[@BluetoothBlades]

I love it when you do videos of this nature...myself and many many others have learned so very much from Neeves Knives . You have the very best channel for learning about steels, angels, geometry, grits, stones ect. That 8 have viewed. So keep it up BROTHER!

[@the_knights_edge]

Awesome video, as ALWAYS brother! Thanks!

[@mikereese15]

Awesome video. Always appreciate your insight into steels.

[@michaell397]

Neeves, I'm really appreciating your deep dive into the different attributes of steels and what can be expected of them with different grits. Ii tried for years to explain just how effective micro teeth can be in cutting. Particularly tough materials. On one on BF paid attention as the local guru there who claimed to be a certified, Metallurgical engineer said no such thing existed. I finally did a deep dive into his history and found that he had so such degree but had attended a trade school. I guess his country does not have the standards we enjoy. Your are doing Fine and are actually getting the communities attention! Good Job! KnifeMaker

[@southpawscortz34]

Thanks for the content Jared. I received a Knife with nitro v for Christmas. I have been having trouble keeping an edge but after watching some of your sharpening videos I realized I was overstropping and taking it to to high of a grit for my needs. Thanks for helping to sharpen my skills and setting my edges straight. I really enjoy your informative detailed videos

[@NeevesKnives]

if you want to go with a higher grit finish lower the angle, with any steel the lower the angle the better a fine edge will turn out, so if you are going with a mid range angle keep it in the medium grit

[@southpawscortz34]

@@NeevesKnives thanks for providing the tools and a little confidence. I have a better understanding of what I am looking at and looking for. I'm now willing to explore more in my sharpening without feeling like I'm screwing it up

[@mikafoxx2717]

​For sure. You want a razor polish? Better make it thin as a razor to slice well. Nitro-V, 14c28n are made to be razor blade steels. I like toothy edges myself, though. Maybe 1k at most but even a good 400 grit.

[@KINGACE9]

Great video and I highly appreciate the information.

[@klrktsr]

Lots of knowledge here. Always appreciate these videos.

[@reggielawson9957]

Thank You. Cleared up years of confusion. Your explanation of Geometry vs Toughness especially helpful.

[@clintcrosby6337]

Thanks for all the sharpening tips. My knives have never been sharper. Thanks Jared

[@velvetine74]

Really good video, love your explanations for your choices. Given me something to think about with what grit's I want to be using with my different steels!

[@BigCountry316]

Your the man! Dropping all the knowledge....Awesome channel!

[@glockgaston2922]

Great video brother and I agree with you on all points. I happen to absolutely love k390 as well and all the different edges it can take. Thanks for sharing it’s appreciated 👊🏼

[@DStein-jn9ls]

Thank you for this great information! I learned a lot!!!

[@christiangarba811]

Love this video. Nice work man - super informative and interesting. Makes me want to expand my steel variety 👌

[@paulg.5997]

Amazingly thorough and informative video.

[@gregorygolden1296]

Great, great video. Never too old to learn.

[@jayzuena]

Glad to hear that cruwear is high on your list. It has become my very favorite steel, specifically in a pocket knife. I love it.

[@chrisjones7352]

Well done good sir! Loving the rex45 and cruwear spyderco's i recently aquired.

[@user-zy6sz2lm3e]

Man... Thank yoy for the great honest work you do for us❤

[@onewade1974]

Such a great video and something I trust your opinion on! Thanks

[@BangkokMark]

Nice detailed vid. Love the information. Thanks!

[@WillLiam32]

Amazing video, thanks!

[@bighamz1175]

As always my man great video can really see the effort you put into them and man learned so much from you keep it up

[@bon3y4rd]

I really liked this video. I wish i would have leaned about the different steel options years ago. I had no idea how many options there were. I mainly purchase budget knives and normally look for 14c28n right off the bat. I really like that steel. Thanks for sharing your knowledge about this. It's very helpful and interesting.

[@Knifefreak_666]

Very learnful video thx Jerad

[@joshuanapier855]

K390 is my current favorite as well. I got the spyderco leaf jumper in k390 and it was just a strange experience. Just a beast of a steel.

[@rustytygart405]

Love k390 zdp189 and truly have never been disappointed with s90v

[@timothyruth4980]

Your passion, enthusiasm, and extensive knowledge base is Super Impressive!! Thanks, as always! ✨😺

[@EZ_Case]

Jared is fascinating to watch. This channel is what got me into knives 2 years ago. I would have never imagined ever having a knife addiction but here I am, still buying knives I don’t need.😂

[@roel.vinckens]

I knew this was going to be interesting, but once again you slammed it out of the park Jarred ! So much specific and to the point information... Great job ! Thanks !

[@IddoPinkas]

How do you feel about ZDP-189?

[@DuhYaThink]

Great pics 👋

[@ThePlantedTankTV]

Can't believe D2 wasn't on this mid tier list. It's the best budget steel in my opinion.

[@echosierra9990]

While D2 is a pretty good budget steel, it can rust pretty easily. For a knife newbie, they don’t want to buy a knife, only to have it start rusting after a few weeks in the pocket. Most non knife enthusiasts don’t realize the need to keep D2 clean and oiled. A rusty knife is a crap knife in most peoples eyes. I have a couple of knives in D2, and I maintain them, but my QSP penguin rusted just sitting in my drawer.

[@jocemarine6247]

I bouth 2 De Steel but didnt test it yes. It should be not so bad. Because I just seen Bedford knife with D2 over 450.00😅

[@poppacooter]

sometimes i really like these types of videos instead of a knife review. thumbs up .

[@bearlck]

Thanks Jerad for sharing all your experience with these knife steels. For Magnacut, you mentioned HRC is very critical to the edge retention. I'm wondering with all the models you cut tested and/or sharpened, which companies do you think are doing great heat treatment on MC?

[@Greg_M308]

Great video. Super interesting.

[@brandonmaples]

Loving Aeb-l from Tkell with my Raider 🤙🏽

[@Abby_Normal_1969]

Nice list. 10V/K390 is one of my favorites as well. I have a small fixed edc blade in 10V that I keep with me daily. Got a Sheepdog in 10V that is a delight. Spyderco treats their K390 well too. Magnacut is great. Vanex is great. I love 4V/Vanadis 4E and would really want it on my list. Great vid as always.

[@andreaburroni2213]

very interesting point of wiew.

[@NK-wy8wp]

I peeped Steve Callari kitchen knife, I picked 2 up and they’re amazing.

[@colinclarke9379]

just ordered that Manix 2 lw in Rex 45. Super stoked for my first spyderco 🤟🏼

[@deadvikingtrolls]

Manix 2 is the best spyderco too. Good buy. Head the flytanium and get yourself a metal ball bearing cage and thumb slider for maximum toughness.

[@colinclarke9379]

@@deadvikingtrollsill check those out thanks

[@matthewkuhl79]

Try a Native 5, too

[@df2dot]

This vid nailed it. 154 is the Everyman steel. K390 what can you say. It impresses everyone. Have to add my other favs. M4 m390, 110v.

[@wes.killed.it.5511]

From one experienced freehand sharpener to another, not gonna lie I was saddened that M4 didn't make its way onto the list😂Still to this day I will preach from the rooftops that my 65.2 HRC custom in M4 is the best steel I have ever sharpened (it's a stingy S.O.B. but I love the challenge lol) and the best steel I have ever used in application for cutting long term. Yeah it's not stainless but I live in southern Cali so I can't even rust my 1095/01 tool knives even with effort trying to do so 😂🤷‍♂ All jokes aside this is a great list and you're videos are always entertaining; keep making content that makes knives fun💪

[@carknelson5895]

Shoutout to Spyderco for using lots of different steels so we can sharpen them!

[@dustinwhitt5297]

In order from favorite to least favorite for me. CPM M4, Cruwear, Magnacut, S45VN.

[@thomaszinecker1785]

Cruwear and magnacut are pretty perfect steels. M4/4v are pretty perfect BUT you can't sharpen them AND they rust easy! So that's not a "premium" steel for a noobie ya know? I thought 20cv was but it has even more warnings: hard to sharpen. Brittle edge.

[@fredstephens6737]

I love listening to experts explain the characteristics of blade steels. Early on, this info played a huge role in my knife choices. But then thinking about how I used my knives, i concluded that the steel wasn't that big a deal. I mean, how much better wiil magnacut cut up a sammich over 14C28N? For me, it's just not the end all, be all when evaluating a knife. If was big into collecting/reselling I might feel different. Great content!

[@ryanjennings6541]

I love spyderco mostly because they bring us a lot of awsome steels we wouldn't have otherwise . Spy27 and s45 have been amazing for as a work beaters cause the maintenance is near nothing .

[@jhfit]

Excellent video

[@stroppystuff641]

Based steel preference. Especially for k390 and cru-wear. Absolutely killer steels.

[@57HEMIviken]

K390 is without a doubt my favorite.

[@Kris_Stiletto]

I absolutely luv the Spyderco Cruwear. :-) Peace, Stiletto :-)

[@JunMclean]

Seems that you are right about sharpening s30v, cause ever since I switched from a smooth strop to a medium coarse strop I noticed it’s keeping a better edge and it preforms better when it’s slightly toothy aswell. Thanks kneeves, the sharpening tips help and I concur with your thoughts from experience

[@MWS67]

I like M390. Have a couple knives that are made of M390 and they are great. D2 is pretty good also. Easy to work with.

[@Kris_Stiletto]

Question? Do you think Microtech uses a lower HRC on their M390MK to keep it tough, since they're main use is for Tactical Manual Folders and Side Opening Autos and OTF Pocket Knives? :-) Peace, Stiletto :-)

[@tyarnold4088]

You have a lot of knowledge. Good vid.

[@danielabbott9312]

Thank you Jared! Some great information here, answered a few questions that have been nagging at me a bit, and explained some difficulties I have had in the past. Also I completely agree with you on your assessment of Magnacut. It is currently my favorite premium Steel with 14c28n and ar-rpm9 being my favorite and preferred budget Steel

[@tacticalcenter8658]

Aarpm9 is not a powdered metallurgy steel and 9cr18mov that its based on is higher wear. Aarpm9 may provide more toughness. But were talking about folders.

[@danielabbott9312]

@tacticalcenter8658 yes it is, if you type in on google it is in the first line of information also arrmp9 from artisan and cjrb is advertised as such on their website

[@danielabbott9312]

@tacticalcenter8658 also I didn't say it was powder metallurgy I said along with 14c28n it is among my favorite budget steals. But with that being said it is a powder metal Steel...

[@tacticalcenter8658]

@@danielabbott9312 There is a small tool steel manufacturer in east of China and the Chinese version VG10 is also coming from this factory. You can tailor make the steel composition you want at this mill, but they do not make any powdered stainless steel, because they don’t have the equipment. It‘s electric arc steel. This is also where aarpm9 is made.

[@danielabbott9312]

Considering artisan/ cjrb is the only company that sell this Steel and it is proprietary to them and they've never released where it's made even though there is strong indications that it is from China, I find it hard to believe you know the exact location and what is in their shop. also every piece of information you can find on it states that it's powder metallurgy you can even go on chat GPT or googles AI bard and it says the same thing. Give me some kind of proof a website something I can go to that way I have something for my lawsuit because everything I'm finding is indicating you don't know what you're talking about....

[@MattH-wg7ou]

One of my longest lasting beast mode knives is my 20yr old Benchmade AFOII (9051SBK I believe?) in 154CM and it is great but yea it (the edge) doesnt last as long as some others. Had good experience with Guardian Tactical's ELMAX. My only M390 is a Microtech Socom that came unacceptably dull and I havent tried to sharpen it yet as I dont have the diamond Lansky stones. I still wanna send it off for a professional sharpening. Super nice Shirogorov man! Thats one of my grail knives!

[@jonathanwatson268]

I am a very sweaty guy and i work in outdoor temps year round. I get at least a little rust on most steels in my pocket in a workday. I also like to have good to great edge retention. Before magnacut came out my favorite was S110V but my options for daily carry without rust were limited basically to Spyderco or quiet carry with vanax but i don't like quiet carry knives much. When magnacut came out and became wide spread i was excited because it really opened up my options. And i find that it holds a pretty good edge!

[@EDCandLace]

S90v! Highly stainless, fantastic edge retention with reasonable toughness.

[@Freakmaster480]

@@EDCandLaceS90v is my preferred of the high abrasion resistance stainlesses, but its corrosion resistance is so-so. It's more in line with s30v. S110v has notably better stain resistance, even if its toughness/edge retention balance is a little worse. While not my preferred steel, the 20CV family should offer really solid stain resistance when done well. Not quite as good as magancut, but roughly in line with s110.

[@littlejackalo5326]

My fav is when you buy a Spyderco knife in 110, and the hardware and pins rust but the blade doesn't. LOL.

[@maxlvledc]

I've never considered steels in the sense of what kind of edge it can hold...you have given me a lot to think about it. Thoughts on 3V vs. CPM-Cruwear?

[@Freakmaster480]

Relatively similar steels in terms of function and performance. 3v is tougher but cruwear is still good. Cruwear will hold an edge a little longer. Neither are stainless but both are on the higher corrosion resistance end of "non-stainless". They have a similar hrc range, sharpen ability, ect. I feel 3v tends to take a slightly nicer edge, but it could just be the knife I sharpened had a slightly higher hrc. The choice is really just 3V for more toughness, cruwear for more abrasion resistance.

[@tacticalcenter8658]

3v is fine when they don't use Crucible's ht protocols. Using the low temper and delta protocols makes it better. Its not a great steel for folders though. Cruwear is better for folders and can be ht with Crucible's protocols decently and can go up to 65rc like benchmade do (Spyderco is lower). Theirs even more advanced cruwear protocols but not often used outside of custom knife maker's.

[@tacticalcenter8658]

Roman Landes Heat Treatment recommendation: Now this is what I would recommend for heat treat cpm 3v: 1st preheat: 500-600°C, equalize 2nd preheat:800-900°C, equalize Authenize: 1060-1070°C, equalize, soak 30-35min Quench in Oil preheated 60-80°C Cryo: immediately after cleaning, minimum -80°C or lower soak 30min 1st Temper: 150°C equalize, soak 2hrs, quench in water Cryo: immediately after temper 2nd Temper: 180-200°C equalize, soak 2hrs should give you 60+ and a fine durable grain. RGDS Roman This is why I would do it like this. The "receipt" suitable is for a vacuum furnace (Quench with maximum pressure) or a regular cline, but surface protection has to be assured. Salt bath will cut the soak time approximately by 1/3 and thus give better aust-grain. The preheating steps will assure the the austenization steps can be done quick. Quicker speed >> smaller grain Authenization temperature is dedicated to dissolve Chrome and Molybdenum >> fair hardness and some enhanced "Stainresistance" is to be expected. The vanadium will remain in the steel bond as a compound of carbon, hence aust-grain cant really grow The oil quench is suitable for any steel out of the air hardening classes. The thin cross sections get higher hardness after quench (greater volume fraction of martensite) and a less stabilized volume fraction retained austenite. (The volume fraction of RA can be expected (near guess) between 20 and 30% or even higher) Warping of the blade shall not be an issue with these materials. If you have done a lot of hard mechanical work before hardening (milling, grinding,)then do a stress relief so warping gets less likely. The cryo needs to be done as quick as possible below -80°C. RA tends to stabilize rather quickly after the quench (some reports speak of minutes) The longer you wait, the less efficient the transformation to untempered martensite will be. And a minimum of -70°C is necessary to get enough stress into the micro structure, so the transformation (RA>>Martensite) process can restart again. Extensive soak time is not necessary since the process runs at hypersonic speed. But still there will be remains of RA that need to be addressed by the 2nd cryo. The first temper is a low temper so the remaining RA is stabilized at the lowest level possible and at the same time there is enough stress relief in the martensite that has been built and furthermore the transformation from tetragonal to cubic martensite is started. The water quench speeds the whole thing up and avoids precipitation of embrittling phases. Then the rest of the remaining RA will be attacked by the 2nd cryo (usually the RA will drop below 5% volume fraction) so burr formation is less likely. 2nd temper will now temper the untempered martensite build up by the cryo and bring the blade to a fully tempered martensitic structure with a low volume fraction of RA and a fair amount of carbides undissolved. Of course there is the question why not temper it at 540°C? First of all, if you don't have access to cryo then this is your way to go. In my studies of edge stability I did extensive work to compare secondary hardening and low temper with cryo. The results (reference is my graduate thesis 1999 Munich University of Applied Sciences) I found considerable higher edge stability with the samples that had low temper/cryo The material used at the time was ATS-34 all with the same charge and thus the same condition of austinization, but with different temper cycles. RGDS Roman

[@frankquinby5502]

Great video

[@CastIronPrimate]

This guy! Absolute font of all sharpening knowledge. To have come from a shady background and risen to this level is something to be deeply proud of, the knife community as a whole is all the better for having Jared at the forefront. You're a living legend my dude.

[@Freakmaster480]

The k390/10v/vanadis 8 family and magnacut are my favorite steels. There is nothing better, on average, than magnacut, and the 10v family offer some of the best edge retention to toughness balance of any steel. My favorite budget steel is 14c28n but I love he entire aebl family of steel. If Niomax ever some out it will take this spot, but only time will tell.

[@stevewodell6183]

I recently bought a 14c28n qsp grebe. It cost me 85 doll hairs. Which is the most expensive in my humble collection. It does seem sharper out of the box than the qsp penguin in d2...I haven't made the leap into high-end knives yet...

[@dogoargentinoedc]

That Shiro in vanax ❤

[@carlodanger8187]

Cruwear is my favorite all around

[@michaelcarr2619]

Best information about pocket knives comes from this guy. Great video! Wonder what he thinks about common steels like S30V and S35VN. I have a lot of knives but those are the most common in my collection so would appreciate his thoughts on those. Also M390.

[@windowbreezes]

ZDP!!! ...next episode, let's investigate the japanese steels... SLD Magic and DC33.3.3.something

[@Bjornvetr]

Great content! I'm about to get a Cruwear PM3 and you just confirmed how great that will be. Just a question: are those Venev hybrid diamond stones? I have a TSPROF K-03 full kit that I use for my hand-sharpening side-job, and the Venev stones I got look exactly the same as those you're using here. I love them, they cut much faster than the usual synthetic stones, and finer than the average diamond stone!

[@danielcluley870]

K390 is my favorite right now for EDC. Edge is great and I can get it sharper than others, but I also found I like it as a "user" more partially because it will patina and show use, and I am not afraid to "mess it up" like other safe-queen knives I own. 3v is my favorite for fixed blade/outdoor knives, although magnacut is up there now, depending on use. Sadly don't own any Cru-Wear, I may have to remedy that soon. Lastly, I would say CTS-XHP is underrated, but it could just be that I only ever carried it in my Chaparral, which has excellent blade geometry and heat-treat for a small EDC fixed blade.

[@NeevesKnives]

i absolutely agree, and wish we could get more cts xhp, the best ive tried was from spyderco and it made me fall in love with it. im not sure why more companies are not using it i heard a rumor that its getting hard to get in large quantities

[@tacticalcenter8658]

Try k890, you'll like it better than 3v. Or if you want better 3v, try the low temper protocols like delta3v etc.

[@Leftyotism]

I also heard Cold Steel moved away from HXP due to availability issues. @@NeevesKnives In the end people just don't use it enough for it to be more available in larger quantities. Maybe CTS just ain't big enough.

[@googlechicken]

I like D2 because it holds a good edge and is super rugged it’s a good choice for a bushcraft knife. It’s drawback is that it’s difficult to sharpen

[@kraftzion]

Lol, of the knives I own I have 3 that I carry in rotation. K390 endura, rex45 para2, cruwear millie. I like super crispy too.

[@robertbarnum7541]

I've got some great knives, and in the steels that Jared has mentioned, but the Stretch 2 in K390 just won't leave my pocket. Nor the Ladybug in K390 on my keychain.

[@greekveteran2715]

My TOP 5 steels: 1) Edge/Bevel geometries. 2) Succesful heat treatment. 3) Handle design. 4) Locking mechanism (or sheath if it's fixed blade) 5) Blade thickness/overall design,not for the looks, but for the performance/functionality of the tool. Lastly, I don't have a favorite steel for fodlers, I enjoy though, Ballbearing steel,Vanadis 4 Extra and CPM 3V, on my outdoor fixed blade knives that I use.

[@hersheljackson69]

My top 3 steels in a pocket knife in no particular order, cts-xhp, k390, magnacut

[@DieselMech15]

That tomlov camera makes your videos even better than they already are. Details matter

[@robertbarnum7541]

I loved it also, and have one (Tomlov DM401) on order.

[@brettt1268]

Ya K390 is my favorite it just doesn’t stop cutting

[@danielherrera8951]

Great video. Really appreciate all the good info and expertise. What are you thoughts on SPY 27 ? How much have you worked with it ?

[@NeevesKnives]

Not much at all

[@clavididk1236]

I like m4 alot. 🔥

[@rabbittoocute1931]

My top 3 is cru-wear , 3v , n690

[@milrtp101]

Nice Kato!

[@goawaybaizuo]

Magnacut is only good with high rc on pocket knives. After using a 65rc custom that was 9thou bte I will NEVER buy soft magnacut again. I've learned high hardness is benefit on just about any steel on a pocketknife.

[@user-pp1zu6bg2u]

I have a couple of K390 blades. Love the edges and retention. Concerned about corrosion though. How do you see this steel holding up?

[@OGCAMG]

My k390 leaf jumper serrated can cut through anything! Great video

[@TeaDoubleE85]

My favorite is 3V

[@DamionJR4923]

Magnacut LC200n Cruwear 3v S30 s35 and 154cm I call basically a tie I pick easy sharpening and toughness over edge holding. These are some of my favorites. Haven’t used 15v 10v Vanex or anything exotic so my list is somewhat limited.

[@robertbarnum7541]

One of your best, the best? Primo Jared. You are singing our song.

[@DuhYaThink]

I would trust Dr.Larrin’s data over blade hq. You do great work brother 👍🏻

[@andrewlyons7629]

I saw the grits for 154CM, CPM154, Cruwear, maxamet,and Vanax…what grits do you recommend for the others and which take a mirror? Thanks in advance!

[@jusme8060]

I personally prefer nitro v or k390 for folders. 52100 or cruwear for fixed blades. For toughness applications I like 8670

[@optimuscrime608]

Spydercos Rex45 is ridiculously good. Heat treat is perfection

[@rshear618]

Hey Jared how is the heat treat on Kizers Rex 45 with their mystic knife?

[@DB.KOOPER]

14C28N is hands down my favorite budget steel when done to a proper HT (mid to upper 60's IMO)12C is also awesome in my experience. Top-end steels: I'm IN LOVE with Cruwear/Z-Wear, K390 and Rex 45 right now for my folders (I just wish I could get a Spyderco Shaman in K390). For fixed blades I like 3V, 14C28N Cruwear and 5160. I have no desire to jump on the Magnacut hype train that's all the rage right now, IMO "corrosion resistance"/stainless steels are mostly pointless except for kitchen/medical tools. I live and hunt in the PNW and I;ve never had an issue with corrosion that _maybe_ 5min of elbow-grease couldn't solve once I got off the mountain.

[@WillEDC]

Truth be told. Most of us don’t need magnacut, it’s just the latest greatest now. I also like 14c28n, I have a bunch of French knives in that steel that are very nice for slicing meat. Also have a bushcraft knife coming in that 14c28N. Actually in the outdoors, you don’t want a super steel. You won’t have your diamond plate sharpening lol to bring back the edge. You need something that easy to maintain the edge outdoors with a strop or a ceramic rod that is easy to carry on the go

[@lymedog3176]

Jerad, the strop your using in this video, is it smooth or rough leather and what polish did you use?

[@luvdacurvyones]

Well said

[@IntelWond]

Very interesting video. It was nice to hear all those things, 'cause it's never enough just to see that "Edge retention" rating on Blade HQ - you have to know the details about the retention of a really fine edge vs. working edge. Not a word about M390, though it's a popular one.) Would be interesting how you rate it , especially with a polished edge.

[@TwitchRadio]

I'm a 14C28N guy myself... Hands down my go to and is the lowest lvl of steel I would get.. Plus most knives with this is fairly inexpensive... My knifes in this is vosteed raccoon and my QSP canary neck knife... Before thus I use to use Elmax on my Giant Mouse fixed blade.. Anyways, going to look into the ones that you talked about here.. I just need something good in Washington state and keeping the damn thing from getting rusty... And needs to be fixed blade (4 - 4.5 in cutting edge).. Bushcraft style but good edc fixed blade too.... Let me know if anything comes to mind... Thank you for your time and the video ✌️😎🔪

[@mikafoxx2717]

I also don't mind 12c27, just because mora and opinel are so bloody handy and the stainless is basically a free upgrade over 1095. Tougher at the same hardness and more edge retention, still easy to sharpen. 14c28n is nicer though, for sure. Nitro V as well. All sort of the same ballpark of steels.

[@davidknep]

The new GM biblio xl you reviewed comes in titanium and Vanadis steel. Whats your opinion on Vanadis?

[@slkknifelover]

We wouldn't have these steels without spyderco.. that's why they are my favorite brand