Time to Try Spyderco’s CPM-S45VN (Spyderco Para 3)

Heads up! I haven’t planned on discussing the chemistry and theories behind the steels in this video but I got away from myself. Due to this I made a handful of mistakes when comparing S30V, S35VN , S45VN. Please use the link below to Larrin’s article at Knife Steel Nerds about S45VN for the correct information.
knifesteelnerd...

[@EngineersPerspective701]

Heads up! I haven’t planned on discussing the chemistry and theories behind the steels in this video but I got away from myself. Due to this I made a handful of mistakes when comparing S30V, S35VN , S45VN. Please use the link below to Larrin’s article at Knife Steel Nerds about S45VN for the correct information. knifesteelnerds.com/2019/11/01/crucible-s45vn-steel/

[@christurnerct49]

I need to learn so do you got a video that goes into it ? And this video is a year old so how did the 45 end up doing compared to 30 and 35

[@EngineersPerspective701]

@@christurnerct49 overall this Spyderco S45VN is for sure my preference over S30V and S35VN. I just get good use out of it in the daily and it sharpens really nice for a stainless steel. I would rank them: 1) S45VN 2)S30V 3)S35VN

[@ericasedc]

I am so curious to hear your thoughts. Mine was so amazing. One of my favorites EVER!!!!!

[@EngineersPerspective701]

So initial findings are very positive! Did a couple of hand edges and was very happy with how crisp and fine it comes up for a stainless. A little less aggressive feeling than S30V maybe but way better than S35VN by a mile. Used those edges up just to get through any burnt steel. I did a 17dps, 1500grit diamond edge from the KME and carried for about a week and a half. Absolutely stellar for the first 7 days or so and then started slowing down a bit but not bad. Stropped back on 4um CBN and boom, back to hair whittling. Very impressed. Granted this is lighter duty work than I used to do 2yr ago. Biggest takeaway is the edge has zero damage. No rolling, crushing, etc. With S30V my main mechanism for failure is generally rolling so the improved edge stability is the major victory. Will have to try lower angles to really see. Also this stuff moves insanely fast using diamond stones. So easy to get a sick edge back. Thank you for recommending it!

[@ericasedc]

@@EngineersPerspective701 wow- that makes me SO HAPPY to hear!!! That was literally my exact analysis as well. So glad you got to try it and that it didn’t let you down brother!!!!

[@ungabunga6735]

Finally decided to get a quality daily carry blade and after a long decision I narrowed my selections down to para 2 and para 3. Originally decided on the para 2 but After seeing many review videos I pulled the trigger on this exact para 3 with the camo and black blade. Lovey combination. Can’t wait for it to get here until then I’m just watching videos on the camo para 3

[@EngineersPerspective701]

Solid choice! We’ve all been there experiencing the knife we’re waiting in vicariously through reviews 😂

[@ericasedc]

Yes it is my brother!!!!! Awesome video!!!!!❤

[@EngineersPerspective701]

Sorry for effing up the channel name!🤦‍♂️

[@The335plyr]

I actually sharpened up some Spartan S45vn for a friend and it took a beautiful fine edge. It’s holding up great for him. Really look forward to hearing your experiences!

[@EngineersPerspective701]

Good to hear! What stones, progression did you use?

[@The335plyr]

@@EngineersPerspective701 I used the Venevs - 400-1200 OCB and then 1 or 2 ultra light passes on 1 mic CBN. Deburred very well. Nice clean apex.

[@harpothekidrs3282]

I'm hoping spyderco makes that 15v a regular player in their line up. It'd be really nice to see a Para 3 or native 5 lw in that steel

[@Maxrc77]

I think they will for a while but I don't think it be replacing K390 anytime soon if anything they might be taking a break from Maxamet.

[@tacticalcenter8658]

They will only buy more melts of 15v if there is high demand for it. So ask them on there forums or email or voice.

[@EngineersPerspective701]

Same hope. Haven't had enough time to compare to maxamet but replacing it is how I see it going as well if Spyderco makes it production.

[@tacticalcenter8658]

@@EngineersPerspective701 Sean aka big brown bear mentioned he was going to help out Spyderco heat treat protocols across the board. Better microstructure will be better than it already is. Though this won't go for the other factories who do their own heat treat that Spyderco outsources to. Ie Taiwan, Japan, Italy, China etc.

[@EngineersPerspective701]

@@tacticalcenter8658 I did hear that as a rumor so I'm hoping like hell it's true! Will be interesting to see if/how their current models will "evolve"

[@Phiz787]

Thank you for story time! I enjoyed the video a lot :)

[@EngineersPerspective701]

Glad you enjoyed!

[@turing2376]

Haven't used this one yet, can't wait to hear your take on it!

[@EngineersPerspective701]

Really, really enjoy it as a mid edge retention stainless. For sure an upgrade over S35VN and S30V.

[@CoryIsMyName]

I never knew I wanted to know so much about steel.

[@EngineersPerspective701]

Got lots of other videos on steel! Also check out big brown bear and knife steel nerds

[@doejon9424]

I still have my s30v PM2 & see no reason to upgrade. It's excellence. For years now.

[@EngineersPerspective701]

Spyderco has being doing a great job with their S30V for a long time. Still a solid performer!

[@rayrayrun]

Kinda regret giving my dad my pm2 after upgrading to the spydiechef

[@justinmcvay5560]

I've saved up for that Para 3, I want the blacked out one but i think im going to settle for the camo handle one.

[@EngineersPerspective701]

It’s a really nice knife and highly recommended it.

[@davestelling]

Been enjoying your tutorials. I've owned both the KME, and the Ken Onion rig. I recently purchased the Master Kit from TSPROF. Have you tried any other of these guided rod systems; that is, other than your KME? Still haven't found the time to sit down w/ my KO-3, but am eager to do so! Thanks for your content...

[@EngineersPerspective701]

The KME is my only experience so far. I’ve definitely been interested in WE, Edge Pro, Hapstone but I really try to focus on either freehand or the KME for sharpening supplies. Mainly so I don’t duplicate capabilities too much. Check out the KnifeKrazy channel. He has some super good videos on the KME from the 2015-2017 timeframe.

[@dead7hed]

I kept missing drop after drop after drop of the 15V Manix 2. Luckily I stumbled on a Canadian store and grabbed one. Watching the tracking through customs was anxiety inducing for sure. But there's another store "MidwayUSA" that I think has not released their 15V Manix 2s yet. At least the notification that I signed up for hasn't gone off yet. 15V is worth the hunt. Imagine it as 10V or K390 just a little better. Looking forward to see what you have to say about S45VN

[@CNYKnifeNut]

Midway went in and out of stock yesterday.

[@EngineersPerspective701]

Appreciate the heads up! I got hooked up by a viewer who had one in their local shop.

[@Hoosierdaddyjones812]

I just ordered a sprint run of spy27 should be here today

[@EngineersPerspective701]

Comment on a video after you get some use behind and let us know what you think!

[@Hoosierdaddyjones812]

@Engineer’s Perspective turned out to be super blue steel, not spy27, and so far, I love the little blade haven't had to sharpen it yet.

[@EngineersPerspective701]

@@Hoosierdaddyjones812 Super blue is awesome! I bet you'll get some insane edges on it. I actually really loved their V-Toku 2 sprints and I think the SB will be better than those

[@slalomnorth]

I didn’t get a 15v either. Seems like everyone else had no problem getting one, I don’t get it lol. I wish the new military 2 was in 15v

[@jimmycricket7946]

I signed up for notifications from atleast four or five different sites and never received a single heads up from any of them. I don't think they even bothered, probably because they knew the manix 15V would sell out immediately so there wouldn't be any point.

[@EngineersPerspective701]

I had no luck with the notifications either. Only BHQ did but I didn't see it until hours later so it didn't matter.

[@jimmycricket7946]

@@EngineersPerspective701 you would think they would atleast give us a day's notice so we might stand a chance. I guess it was a matter of having inside information, visiting the site's daily between certain hours or pure luck idk.

[@jimmycricket7946]

@@EngineersPerspective701 I finally picked up some s90v. I had s110v for years but after hearing so many people speaking more highly and in most cases preferring s90v I became very curious to try it out so I could make a comparison for myself. I do remember reading in an article that even Larrin was surprised by the results of s110v when compared with its cousin namely s90v. So, as of now I have in my possession.....s110v, s90v, 10V, 4V, a seki city stretch 2 k390 and two Native LW's in Rex45. So my question is what grit stones would you reccomend that would generally complement harder Steele's? And should I avoid using my ken union worksharp that forms a standard convex edge? I know the harder Steele's will wear out my belts in no time so I figured I'd be better off sharpening by hand. I do remember you mentioning something about dmt diamnd plates and that you should have one course and one more fine I just don't know exactly what you were referring too?

[@slalomnorth]

@@EngineersPerspective701 did you end up snagging any 15v?

[@mikegreen2214]

S45VN is a fantastic all-around steel, especially when it’s heat-treated well. If good corrosion resistance is required, it’s one of the best options there is when you consider its balance of edge-holding, edge stability, decent toughness, and ease of sharpening. I’d consider it to be a high-end option; it beats Elmax for sure, and is up there with Cru-Wear as a perfected pocket knife steel for using.

[@CNYKnifeNut]

"Beats Elmax for sure" I guarantee you couldn't tell the two apart in use or sharpening. _Easily_ two of my most used stainless steels lately (Inkosi, pm2 for s45vn, Schenk WR at 60.5 HRC and a Czechia made custom at 61.8 HRC for Elmax) and the custom is the only one I can actually see a difference in.

[@mikegreen2214]

@@CNYKnifeNut Fair enough; although my experience with S45VN has been better, they’d almost certainly be too close to tell apart with the same quality of heat treatment. (I haven’t tried Bark River’s or Spyderco’s Elmax, for instance.)

[@EngineersPerspective701]

Truthfully it's been really, really great. Much more impressed with this than I was with the Mule Magnacut for example. For me it comes down to the heat treatment for making this class of steels enjoyable for steel nerds instead of just a pain in the ass. The chemistry is okay enough just don't leave me with easily rolled edges and temperamental burrs please.

[@nandayane]

The Mani 2 rush was insane, I managed to score one but I nabbed it 2 mins after it dropped. Was not able to get lucky twice. However nowhere kept them in stock for longer than 30 mins. I hope they made ton of mules so everyone who wants 15V can get it. Sharpens a lot closer to Seki K390 than it does to maxamet.

[@EngineersPerspective701]

Agreed on the sharpening note. Feels like a normal steel but moves WAY easier than I was expecting. I was expecting it to be a bear but not at all.

[@newhuskytwenty]

I would buy a CPM S45VN if... I din't already have three CMP S110V Spydercos.

[@EngineersPerspective701]

The more the merrier!

[@grovesy333]

If I could legally carry an under 3 inch blade that locks in the uk this would be it either this or the Buck 112. You can only carry a 3 inch none locking blade in the uk

[@EngineersPerspective701]

It’s definitely unfortunate to work around those laws for knife enthusiasts. The para 3 You try the UKPK or other one handed open, non-locking knives?

[@grovesy333]

@@EngineersPerspective701 You can use lock knives at work places but not in public without a good reason. Yeah the lil native slipjoint is what I want the most

[@Davidmoore-xy6wu]

I await the 15v shaman

[@EngineersPerspective701]

Get it!

[@gregs7519]

I have 2. They are absolute beasts!

[@Calbeau007]

Hi Justin, it's Calvin. Was hoping to discuss the Benchmade S90V with you. Don't have instagram anymore. Email?

[@EngineersPerspective701]

I got that sent back right? Please email me at [e-mail] if I’m remembering incorrectly!

[@devilsadvocate783]

Man this guy is a goober Mr. engineer...

[@EngineersPerspective701]

Can’t argue with that! That’s Mr. Sr. Advisor Goober Engineer to you

[@devilsadvocate783]

Don’t bet your check on it Mr. Goober!

[@tacticalcenter8658]

Spyderco s45vn does not compete with Spyderco m390/20cv. Though this depends on what rc your m390 is at, it goes from 59 to 62rc. Spyderco S45vn at 61rc will probably be close to Spyderco m390 at about 60rc range according to cardboard cut testing result's. Now when were talking about non Spyderco m390 or 20cv, spyderco s45vn at 61rc is surpassing almost all the brands in edge retention cardboard cut testing.

[@ericasedc]

Yes I mean obviously in comparison to 20CV level it may fall a bit short. But Spyderco S45VN is absolutely blowing other companies using the same steel, out of the water. Spyderco really is taking time and dialing those heat treat protocols in! It is awesome.

[@EngineersPerspective701]

Of course the M390 is going to outclass the S45VN on carbide volume all day long. For a production knife this is very stellar and not compromising much.

[@tacticalcenter8658]

@@EngineersPerspective701 recent cut tests have shown s45vn surpassing all sorts of m390 and 20cv now since not everyone has the best microstructure or rc for m390/20cv. Spyderco golden USA at 61+ and reate 60-61 are still surpassing s45vn by a good margin.

[@brianburton7582]

Steel snobs crack me up

[@silvia2408]

🤜🔪🤛

[@EngineersPerspective701]

💎

[@Maxrc77]

Good stuff, Just got an open box Elmax PM2 off Ebay so hoping its got no weak points as you where demonstrating and yeah I think erica is back to NotYourAverageEDC.

[@EngineersPerspective701]

I haven't heard much about that run of Elmax but overall people really like the steel. Similar vein as S45VN but maybe a bit less "tuned" up with it's carbon and chrome levels. Hope it's a performer for you!