This is a review of the Spyderco Para Military 2 in S45VN. There’s discussion on the steel and the build of the knife. The video also documents a sharpening of the knife.
Overall an excellent review! I think most people really appreciate your effort as far as putting out quality content but don't realize the amount of work that goes into each video, hope you keep it up man. 👍
Recently picked up a PM2 in S45VN and so far, I’m loving it Haven’t put it through its paces , nor taken it to a stone yet, but some stropping on 3 & 1 micron diamond emulsion seems to be doing the trick with some light daily use. So far so good. Thanks for a great video ! 🤘
As always Michael you did outstanding job! Your knowledge and experience really comes out in your videos and I was thinking about getting this S45 VN but ended up passing on it. Hopefully Spyderco comes out with more PM2’s With the steel. Hope you have a great weekend!
Thank you for a great rundown on this steel. I skipped this knife due to Spyderco releasing so many knives lately. It's getting tough to keep up. Thank you again.
I am so glad you mention going back to DMT plates to sort out issues. Any time I’m having a strange result on other stones I always go back to my trusty (well worn) DMT coarse stone. I can always adjust and fix my errors on that stone for some reason. Glad I’m not the only one.
ive had a couple really good heat treated models in this steel but for the most part ive had many knives in this steel that seem very underwhelming but i can say theyve all been easy to sharpen no problems with the burr or anything
I find the same effect with progressing through diamond plates. I'll often start one plate coarser than I might need to get what I've anecdotally found to be an advantageous cumulative effect in the final sharpness. Interesting to hear you mention that.
Thank you for such a practical review! I don’t own any super steel knives yet, so I only have other people’s opinions on them, and it’s far too rare to find a knife channel on RUclips that goes over how well a knife actually cuts.
I’m genuinely surprised to hear someone doesn’t like s35vn especially because it’s always been a pretty up there steel for most reviewers (including myself) but this is a perfect example of everyone having different experiences with knives and steals
I just got my s45vn Chris reeve knife in the mail. It’s a large 31 and my first reeve knife. I’m in love! I can’t wait to have a proper edge out on it.
If I was Sal I'd stop listening to "us" in the community, the next 3 years well see alot of knife companies dissappear. My guess is ZT/ Kershaw Benchmade
Hey Michael. You led me to a Rex 45 PM2 , then to Travis, which led me to purchasing some gifts for friends, which gave me the opportunity to acquire a Rex 45 Burnt Orange Shaman , my grail which I didn’t know would be my grail. Thanks brotha. Gotta put good out to get good back. Slànte Mhath.
Man I was hoping you would put this one out!! I wait like a kid at Xmas for your content my brother!! Im really really loving my s45vn...these scales I really enjoy. Cheers my friend!
If I start having an issue getting a bevel set or inconsistent scratch patterns I go to DMT plates and they always come through. I also think s30v is underrated, my sage 5 and mini freek outperform every knife I own in s35vn. Great stuff, thanks for the review
This video saved me 158 bucks lol. I am feeling a burnout with all the pm2s in my collection, the scales were of interest to me the most on this offering. S35vn will always have the overseas stigma of a ti frame lock flipper on bearings in which I'm not a fan of. I am enjoying s90v on my military so I opted for a s90v manix instead. I'm sure there will be more s45vn offerings in the future I can check out. If the pm2 goes to a lightweight format like the para 3 has we may see s45vn as the standard based steel choice. S45vn is a very new alloy so heat treatments can evolve over time. We are seeing k390 runs in seki models now so the options are numerous.
This is off topic but every time I watched your videos your smooth deep voice always reminded me of someone I couldn’t figure out, but now I realized you sound like an American accented Clive Owen. 👌
Great review. And great lesson on the steel comp, funny thing is I like Aus8 because I can sharpen it so easy . (I know I know cheap steel but I still like it ) But it will break the tip easy a good D2 done right is nice . I have tons of knives in s35vn and it’s hard to sharpen but seems to be a great steel ounce sharp I’m looking forward to try out this new s45vn . Great video bro Wow . Your a beast at sharpening.
I totally ran into the same thing with the OCB stones. Chasing that polish made the edge really high. I liked the progression with the 3k though. Nice job
Dear Mr Christy I just heard about your chnl.and subd..Great job on the video.I am one of the rare duck's that really appreciates the rust resistant qualities of some of theses steels.Summertime they rust in my pants gotta keep an eye on them.Winter time had them rust in pocket camping with pants on floor.Keep up great work
I won't be cutting any cardboard but I will be opening fertilizer bags, cutting bands on pallets of bricks, cutting zip ties, reaming pvc pipe, and whatever other mundane cutting tasks my job requires. I've already ordered a PM2 in S45VN so I really hope it holds up.
Thanks Michael really enjoyed this talk. I'm fairly new to hand sharpening and use the dmt and venev stones myself and I was pleased to hear you say you get the burr and move on as that is my routine now. As for s35vn I can agree although I've a medford midi marauder and the edge retention on it is outstanding far beyond any other knife I have. I have cut carpet and most every other medium. Just wondered if you tried his s35vn. Atb paddy 👍☘️😃
Completely agree with your steel observations. Nice Job. Have used S30V for years, also found no love for s35vn. Oddly enough, I'd take VG10/N690 over s35vn.
I really like the texture and have high hopes for S45VN. My Spydercos with S35VN have been decent work knives, But ZT and Kizer (S35VN ) have definitely underperformed!
i always looked st S45VN as a solution to a problem that either doesnt exist, or has already been solved. A moderately "better" (superior edge retention) version of S35VN already exists... its called S30V, and people have been shitting on it like crazy the last few years, for no reason at all. S30V is a great steel that performs much better than people give it credit for. Its a high-end super steel, by every reasonable parameter. A similar thing is happening with SPY27. Sal himself has said, on the Spyderco forum, that SPY27 is an attempt at a US version of VG10. VG10 gets shit on all day long, SPY27 gets love. I get it, though. Latest and greatest is always the best, but maybe the latest and greatest should actually be NEW. Ive never had any S35VN i loved. I had a Ferrum Forge example that had crazy rusting issues, something that ended up being a common problem, i guess. Then, since i figured the issue with that S35VN was the company, i bought a sebenza in S35VN and, while rust was not an issue, i found it inferior to my Bg42 sebenza (a model ive had for 20 years, now). Both of those experiences, coupled with the seemingly endless onslaught of virtually nameless, faceless Chinese companies cranking out Ti/S35VN framelock folders at 58 to 59 HRC ad nauseam, ive never had any love for S35VN, and i generally find something unique to love about every steel i get in hand. Dont get me wrong, im all for as much selection as possible, and i totally respect spyderco for making the crazy high end steels available at affordable prices. Another great video! No other youtuber gets my undivided attention as quickly as you. Thanks Michael. Curious to hear your thoughts on the most recent spyderco catalog reveal....
Eyedea315 you hit the nail on the head. I have never really liked S35VN & I love S30V and get great performance from it. I never quite understood why S30V gets crapped on. 30 years ago I would have killed for a steel like S30v when all we had was 440 or AUS8 and the like.
I had to double check that i didn’t write this comment. I agree with everything said 100%. People are going to bitch about s30v to the point that spyderco stops using it, and that’s going to be a sad day because it’s a great performer. You’re right, people complain about s30v because it’s not the latest and greatest, and another factor is that they don’t actually use their knives. If they did, they’d see that it performs well. Instead, they parrot the same old “s30v is chippy!” rhetoric that is so tired and played out that I can’t describe it. I’m going to sound extremely critical and possibly pompous here, but I don’t mean it that way..... I wish the dudes who parrot this BS, and only use their knives as fidget toys would simply just get out of the hobby. They do more harm than good IMO. I know that the more people we have the better, but these people are doing a disservice to the community IMO. If you don’t actually use your knives for anything other than cutting open the box your new flippy toy came in, then please don’t postulate about steel performance. That’s where I stand on it. When I see people praise s35vn I slightly roll my eyes, but when I see people praise s35 and in the same breath talk about how terrible s30v is I totally check out. I can’t stand it.
Correction: SPYDERCO VG-10 gets shit on all day". Other companies do a better job hardening VG-10 and its great. It just needs to be about 60 Rockwell.
@@lenzielenski3276 Thank you! The steel is not the issue. The issue is the heat treating by various companies in the industry. All my Japanese (by Hattori) made Cold Steel san mai III VG1 blades have all tested between 58.4/61.3 HRC and the same goes for my AUS8a Japanese (by Hattori) made blades (I have 8x in total). Some names in the industry are better than others when it comes to the guarantee of the HRC they quote actually being what you are getting. You would think (if you listen to RUclips'ers) that a lot of these higher-end steels are made by morons who know nothing about the chemical composition of steel and the characteristics you can expect by changing that chemical composition. That is not the case. If the blade you have is not doing what you expect then you should get it tested. If the HRC comes back at 53/54 then you need to get onto the company that made and heat treated that blade not CPM. People have shit on S35vn for a while now. I have 2x blades in S35vn. One by CRK and one by SOG ... they both claim that the HRC is 59/50. My CRK came up at 59.8 and my SOG tested at 61.1. I guess I was lucky. Some of you have S35vn that claims to be 59/60 and is actually 54/55 ... good luck with that! But who is your issue with ... CPM or Spyderco/Benchmade et al? If I want to know how good steel is for a certain application I do not go on www.bladeforums.com or any other similar site because all you will find are weekend warriors who claim that 56,000 posts on a forum are the equivalent to a P.h.D (jaw-breaking yawn). If I want to know I go to where chefs hang out because they put their blades through hell every-fucking-day. www.chefpanko.com/choosing-your-knife/
You make great videos. I think it's wild how they are currently offering S30V, S35VN, and S45VN simultaneously. I agree it is time for Reeve to upgrade S35VN. I just got an Inkosi. I had been carrying a M390 Para 2 and a M390 BM 707 for some time. The ability of M390 to resist edge deformation in the small folder tasks I use a small folder to do compared to S35VN is...massive. So here we are, having seen Para 2/3 releases in S30V, S35VN, S45VN, BD1, CTS-XHP, 20CV, 204P, M390, K390, 4V, 10V, M4, CruWear, BG-42, S90V, S110V, 52100, Elmax, Maxamet, REX45, and probably some others I missed. It's enough where picking just one is a full time job. Of the steels they have offered, which do you think are the best candidates to become standardized offerings? Is S45VN the optimal candidate to replace the current S30V base?
Bg42 was only in the military. Its never been in the pm2/para3. BD1 has never been in either. Pretty comprehensive list, though... lol. The only steel i know you missed, off the top of my head, is 20CP. It was in a very early pm2 sprint run, (i think the 2nd sprint run, after S90V, in 2011. Im sure ill be corrected, though) BD1N is in the para 3 LW, But thats a vast improvement over BD1. Shame the name is so similar, im sure people overlook it because of their experience with BD1. My ronin 2, and manix 2 in bd1 were pretty disappointing, with edge retention about 20 - 30% less than VG10, while my SE para 3 has edge retention around 20 - 30% better than VG10, definitely approaching my experience with S30V SE.
Zac Paul I don’t think Spyderco is going to replace S30V anytime soon, but I’d really like more offerings in K390 or 10V. I was glad to hear about the K390 Endura coming.
@@michaelchristy4982 Your videos and words inspired me to just buy a K390 PM3. I'll probably buy a K390 PM2 as well. I'm looking forward to it! I'm wondering if I can get a nice blue patina on it by cutting up some hot-but-still-slightly-raw chicken like on my 52100 and Super Blue kitchen knives. Thanks for the videos!
I just picked up the PM3 in red digital camo with black hardware. I cant put it down. Of course I have many but there's just something about this one that does it for me.
When s35vn first came out I said exactly what you just said about it. It’s a lackluster performer and doesn’t really do anything well at all. Especially edge retention. I was absolutely crucified for it because people just assume “15 more VN’s it’s gotta be better!” To this day people still assume s35vn is “better” than s30v for some reason. I just don’t get it. I haven’t found it to be better in any way. So glad CRK is swapping to S45vn.
i have found s35 to be hit or miss. Hinderer and millit seem to have it down. But I agree with you for the most part. Really has no stand out qualities. Super Gold baby! all day
great video michael , shame i don't know you personally , as you could teach so so much to close friends , and to just have one or two knives sharpened by you would be awesome, thank you for sharing and take care ian uk.
Do it yourself. By the time you have paid shipping and sharpened 4x blades, you could have all your own kit! My brother taught me hand sharpening when I was a kid on oilstones and I used to get some sharp edges ... but you will never get a superb edge by hand simply because you can not maintain the same angle 100% of the time. I switched to a KME system because a friend had one ... I learned to use it and then realised it had shortcomings and ended up after trying a few systems I got my Hapstone V7. I hardly even think what I am doing now once I have set my angle but I end up with edges like these ... ruclips.net/video/AJWJUR8AKu4/видео.html The edge is at 3min 15sec.
Great review. Can you say if you prefer s45vn, M4 or 20cv? I'm struggling to pick between these three steels and can only afford one.. Also, any more words on how you like the s45vn vs the S30v now?
good to hear you are liking the steel. mine is still in the mail. also glad to know that the factory edge is hair spltting. never had a knife that sharp before, its going to be a benchmark for when i do my own freehand sharpening. a couple questions though, why did you leave out the spyderco UF in your progression? and did you get the 4v pm2 from SNK?
Ryan Ennus no 4V PM2 for me... I’m just not that quick on the draw. As far as the progression, it’s always good to keep changing things up and looking for improved results.
How has your edge held up over a while? I bought a pm2 2 weeks ago. It’s complete junk. The edge rolled twice. I was able to fix it by stropping, tells me it’s soft. And has a chip. I have only cut open boxes at work and one time, cut weedeater string.
Just to bounce back on what you said about CRK's s35vn, I agree with you, I've often found that this steel usually underperformed on my sebenza from 2012 (HRC 58-59). I think currently CRK treats it at 59-60 so it does have a slightly better wear resistance than the pre-2015 generation, but still not fantastic. I also tend to like S30V but have been disapointed with my experiences with s35vn...
Hi Michael, I really appreciate your great videos. Excellent information and quite meditative as well. I am about to get a set of Atoma Diamond plates from 140 to 1200 grit for repairing / shaping the edge. Already got a fine Spyderco benchstone (about 2500ish?). Do you think it is a too big step in between the finest Atoma and the Spyderco? To replicate your great hair-whittling edge, do I need something in between the Spyderco and the strops? Which diamond spray / compound do you recommend?
j killa it’s not too big of a step if you’re looking for sharpness, and not aesthetic finish. You might need a 4 mic compound, but you’ll definitely want a 1 mic compound.
@@michaelchristy4982 Thank you very much for your reply. I was able to get shaving sharp edges with the Atomas and stropping already, still working on the hair-whittling. Gonna add the DMT EEF, I am already curious about how the scratch pattern will compare to the Spyderco fine.
3% vanadium makes me think of cpm 3v, I wonder how any improvement as far as toughness would effect the makeup of the blade in comparison to actual 3v. I really enjoyed that one
@@michaelchristy4982 sorry but I just got into edc knives (well mainly sharpening them myself) I’m looking to upgrade my Walmart setup (Smith’s 4” diamond combination stones) and am wondering what the difference between a water whetstone and the DMT diamond stone plates you used? I’m very new to sharpening and only practice on $5 Walmart knives... I’m not that good yet, but I feel I’m getting better, I’m starting to understand my mistakes and my angles are getting more consistent. Just wondering if a DMT fine or extra fine diamond stone would benefit me in the future as I plan on getting the Spyderco Kapara. Also, I’ve noticed some strops are a harder leather compared to the softer suede... is the softer leather better taking the burrs out or is the compound more relevant? Nice video btw 👍
Have you tried any other knifes in S35VN? Your experience with the CRK is opposite of mine with this steel. I've got a White River Ursus 45 and it sharpens well and keeps a hair shaving edge for a long time.
Let’s be honest. There’s no noticeable difference between 35 and 45 ... MAYBE slightly better edge retention at most on the 45... but again in field use probably not enough to be noticed ... also everybody in the comments mentioning other companies and their blade in 35... REALLY need to realize companies cut corners to save money and the steel isn’t the most important aspect , it is the heat treat of said steel. S35 differs GREATLY from company to company .. you need to find a company such as chris reeve who does S35 the right way, that’s a true representation of the steel, and not for nothing s35 is probably the most balance steel out of them all. It isn’t the best in any 1 category , but the trade off is you get pretty damn good results in just about every category... with certain other steels like 3v ... you might have the super toughness to it, but have fun keeping the rust off the thing. Just my 2 cents.
callofduty60 being honest, there’s a very noticeable difference between 35 and 45. 99% of my exposure to 35 was with a Sebenza from CRK. 35 is pretty tough for a stainless, but that’s all it has going for it, and I never find toughness to be an issue with the folders I carry. Because of all that, I find 45 to be a welcomed change on the Sebenza.
Hey Michael. Have you ever used Arkansas stones? I know they can’t handle super steels well, but they sharpen 440 and 1095 good for me. That would be a really cool video considering your level of skill.
I had a specific question that you may be able to help me with concerning the sharpening of a ceramic-bladed knife. Would like to discuss further, if able.
Hi Micheal, hope you're doing fine! I have one question: You often said there are certain steels you would usually go with non diamond abrasive / mirror polish finishes. How would your typical coarse finish do with those steels? I'm especially curious if you run into problems with slicing aggression. I find that every amount of stropping usually makes the edge feel like glass on those steels. Sharp (often hair whittling), but no slicing aggression. Thank you for your videos!
So I'm right with you on the CRK S35VN. Just can't stand the steel...feels lifeless to me. Just received this Spyderco model and tossed it in my pocket today. Factory edge seems angry aggressive and I love it. Like you, mine was hair splitting from the factory. Any update on your end since you've had it for awhile now?
How do you like the new venev with the 2k? Worth getting if your happy with the f800/1200 OCB older version? Or am I missing out? Great video like usual. Got a s45vn pm2 coming Monday
I have to disagree with you on the S30V because I have a Para 3 and Manix 2 in it and neither would hold an edge like my S30V BM’s do. Idk could be me but doesn’t seem like I touch my BM’s up as much as I did the spydies. I just bought a para 3 in black G10 and S45vn today and I pray it holds a better edge than my last one. I just got a S90V PM2 so I’m curious to see how both are
So I’ve got an odd question for you... sorry in advance. Where do you get the hair that you use in the cut tests from? Yourself, your significant other, you buy it? And more so, have you found some peoples hair to be more susceptible to cutting than others? I’ve been into sharpening for years now but unfortunately tend to keep a short hair cut. I noticed with one of my Girlfriends, her hair seemed to cut and whittle a lot better than my previous exes, even though I feel like I’ve come a long way as a sharpener in that time. And on the rare occasion my hair is kind of long enough to try it with, I can never seem to get it to whittle or cut very well, and this is across multiple knives and steels and techniques that normally give me good success. I’m very tempted to get one of those Edge Up sharpness testers as a more objective means of edge testing, especially since I’ve been on a dry spell with the ladies to donate hair for the past while. I wonder is you have any opinions on that tester as well, or if maybe I’m looking down the wrong sort of path.
Random Guy everything I use comes from the wife. I have heard people talk about thinner hairs being harder to deal with, but I haven’t run around testing this.
I've watched many of your videos and I noticed you dont implement any Arkansas stones in your progressions. Any thoughts on black and translucent stones?
Quick question also. When you carry your knife for a month straight to put it through its paces do you strop it regularly or dont touch the edge for as long as you can? Just curious. I strop after each day but I'm wondering if I should have to or if that could effect edge longevity.
is it just me when I say I kinda hate spyderco edge grinds?... particularly with the s30v how the edges micro chip, I really got my eye on one of these sprint runs, I'm torn between this and the s110v. but is it just be that notice on their factory edge grinds are always wavy and wonky near the choil area? I wish even just a small one theyd incorporate even a small tiny sharpening choil. and I always get their edge bevels like walk up higher near the tip, and only on one side. maybe like one out of five I get one that's actually got a proper edge bevel. not that they arent sharp, it's just not clean. the angles never match, the tip never matches from one side to the other, it's never clean near the choil/ricasso and is always wavy when you look down the edge. I use a fixed angle sharpening system too, I give you credit for freehand sharpening it takes so much skill and practice to do properly.. but even with my fixed angle, from stock factory edge I either need to walk the edge up so high to reprofile and match angles from one side to the other, or just reprofile and find and follow the mismatched edge bevel angles from factory.. I mean I cant freehand sharpen to save my life, I just wish the edge bevels were cleaner from the factory even with my fixed angle system when it comes time to sharpen or reprofile makes it a pain in the butt. and it kills me cause I've really been tryna weed out my collection and focus on american made knives, but it's always the American made knives I have those wonky issues with. any of the big chinese knife makers and all that stuff is typically perfect. thinner behind the edges, even edge bevel angles, no waviness or riding up near the tip, it kills me lol every compression lock I've ever had has lock stick too. I mean I love the pm2, I have 4 and a pm3, but damn lol they dont make it easy lol
yeah i have issues sharpening because spyderco doesnt put a choil. i dont think they ever will because they said that it can impede performance if it catches on something. but having owned a few spydercos, i have never seen them make a wavy edge, but every benchmade i've ever owned had this, or some variation of edge grinding issue. its tricky when some designs are almost a recurve
I guess you already touched on it but for clarification do you feel there are any specific differences between the sharpening feel/experience of spyderco's s30v vs s45vn or basically they respond about the same?
Christy is a national treasure of the knife community keep it up bro👍
Overall an excellent review! I think most people really appreciate your effort as far as putting out quality content but don't realize the amount of work that goes into each video, hope you keep it up man. 👍
Recently picked up a PM2 in S45VN and so far, I’m loving it
Haven’t put it through its paces , nor taken it to a stone yet, but some stropping on 3 & 1 micron diamond emulsion seems to be doing the trick with some light daily use. So far so good.
Thanks for a great video ! 🤘
Christy is a good man, helped me out a couple times
Your content is nothing short of awesome man. I’ve learned so much from your channel. Thanks for all you do
As always Michael you did outstanding job! Your knowledge and experience really comes out in your videos and I was thinking about getting this S45 VN but ended up passing on it. Hopefully Spyderco comes out with more PM2’s With the steel. Hope you have a great weekend!
Mr.DeLaCruz 559 thanks brother.
Michael Christy 🤜🏼🤛🏼🍺🥃🤘🏼
Awesome, straight to the point, no B.S. review! You definitely have my attention and I want to see more.
Thank you for a great rundown on this steel. I skipped this knife due to Spyderco releasing so many knives lately. It's getting tough to keep up. Thank you again.
I am so glad you mention going back to DMT plates to sort out issues. Any time I’m having a strange result on other stones I always go back to my trusty (well worn) DMT coarse stone. I can always adjust and fix my errors on that stone for some reason. Glad I’m not the only one.
“No love for the steel” (s35vn).. took the words rite out brother...
ive had a couple really good heat treated models in this steel but for the most part ive had many knives in this steel that seem very underwhelming but i can say theyve all been easy to sharpen no problems with the burr or anything
I find the same effect with progressing through diamond plates. I'll often start one plate coarser than I might need to get what I've anecdotally found to be an advantageous cumulative effect in the final sharpness. Interesting to hear you mention that.
Thank you for such a practical review! I don’t own any super steel knives yet, so I only have other people’s opinions on them, and it’s far too rare to find a knife channel on RUclips that goes over how well a knife actually cuts.
thanks for taking the time to find out more about this steel! Really helped.
Getting one of these tomorrow, thanks for the info and opinion.
I’m genuinely surprised to hear someone doesn’t like s35vn especially because it’s always been a pretty up there steel for most reviewers (including myself) but this is a perfect example of everyone having different experiences with knives and steals
Thank you. I anticipate these videos.
I just got my s45vn Chris reeve knife in the mail. It’s a large 31 and my first reeve knife. I’m in love! I can’t wait to have a proper edge out on it.
If I was Eric Glesser, I would immediately offer you a job.
If I was Sal I'd stop listening to "us" in the community, the next 3 years well see alot of knife companies dissappear. My guess is ZT/ Kershaw Benchmade
@@MHDoBetter why?
Hey Michael. You led me to a Rex 45 PM2 , then to Travis, which led me to purchasing some gifts for friends, which gave me the opportunity to acquire a Rex 45 Burnt Orange Shaman , my grail which I didn’t know would be my grail. Thanks brotha. Gotta put good out to get good back. Slànte Mhath.
Man I was hoping you would put this one out!! I wait like a kid at Xmas for your content my brother!! Im really really loving my s45vn...these scales I really enjoy. Cheers my friend!
If I start having an issue getting a bevel set or inconsistent scratch patterns I go to DMT plates and they always come through. I also think s30v is underrated, my sage 5 and mini freek outperform every knife I own in s35vn. Great stuff, thanks for the review
Always really enjoy your videos Mike. I’ve seen them all. Most a few times over. Cool to hear your thoughts on the steel.
Looking to purchase my first Spyderco with their latest alloy. This video made up my mind on the purchase. Thanks!
Been waiting on this specific video!! Thanks Michael
This video saved me 158 bucks lol. I am feeling a burnout with all the pm2s in my collection, the scales were of interest to me the most on this offering. S35vn will always have the overseas stigma of a ti frame lock flipper on bearings in which I'm not a fan of. I am enjoying s90v on my military so I opted for a s90v manix instead. I'm sure there will be more s45vn offerings in the future I can check out. If the pm2 goes to a lightweight format like the para 3 has we may see s45vn as the standard based steel choice. S45vn is a very new alloy so heat treatments can evolve over time. We are seeing k390 runs in seki models now so the options are numerous.
This is off topic but every time I watched your videos your smooth deep voice always reminded me of someone I couldn’t figure out, but now I realized you sound like an American accented Clive Owen. 👌
M S I think I sound awful, so I’ll take sounding like an American accented Clive Owen. Thanks.
Michael Christy no don’t worry you sound aweful.
Great review. And great lesson on the steel comp, funny thing is I like Aus8 because I can sharpen it so easy . (I know I know cheap steel but I still like it ) But it will break the tip easy a good D2 done right is nice .
I have tons of knives in s35vn and it’s hard to sharpen but seems to be a great steel ounce sharp
I’m looking forward to try out this new s45vn .
Great video bro
Wow . Your a beast at sharpening.
Ive been waiting for this thank you christy! Good job
The knife community needs you back Bro!!! 😃
Interesting steel. I look forward to your opinion after further testing.
I totally ran into the same thing with the OCB stones. Chasing that polish made the edge really high. I liked the progression with the 3k though. Nice job
I miss Michael’s awesome videos.
Was there a follow up to this? What was the conclusion on Spyderco's S45VN?
Dear Mr Christy I just heard about your chnl.and subd..Great job on the video.I am one of the rare duck's that really appreciates the rust resistant qualities of some
of theses steels.Summertime
they rust in my pants gotta keep an eye on them.Winter time had them rust in pocket camping with pants on floor.Keep up great work
I won't be cutting any cardboard but I will be opening fertilizer bags, cutting bands on pallets of bricks, cutting zip ties, reaming pvc pipe, and whatever other mundane cutting tasks my job requires. I've already ordered a PM2 in S45VN so I really hope it holds up.
Thanks Michael really enjoyed this talk. I'm fairly new to hand sharpening and use the dmt and venev stones myself and I was pleased to hear you say you get the burr and move on as that is my routine now. As for s35vn I can agree although I've a medford midi marauder and the edge retention on it is outstanding far beyond any other knife I have. I have cut carpet and most every other medium. Just wondered if you tried his s35vn. Atb paddy 👍☘️😃
paddys potato peelers I haven’t tried Medford’s S35VN, but I’m glad to hear you’re enjoying the knife. And I’m glad you liked the video.
Looks like a pretty excellent knife
Completely agree with your steel observations. Nice Job. Have used S30V for years, also found no love for s35vn. Oddly enough, I'd take VG10/N690 over s35vn.
I really like the texture and have high hopes for S45VN. My Spydercos with S35VN have been decent work knives, But ZT and Kizer (S35VN ) have definitely underperformed!
"I moved to diamond plates" now you're speaking my language again 🍻
I can't wait for a Manix 2 or Manix 2 xl in S45vn.
i always looked st S45VN as a solution to a problem that either doesnt exist, or has already been solved.
A moderately "better" (superior edge retention) version of S35VN already exists... its called S30V, and people have been shitting on it like crazy the last few years, for no reason at all. S30V is a great steel that performs much better than people give it credit for. Its a high-end super steel, by every reasonable parameter.
A similar thing is happening with SPY27. Sal himself has said, on the Spyderco forum, that SPY27 is an attempt at a US version of VG10. VG10 gets shit on all day long, SPY27 gets love.
I get it, though. Latest and greatest is always the best, but maybe the latest and greatest should actually be NEW.
Ive never had any S35VN i loved. I had a Ferrum Forge example that had crazy rusting issues, something that ended up being a common problem, i guess. Then, since i figured the issue with that S35VN was the company, i bought a sebenza in S35VN and, while rust was not an issue, i found it inferior to my Bg42 sebenza (a model ive had for 20 years, now). Both of those experiences, coupled with the seemingly endless onslaught of virtually nameless, faceless Chinese companies cranking out Ti/S35VN framelock folders at 58 to 59 HRC ad nauseam, ive never had any love for S35VN, and i generally find something unique to love about every steel i get in hand.
Dont get me wrong, im all for as much selection as possible, and i totally respect spyderco for making the crazy high end steels available at affordable prices.
Another great video! No other youtuber gets my undivided attention as quickly as you.
Thanks Michael.
Curious to hear your thoughts on the most recent spyderco catalog reveal....
Eyedea315 you hit the nail on the head. I have never really liked S35VN & I love S30V and get great performance from it. I never quite understood why S30V gets crapped on. 30 years ago I would have killed for a steel like S30v when all we had was 440 or AUS8 and the like.
Eyedea315 I’m looking forward to several things from the reveal. I’m most excited for the Swayback and K390 Endura’s.
I had to double check that i didn’t write this comment. I agree with everything said 100%. People are going to bitch about s30v to the point that spyderco stops using it, and that’s going to be a sad day because it’s a great performer. You’re right, people complain about s30v because it’s not the latest and greatest, and another factor is that they don’t actually use their knives. If they did, they’d see that it performs well. Instead, they parrot the same old “s30v is chippy!” rhetoric that is so tired and played out that I can’t describe it. I’m going to sound extremely critical and possibly pompous here, but I don’t mean it that way..... I wish the dudes who parrot this BS, and only use their knives as fidget toys would simply just get out of the hobby. They do more harm than good IMO. I know that the more people we have the better, but these people are doing a disservice to the community IMO. If you don’t actually use your knives for anything other than cutting open the box your new flippy toy came in, then please don’t postulate about steel performance. That’s where I stand on it. When I see people praise s35vn I slightly roll my eyes, but when I see people praise s35 and in the same breath talk about how terrible s30v is I totally check out. I can’t stand it.
Correction: SPYDERCO VG-10 gets shit on all day". Other companies do a better job hardening VG-10 and its great. It just needs to be about 60 Rockwell.
@@lenzielenski3276 Thank you! The steel is not the issue. The issue is the heat treating by various companies in the industry.
All my Japanese (by Hattori) made Cold Steel san mai III VG1 blades have all tested between 58.4/61.3 HRC and the same goes for my AUS8a Japanese (by Hattori) made blades (I have 8x in total).
Some names in the industry are better than others when it comes to the guarantee of the HRC they quote actually being what you are getting.
You would think (if you listen to RUclips'ers) that a lot of these higher-end steels are made by morons who know nothing about the chemical composition of steel and the characteristics you can expect by changing that chemical composition. That is not the case.
If the blade you have is not doing what you expect then you should get it tested. If the HRC comes back at 53/54 then you need to get onto the company that made and heat treated that blade not CPM.
People have shit on S35vn for a while now. I have 2x blades in S35vn. One by CRK and one by SOG ... they both claim that the HRC is 59/50. My CRK came up at 59.8 and my SOG tested at 61.1. I guess I was lucky.
Some of you have S35vn that claims to be 59/60 and is actually 54/55 ... good luck with that!
But who is your issue with ... CPM or Spyderco/Benchmade et al?
If I want to know how good steel is for a certain application I do not go on www.bladeforums.com
or any other similar site because all you will find are weekend warriors who claim that 56,000 posts on a forum are the equivalent to a P.h.D (jaw-breaking yawn).
If I want to know I go to where chefs hang out because they put their blades through hell every-fucking-day. www.chefpanko.com/choosing-your-knife/
You make great videos. I think it's wild how they are currently offering S30V, S35VN, and S45VN simultaneously. I agree it is time for Reeve to upgrade S35VN. I just got an Inkosi. I had been carrying a M390 Para 2 and a M390 BM 707 for some time. The ability of M390 to resist edge deformation in the small folder tasks I use a small folder to do compared to S35VN is...massive.
So here we are, having seen Para 2/3 releases in S30V, S35VN, S45VN, BD1, CTS-XHP, 20CV, 204P, M390, K390, 4V, 10V, M4, CruWear, BG-42, S90V, S110V, 52100, Elmax, Maxamet, REX45, and probably some others I missed. It's enough where picking just one is a full time job. Of the steels they have offered, which do you think are the best candidates to become standardized offerings? Is S45VN the optimal candidate to replace the current S30V base?
Bg42 was only in the military. Its never been in the pm2/para3.
BD1 has never been in either.
Pretty comprehensive list, though... lol. The only steel i know you missed, off the top of my head, is 20CP. It was in a very early pm2 sprint run, (i think the 2nd sprint run, after S90V, in 2011. Im sure ill be corrected, though)
BD1N is in the para 3 LW, But thats a vast improvement over BD1. Shame the name is so similar, im sure people overlook it because of their experience with BD1.
My ronin 2, and manix 2 in bd1 were pretty disappointing, with edge retention about 20 - 30% less than VG10, while my SE para 3 has edge retention around 20 - 30% better than VG10, definitely approaching my experience with S30V SE.
Zac Paul I don’t think Spyderco is going to replace S30V anytime soon, but I’d really like more offerings in K390 or 10V. I was glad to hear about the K390 Endura coming.
@@michaelchristy4982 Your videos and words inspired me to just buy a K390 PM3. I'll probably buy a K390 PM2 as well. I'm looking forward to it! I'm wondering if I can get a nice blue patina on it by cutting up some hot-but-still-slightly-raw chicken like on my 52100 and Super Blue kitchen knives. Thanks for the videos!
I just picked up the PM3 in red digital camo with black hardware. I cant put it down. Of course I have many but there's just something about this one that does it for me.
Nice work, bro
Great overview as usual.
When s35vn first came out I said exactly what you just said about it. It’s a lackluster performer and doesn’t really do anything well at all. Especially edge retention. I was absolutely crucified for it because people just assume “15 more VN’s it’s gotta be better!” To this day people still assume s35vn is “better” than s30v for some reason. I just don’t get it. I haven’t found it to be better in any way. So glad CRK is swapping to S45vn.
John D I remember hearing about your crucifixion. I was really expecting that from this video, lol. I’m glad they’re changing the steel, too.
i have found s35 to be hit or miss. Hinderer and millit seem to have it down. But I agree with you for the most part. Really has no stand out qualities. Super Gold baby! all day
Lock stick was there at first, but after cleaning and re oiling it. It looks like an ideal PM2
You taught me what sharp really means
Michael, please make some new videos if you aren’t too busy. You’re my favorite youtuber.
You;ve got the nicest forearms on RUclips.
great video michael , shame i don't know you personally , as you could teach so so much to close friends , and to just have one or two knives sharpened by you would be awesome, thank you for sharing and take care ian uk.
Whoah you’re sharpening skills are on point! I love your knowledge also! I appreciate the education! Do you offer sharpening services?
Rene Chavez occasionally, for select models. I’m a little busy these days.
Do it yourself. By the time you have paid shipping and sharpened 4x blades, you could have all your own kit!
My brother taught me hand sharpening when I was a kid on oilstones and I used to get some sharp edges ... but you will never get a superb edge by hand simply because you can not maintain the same angle 100% of the time.
I switched to a KME system because a friend had one ... I learned to use it and then realised it had shortcomings and ended up after trying a few systems I got my Hapstone V7.
I hardly even think what I am doing now once I have set my angle but I end up with edges like these ...
ruclips.net/video/AJWJUR8AKu4/видео.html
The edge is at 3min 15sec.
Ray Gun second time I’ve seen this same comment on my videos.
@@michaelchristy4982 Correct. And you responded this time. If you wish to discuss the differences between hand vs clamp I am happy to do that ...
Great video! Your knowledge of steel is impressive. Can you tell us the names of your stones and strops? Thank you
wheelgood the names of the stones and strops is in the video.
Great review. Can you say if you prefer s45vn, M4 or 20cv? I'm struggling to pick between these three steels and can only afford one.. Also, any more words on how you like the s45vn vs the S30v now?
Miss the vids mike!!!
Enjoyed the video, thanks for posting.
good to hear you are liking the steel. mine is still in the mail. also glad to know that the factory edge is hair spltting. never had a knife that sharp before, its going to be a benchmark for when i do my own freehand sharpening. a couple questions though, why did you leave out the spyderco UF in your progression? and did you get the 4v pm2 from SNK?
Ryan Ennus no 4V PM2 for me... I’m just not that quick on the draw. As far as the progression, it’s always good to keep changing things up and looking for improved results.
You seen the new Kershaw blur M4?
How has your edge held up over a while? I bought a pm2 2 weeks ago. It’s complete junk. The edge rolled twice. I was able to fix it by stropping, tells me it’s soft. And has a chip. I have only cut open boxes at work and one time, cut weedeater string.
Any new videos , ate you ok , os been 2 years?
Just to bounce back on what you said about CRK's s35vn, I agree with you, I've often found that this steel usually underperformed on my sebenza from 2012 (HRC 58-59). I think currently CRK treats it at 59-60 so it does have a slightly better wear resistance than the pre-2015 generation, but still not fantastic. I also tend to like S30V but have been disapointed with my experiences with s35vn...
Hi Michael, I really appreciate your great videos. Excellent information and quite meditative as well.
I am about to get a set of Atoma Diamond plates from 140 to 1200 grit for repairing / shaping the edge.
Already got a fine Spyderco benchstone (about 2500ish?).
Do you think it is a too big step in between the finest Atoma and the Spyderco?
To replicate your great hair-whittling edge, do I need something in between the Spyderco and the strops?
Which diamond spray / compound do you recommend?
j killa it’s not too big of a step if you’re looking for sharpness, and not aesthetic finish.
You might need a 4 mic compound, but you’ll definitely want a 1 mic compound.
@@michaelchristy4982 Thank you very much for your reply.
I was able to get shaving sharp edges with the Atomas and stropping already, still working on the hair-whittling. Gonna add the DMT EEF, I am already curious about how the scratch pattern will compare to the Spyderco fine.
3% vanadium makes me think of cpm 3v, I wonder how any improvement as far as toughness would effect the makeup of the blade in comparison to actual 3v. I really enjoyed that one
Are you gonna check out the delica in k390? At $115 I feel like thats a steal! Hope to see some vids soon!!
I like S35VN when done by CRK, Hinderer, Strider, Spyderco. Had corrosion issued with Hinderer S35VN. No issued with CRK.
Great vid! Do you have affiliate links to the DMT plates you use? I like to pick some up and support your channel in the process.
Blades & Trades no. I don’t do affiliate links or anything like that. But thank you.
@@michaelchristy4982 sorry but I just got into edc knives (well mainly sharpening them myself) I’m looking to upgrade my Walmart setup (Smith’s 4” diamond combination stones) and am wondering what the difference between a water whetstone and the DMT diamond stone plates you used? I’m very new to sharpening and only practice on $5 Walmart knives... I’m not that good yet, but I feel I’m getting better, I’m starting to understand my mistakes and my angles are getting more consistent. Just wondering if a DMT fine or extra fine diamond stone would benefit me in the future as I plan on getting the Spyderco Kapara. Also, I’ve noticed some strops are a harder leather compared to the softer suede... is the softer leather better taking the burrs out or is the compound more relevant? Nice video btw 👍
Reminds me the 'Recon 1' efficience, but with a plus of overall EDC qualities.
It’s cute how you memorized all those numbers. Falling asleep has never been easier.
Have you tried any other knifes in S35VN? Your experience with the CRK is opposite of mine with this steel. I've got a White River Ursus 45 and it sharpens well and keeps a hair shaving edge for a long time.
Cold Steel’s s35 is the cat’s pajamas. They nailed their heat treat on it. My Code 4 and Recon 1 in S35VN is great.
Let’s be honest. There’s no noticeable difference between 35 and 45 ... MAYBE slightly better edge retention at most on the 45... but again in field use probably not enough to be noticed ... also everybody in the comments mentioning other companies and their blade in 35... REALLY need to realize companies cut corners to save money and the steel isn’t the most important aspect , it is the heat treat of said steel. S35 differs GREATLY from company to company .. you need to find a company such as chris reeve who does S35 the right way, that’s a true representation of the steel, and not for nothing s35 is probably the most balance steel out of them all. It isn’t the best in any 1 category , but the trade off is you get pretty damn good results in just about every category... with certain other steels like 3v ... you might have the super toughness to it, but have fun keeping the rust off the thing. Just my 2 cents.
callofduty60 being honest, there’s a very noticeable difference between 35 and 45. 99% of my exposure to 35 was with a Sebenza from CRK. 35 is pretty tough for a stainless, but that’s all it has going for it, and I never find toughness to be an issue with the folders I carry. Because of all that, I find 45 to be a welcomed change on the Sebenza.
@@michaelchristy4982 Glad your liking the 45!
Hey Michael. Have you ever used Arkansas stones? I know they can’t handle super steels well, but they sharpen 440 and 1095 good for me. That would be a really cool video considering your level of skill.
pm2 cruwear or pm2 s45vn dlc coated version ? I read that the dlc coating makes the blade even stronger what do you thing?
I had a specific question that you may be able to help me with concerning the sharpening of a ceramic-bladed knife. Would like to discuss further, if able.
Hi Micheal, hope you're doing fine! I have one question: You often said there are certain steels you would usually go with non diamond abrasive / mirror polish finishes. How would your typical coarse finish do with those steels? I'm especially curious if you run into problems with slicing aggression. I find that every amount of stropping usually makes the edge feel like glass on those steels. Sharp (often hair whittling), but no slicing aggression. Thank you for your videos!
So I'm right with you on the CRK S35VN. Just can't stand the steel...feels lifeless to me. Just received this Spyderco model and tossed it in my pocket today. Factory edge seems angry aggressive and I love it. Like you, mine was hair splitting from the factory. Any update on your end since you've had it for awhile now?
How do you like the new venev with the 2k? Worth getting if your happy with the f800/1200 OCB older version? Or am I missing out? Great video like usual. Got a s45vn pm2 coming Monday
Paul Lonardo I like the 2K, but I’ve heard other sharpeners be critical of it.
I have to disagree with you on the S30V because I have a Para 3 and Manix 2 in it and neither would hold an edge like my S30V BM’s do. Idk could be me but doesn’t seem like I touch my BM’s up as much as I did the spydies. I just bought a para 3 in black G10 and S45vn today and I pray it holds a better edge than my last one. I just got a S90V PM2 so I’m curious to see how both are
I can't get in to S35VN either.
So I’ve got an odd question for you... sorry in advance.
Where do you get the hair that you use in the cut tests from? Yourself, your significant other, you buy it? And more so, have you found some peoples hair to be more susceptible to cutting than others?
I’ve been into sharpening for years now but unfortunately tend to keep a short hair cut. I noticed with one of my Girlfriends, her hair seemed to cut and whittle a lot better than my previous exes, even though I feel like I’ve come a long way as a sharpener in that time.
And on the rare occasion my hair is kind of long enough to try it with, I can never seem to get it to whittle or cut very well, and this is across multiple knives and steels and techniques that normally give me good success.
I’m very tempted to get one of those Edge Up sharpness testers as a more objective means of edge testing, especially since I’ve been on a dry spell with the ladies to donate hair for the past while.
I wonder is you have any opinions on that tester as well, or if maybe I’m looking down the wrong sort of path.
Random Guy everything I use comes from the wife. I have heard people talk about thinner hairs being harder to deal with, but I haven’t run around testing this.
Haha I think going around asking your associates for hair would be a good test of friendship
If you had to choose between s110v and s45vn, which would you choose
Did you do your follow up evaluation video?
Any update as to how you like the steel now that you have had it for a while?
When talking about diamond plates, what’s your opinion on Atomas?
I've watched many of your videos and I noticed you dont implement any Arkansas stones in your progressions. Any thoughts on black and translucent stones?
I was wondering what you "value" more your sharpening equipment or your knives?
Anthony Smith the knives.
Quick question also. When you carry your knife for a month straight to put it through its paces do you strop it regularly or dont touch the edge for as long as you can? Just curious. I strop after each day but I'm wondering if I should have to or if that could effect edge longevity.
Paul Lonardo I go back and forth with my patterns. There have been periods of time where I would strop regularly, and there are times I don’t bother.
Think ill pick one up in 110v....
Nice man! 🤘🏻
Are you going to pick up a Sebenza in S45VN now or have you already?
How does s45vn stack up to M390?
M390 will hold an edge longer and should be tougher in day to day applications
how long did it take you to get good at sharpening with your left hand? or right hand if you're a lefty? do you think you do as well with both hands?
What are your favorite stones right now?
is it just me when I say I kinda hate spyderco edge grinds?... particularly with the s30v how the edges micro chip, I really got my eye on one of these sprint runs, I'm torn between this and the s110v. but is it just be that notice on their factory edge grinds are always wavy and wonky near the choil area? I wish even just a small one theyd incorporate even a small tiny sharpening choil. and I always get their edge bevels like walk up higher near the tip, and only on one side. maybe like one out of five I get one that's actually got a proper edge bevel. not that they arent sharp, it's just not clean. the angles never match, the tip never matches from one side to the other, it's never clean near the choil/ricasso and is always wavy when you look down the edge. I use a fixed angle sharpening system too, I give you credit for freehand sharpening it takes so much skill and practice to do properly.. but even with my fixed angle, from stock factory edge I either need to walk the edge up so high to reprofile and match angles from one side to the other, or just reprofile and find and follow the mismatched edge bevel angles from factory.. I mean I cant freehand sharpen to save my life, I just wish the edge bevels were cleaner from the factory even with my fixed angle system when it comes time to sharpen or reprofile makes it a pain in the butt. and it kills me cause I've really been tryna weed out my collection and focus on american made knives, but it's always the American made knives I have those wonky issues with. any of the big chinese knife makers and all that stuff is typically perfect. thinner behind the edges, even edge bevel angles, no waviness or riding up near the tip, it kills me lol every compression lock I've ever had has lock stick too. I mean I love the pm2, I have 4 and a pm3, but damn lol they dont make it easy lol
great video btw! I liked and subbed!
yeah i have issues sharpening because spyderco doesnt put a choil. i dont think they ever will because they said that it can impede performance if it catches on something. but having owned a few spydercos, i have never seen them make a wavy edge, but every benchmade i've ever owned had this, or some variation of edge grinding issue. its tricky when some designs are almost a recurve
Excellent video. I've been enjoying your Instagram lately and decided to revisit your channel. Hope you return to making videos soon!
Would you say it's a better steel then s30v?
Dean Grondin with what I’ve seen from Spyderco’s S30V lately, I prefer S30V, but S45vn is still very good.
Where did you get this??? I can't find them....
I guess you already touched on it but for clarification do you feel there are any specific differences between the sharpening feel/experience of spyderco's s30v vs s45vn or basically they respond about the same?
Turing237 I would need more sharpenings with S45VN to be sure, but they are similar.
@@michaelchristy4982 thanks
I asked spyderco and they said their knives are all factory sharpened at around 17-19 degrees, what do you recommend for everyday use?
SGANET I carry everything at 30(ish) inclusive.
Michael Christy does that make the edge more durable? The way your knives split hair is crazy.