I bit the bullet and ordered this model late last November. Since receiving it early December it's been my most carried edc and I haven't needed to sharpen it yet. It's definitely a costly knife but the steel is phenomenal and it really changed my mind about the PM2 overall. I've since ordered the SE Police 4 LWT in K390 (a monster of a knife) and I'm expecting a Delica 4 LWT Wharncliffe in K390 to be delivered tomorrow. Simply an outstanding series of knives by Spyderco.
@@georgeyoung4292 research, referring to all the numbers, elements, and percentages he rattles off throughout the first half of the video. You know, research. Looking stuff up and reading what it’s made of and comparing that to what other things are made of. I didn’t say thank you for all your testing, I said what I meant and I still do. It’s fine if you don’t like him or his videos. Comment something of your own. You’re not changing my mind. 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼
@@jasonbrackett77 Every knife enthusiast anf steel nerd can repeat those things.. If you dont, im surprised that i see you here!!! Also i'd like to point out that i actualy appreciate his work and education on sharpening..!
@@jasonbrackett77 Best way to learn the elements in the steel is read a bit of chemistry and you have much better chance to remember when you read about it🙏 Knife Steel Nerds will definitely help you
You are like a metalurgist with your amazing knowledge of the interaction of the elements in the various steels in addition to your amazing hand sharpening. Kudos ..
He is not metallurgy expert but very experienced user witch is imho more valuable attribute cause we can see the steel performance in real world use outside of laboratory!!! Working with the steel and development of steel are pretty different disciplines.. Like racing car manufacturer and race car driver!!!
Always such good content from you. These spyderco in different steels are extremely interesting, i recently got a para 2 in cru wear and I'm loving it tbh.
Awesome video. I have this knife and learned a lot about the steel from this video. I am relatively new to sharpening. I have the KME and am still learning that system. This is very useful info.
I ended having to buy the para 3 K390 on top of the PM2 K390 . Michael convinced me and I’m very happy & willing to pay more at Bento Box because their exclusives last for sale for more than 5 minutes. I would highly recommend getting that Para3K390. I trust Michael Christy and his vast knowledge. So many where knocking K390 but I trust Michael & Big Bear very very much
Hi Michael, thanks for all these incredibly informative videos, it seems clear to me that what you do is a true craft. I kind of struggled with figuring out my technique for a while, trying to sharpen with a stone flat on a table, but yours and others videos have shown how beautiful of an edge can be had with proper freehand. Getting the blade and stone up into the light where you can actually see what is happening is so much more ergonomic, and I really like the ambidextrous style too, a very important skill to keep practicing I think. I don't have the money for any of these really nice diamond stones, but I've been experimenting with really inexpensive options from ebay. In particular the thin diamond plates and diamond lapping paste which are really cheap. I started off with a dual sided thing, 600/1200grit, but I didn't really like the hexagon pattern. I've since got a cheap 1200 grit pocket stone and leather sheathe which will be handy for when I'm out and about, and a 3000 grit thin diamond plate (well I ordered a 2000 but when it came it had #3000 on the wrapper, feels very fine). The 3000 plate I use by placing it on the hexagon pattern stone thing and kind of holding/clamping it down with one hand while I sharpen. It seems pretty janky but it works well enough. The plate is a little bit convex, but I guess if it were glued down it would be fine, and it flattens out when I hold it down. It seems to cut really well, and has held up this far, so I'm going to get some more in lower grits. The diamond lapping paste I use for a compound with some cardboard strops, I say strops but they're just some thin cutouts that I hold onto the hexagon pattern stone in the same way as the plate. There is some variance between pastes though it seems,, i bought some 3.5 micron stuff initially that wasn't much use as it would clump up and stick the blade bevel. The 7 micron paste I got next was much much better, it didn't clump up and cut really well, taking material off really quickly. I've since got a selection of of other grades and they all seem to be as smooth and nice, cutting as expected for their advertised micron size. The good paste has red labels with "SHUANGXIN" on there which is presumably the manufacturer. This stuff - www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Diamond-Polishing-Lapping-Paste-Compound-Syringes-0-5-40-Best-Best-G/223622399765?hash=item3410ef0715:m:mnXjs8jTPmz6YkyoBXCs9jw It looks like it can be had from the US ebay too. The bad stuff with the star logo was this - www.ebay.co.uk/itm/RDGTOOLS-2-X-5-GRAM-DIAMOND-LAPPING-PASTE-VARIOUS-GRIT-SIZES-ABRASIVE-POLISHING/371654688633?hash=item5688587f79:m:mzw5B_HA45iLndFOfmPMSjQ Perhaps that might have worked better on leather, but on cardboard it was terrible. With these really very cheap products and my janky method I've been able to get pretty damn good results on a number of blades now, shaving and whittling sharp. I think it would be really interesting to see what you made of these products and techniques, a 'super budget sharpening' video perhaps? It would be useful to a lot of people like myself who don't have the money for these wonderful diamond waterstones. Thanks.
I tested mine and got 61 rc. I'm really surprised it's that low but honestly it's performing amazingly. I've yet to sharpen it and used it quite a bit for daily use and it's still going strong.
@@michaelchristy4982 glad to hear it. Mine too, I usually run tests with the factory edge before I sharpen then repeat but the factory edge is so good I haven't had to yet lol
What is the main difference between m390 and k390... seems k390 is not a tougher steel? I have a para2 in m390... love it. Wondering if I should get the k390. Is it stronger/tougher than maxamet ? Thoughts Michael?
Waiting for K390 Endura on preorder. Love the PM2 design and own 2 in other steels, 204, 110. Just like the Endura lighter weight and blade shape. You can put it in your gym short/ surf shorts and it won’t weigh them down.
Michael Christy Thanks for the reply! I’m on LinkedIn and posted your 3 minute bevel alignment vid this week, got about 100 looks. I really appreciate you man - sliceofaloha on BF. Preordered 3 K390 Endura. 1 to give to a good buddy for his first knife.
Michael, your content is amazing and your sharpening is beyond reproach. Any chance of a video about straight razors in future (both steel selection and sharpening)? That would make my day. Thanks!
I didn't hesitate to get one. Just as soon as I heard word of a pm2 in k390. I loved the spyderco police so much but its just too big for me to carry often. The pm2 is the perfect platform for k390 Imo
I think the statement about the toughness being same as m4 would be at the same hardness. And if that is the case ill buy it. m4 at 62 will be tougher then k390 at 65 its just logics. I think this is an important detail often over looked by people who just watch reviews about steels they don't really know yet. But i still prefer k390 a lot! Toughness in a folder is totally overrated! Cutting with this knife you wont break it simply. Its like saying apple phone needs to be tougher because you cant play tennis with it. Use what its made for and k390 at 65 will be tougher then you ever need a folder to be providing you use the tool what its made for. You deserve more subs also! great stuff keep it up.
Buy it! You won't be disappointed. I feel like this is an amazing knife to have in your pocket in survival situations due to how long it will stay sharp and is plenty tough for anything you would need other than using it as a pry bar like a fool.
Micheal, I was wondering what you use to keep your venev stones clean? Can’t seem so find a proper SiC dressing stone that Shawn recommends. The only thing I can find is SiC pocket stones from sharpening supplies. Should be roughly the same thing right?
@Michael Christy konstantin recommended not using alumina based naguras but if it’s not giving you trouble I’m not going to worry about it. Thanks man, looking forward to getting this knife btw.
Micheal I haven't seen you with any Shamans have you owned any and if so what do you think about their cutting performance ? I know they are thicker bladed knives.
Spyderco makes some knives very difficult to loosen the screws.Do they haves reason for this?Sometimes I think they do it for a practical joke.Thanks for another excellent video.
I'm in the process of moving from hair popping to hair whittling and removing the burr is challenging. While I make my own strops I'm wondering if the leather is efficient. Could you recommend a leather and supplier?
The scrap leather sold at Hobby Lobby is awessome for making strops. Its $10 for 3 lbs, but often on sale for like 7 or 8 bucks, and contains almost exclusively veg tanned. Ive only found chrome tanned leather in a few bags and only small pieces. Combine that with some $3 wooden slats from the arts and craft department at walmart and you have the best value ive ever found in knife sharpening. Hope this helps someone.
Enjoyed the video, good stuff. Haven't tried K390 yet but it's on my list. Just can't seem to the the maxamet out of my pocket long enough to try something else.
Thank you very much, another wonderful video. I purchased 2 of these K390's from Bento Box, one for my son and the other for myself. I want to ask if I can get the factory edge hair whittling sharp, or if I would need to change the angle of the edge, reshape the angle, to accomplish this? I also want to ask if using a plain cordovan (horse rump leather) strop would maintain the edge between sharpening?
robert milstein I have gotten Spyderco’s that were almost hair whittling out of the box. My K390 PM2 was not, but many have been close. Try stropping it and see if that gets it hair whittling. If not, you may need to reshape/resharpen it.
@@Cerebrology I had good results with stropping my new factory edge k390 para 2. It's still needing to be cleaned up because the factory edge grit is a little rough. I don't think there's anything wrong with the angle of the grind however.
i dont like double sided strops. cause if you put it down on the table, the grit can mix, you dont want say 1 micron on your .5 micron side. normally i keep a strop in a bag because its leather... and if it were double sided, it would mix grits.
Tactical Center I usually don’t do double sided strops, but it’s a damn nice present to get, and the strop works really well. I’m glad it’s double sided. I don’t know what it cost, but I’m sure it wasn’t cheap. It’s nice to be able to try two different grits on it.
@Rick koontz yea, my point is, once you set that 4 sided strop down multiple times on different sides in the same area with different grits, they all mix. then when your trying to strop .25 micron, you will probably have some 1 micron grit now on that side. thats not good. no ones saying mutli sided strops are inherently bad. if you stand it on the flat non leather tip of the strop, no problems. if you only put it down on one specific side each time, no problem with that. you just have to be more conscious when using a multi side strop.
Question: do you hit that strop with a lot of pressure? I have on good authority that a strop works best with minimal pressure, as if dragging a feather...not that your results are questionable!!
I was already waiting for you to review this PM2 in K390. I almost wanted to send you one, just to hear your expert opinion on it. Great and helpful review. How about the corrosion resistance of K390?
Dr. Oëtqer in my experience, K390 is less corrosion resistant then M4. The steel may even patina. But it’s not going to be like 52100 or other basic carbon steels. But I’m not worried about corrosion. Keep it oiled if you’re worried about it.
@@michaelchristy4982 Thanks for your reply. I think I'm not really worried about a nice patina if I'm start using this one. I don't have much experience with using tool steels besides a few like M4, O1 and Cruwear (although I don't know if that one really counts, haha). I always clean my tools after using them to an extent, so a slight amount of Ballistol is already a daily routine.
Comment not critique. For loosening loctite, I have heard from several people try a soldering iron. That way your screws will not get damaged. What say you?
@@michaelchristy4982 I hear ya, I am just worried about possibly melting g10 or frn material. I have not tried it yet, cause I always remember I have 2 after the task is done. So I have a soldering iron now on top of my wiha, for next time!
Timothy Becker you won’t melt G10, but FRN will certainly melt. For FRN it’s best to have a sacrificial driver, one you can heat up in a flame and then stick into the screw, letting the screw act like a heat sink drawing the heat out of the driver. That way you’re localizing the heat and not risking melting the FRN. With g10 however, you don’t have to worry about that.
Just got mine and love it! I much prefer it to S110V because I find all the chromium in S110V makes sharpening on anything but diamond a pain. It also seems to "gloss over the steel". I find it harder to keep the edge really sharp unless running through all diamond stones before stropping.
K390 has higher wear resistance than 10V due to higher hardness while it has 1% less vanadium but has 3times more moly plus the Tungsten and Cobalt make it significantly harder than 10v and there have been planty of tests and I've seen one on SupersteelSteve where he had k390 at almost same hardness than Maxamet and guess what men!? K390 was ahead in that specific test.. Bohler actually developed as a upgrade to 10v Michael.. It's written on Bohler Uddeholm official site
Marek Masar what Bohler writes on their website is that K390 was made to have slightly better toughness then 10V, while also having slightly LESS wear resistance.
Therka Marka I read it on a spec sheet put out by Bohler. 1% less Vanadium. As you said, higher impact resistance while maintaining almost the same wear resistance. At no point did I say the difference is large. In fact, I believe I said “slightly less wear resistance”. I’ve been quite clear in several videos recently that with these top shelf steels, they’re so wear resistant, you’re very unlikely to see the difference in use because the time it takes to wear down the edge is too long.
Therka Marka In fact, you’ll see a bigger difference in performance due to factors like abrasives used in sharpening, edge finish, edge angle, and how the cutting is done, but I’ve been pretty open about that lately as well.
The Molybdenum and Tungsten are to boost the secondary hardening with M2C and M6C if the high temper is used although it won't significantly affect the wear resistance over the Undissolved MC type Vanadium Carbides. They both are on par with Vanadium carbides ~17% in the matrix after HT. Don't be breaking Christy's balls mang. 10V can also get very hard. I have a gyuto I made at 67rc with custom protocols. The subject is deeper than regurgitating spec sheets.
After so many reading i think that CPM steel quality is simple not so good like Bohler steel. Look at knife testing from Outpost76. M390 is much better than 20CV and probably K390 much better than 10V.
It doesn’t keep them away 😂 my experience with them is there’s at least 2 pricks that take customer service calls and emails. I’ve never spoken with someone there (once at least was the owner I can’t remember his name) that didn’t start with a smart ass reply and end with them being super defensive. But I still buy from them if they have something I want. Including this exact knife. They’re pretty horrible people, but I like knives and don’t care really because I can give it back as good as they can 😂
Michael Christy I guess it is because I live in Brisbane at the coast. I unfortunately might have to stick with M390 and LC200N. Actually my S110V is holding up well.
Give it a light polish and your rust issues will go away. Spyderco SHOULD be polishing k390 before it leaves the production line. My k390 endura was rusting every day in the summer until I polished it and I've never put a drop of oil change on it since. I don't even need to dry it off completely after rinsing it
ALL of it is down to the End User Mike. Let be real. Most EDC bros can't or struggle to even properly sharpen basic stainless steel like AUS8. That's why they'll run around say 'aus 8 is trash." Yeah it sure is, in the hands of a trash user. This is why EDC bros hyper focus on abrasion resistance, which they wrongly call "durr edge retention" which is literally of the properties of steel relevant to bladed tools the single least important quality in most cases. Yet this is the only thing most EDC bros are focused on at all. Why is that? Because they dont actually know to use much less maintain a knife. So they think they're gonna find magic metal that never has to be resharpened. What's the end game with their low IQ logic? Everyone carries around a glassy Kyocera single use knife that shatters if you drop it and chips out as soon as you start using it then gets tossed when it can't cut anymore. Sorry but an End User with basic skills can get more out of any cheap but functional knife with any steel than most EDC bros could get of the most tailor made to purpose knife and steel for their given use. Someone that knows what they're doing will get more out of a $10 AUS8 gas station knife than your average EDC bro would from a K390 pm2, even for the narrow task of say slicing cardboard.
Je continue à dire que c est une mauvaise idée de faire claquer sa lame contre le stop-pin. Ça finit par le mater. Alors que ce couteau, comme tous les autres peuvent s ouvrir calmement..
Unfortunately this version of pm2 is run pretty soft.. Police 4 was run at 65-66hrc and Pm2 62hrc ,that's why I passed on this model.. Also I think you're not watching test.. Everything you said was actually wrong!! No offense but s110v has 30% less edge holding and in several test k390 is only slightly behind Maxamet.. Triple B said it's M4 killer and it's correct.. It has higher edge stability and higher wear resistance!!! This is probably your most misinforming video of all.. Testing the steel on one knife doesn't really represent what the steel can do..
@@michaelchristy4982 ohh I think I do my friend.. Just because someone doesn't agree with your opinion analogy ,it doesn't make me oblivious to all data that has been accumulated...You can challenge me on any point mentioned in that comment and I'll provide you with related data..
Marek Masar you said this model is run at 62, but you haven’t RC tested the knife I have. You said I’m not watching tests... what tests? Not to mention, I’ve run these tests myself, some of them several years back. This is old news, not to mention the information that’s already out there in the industry and community about the steels. You’re just repeating what you’ve heard others say. S110V has 30% less edge holding then what? You’re not even forming complete statements. As far as Maxamet and K390, I’ve tested Maxamet against 10V, so I have a pretty good idea of where things should land. I’m using production models, openly. If you want to bring custom knives with custom HT’s into the equation, everything can change. That’s why you spend more money on customs. TripleB and everyone else will agree with me on that. If I’m doing a test on one knife, and it’s a production knife, I’m open about what I’m using so that factor can be considered by the viewer. It’s on purpose.
@@michaelchristy4982 Ok 1 by 1!!! As far as s110v with k390 Peterfrom Cedric and Ada tested s110v with course Vs polished edge where the result was 620polished/675coarse and tested k390 on mule with polished edge result 970cuts through rope.. As far as hardness is concerned , I've seen 2 bento box exclusive tested !!! 1 by JCOOL paramilitary 2 indeed at 62.3!!! The other one by a Slovak guy on RUclips as well with almost same result!!! I've seen 2 police4 tested both cut test and HRC test both knives over 65hrc!!! As far as your test is concerned where is your data and when did you put head to head 10v Vs k390? I've seen one test where you tested k2 10v against s110v military and it was your test where s110v was just slightly behind!!! When Maxamet is concerned I've seen SuperSteelSteve test on Maxamet Vs k390 at almost same hardness where k390 came slightly ahead!!! Those are all recorded data (you can watch) I didn't make up by pretty well known RUclipsrs😉 Those are all facts!!! Are these statements complete enough?
Marek Masar there’s lot of videos from Cedric and Ada where I don’t agree with the results for one reason or another, but I don’t have to agree with everything someone posts. Pete and I get along just fine. You people in the comments are always trying to start drama between different testers and guys on RUclips, but most of us talk behind the scenes and it doesn’t work. None of us appreciate your little bullshit or anyone else’s. As far as his results are concerned, there’s a lot of reason’s the results could have a large margin between them and represent good data. In fact, Pete may not have even presented the data that way. I’ve heard about a lot of Bento PM2’s hitting 63-64. Even TripleB has talked about that publicly. I’ve tested 10V/S110V and 10V/Maxamet, and I trust my results over other people’s. Why would I need to test K390 against 10V? What sense would that make? In fact, why am I wasting time with you arguing in the comments?
I bit the bullet and ordered this model late last November. Since receiving it early December it's been my most carried edc and I haven't needed to sharpen it yet. It's definitely a costly knife but the steel is phenomenal and it really changed my mind about the PM2 overall. I've since ordered the SE Police 4 LWT in K390 (a monster of a knife) and I'm expecting a Delica 4 LWT Wharncliffe in K390 to be delivered tomorrow. Simply an outstanding series of knives by Spyderco.
Who are you......a man who understands the riddle of steel.
I understand the riddle of cookies.
Great knowledge bro. Keep up the good work. Peace
Thank you for all your research and communication. I’m lazy and you’re the man!
What research? He talks out of his a**hole😁 I say what i say everytime.. Get a knife, test it than talk not the other way around!!
@@georgeyoung4292 research, referring to all the numbers, elements, and percentages he rattles off throughout the first half of the video. You know, research. Looking stuff up and reading what it’s made of and comparing that to what other things are made of. I didn’t say thank you for all your testing, I said what I meant and I still do. It’s fine if you don’t like him or his videos. Comment something of your own. You’re not changing my mind. 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼
@@jasonbrackett77 Every knife enthusiast anf steel nerd can repeat those things.. If you dont, im surprised that i see you here!!! Also i'd like to point out that i actualy appreciate his work and education on sharpening..!
@@georgeyoung4292 I cannot rattle off all those compositions like that. That’s why I watch the videos. If I already knew everything I wouldn’t watch.
@@jasonbrackett77 Best way to learn the elements in the steel is read a bit of chemistry and you have much better chance to remember when you read about it🙏 Knife Steel Nerds will definitely help you
Thank you Michaelfor all the knowledge ,always enjoy seeing new video from you buddy!
Mr.DeLaCruz 559 thank you.
You are like a metalurgist with your amazing knowledge of the interaction of the elements in the various steels in addition to your amazing hand sharpening. Kudos ..
Ken Roman I appreciate it, but I’m no metallurgist.
He is not metallurgy expert but very experienced user witch is imho more valuable attribute cause we can see the steel performance in real world use outside of laboratory!!! Working with the steel and development of steel are pretty different disciplines.. Like racing car manufacturer and race car driver!!!
Also, I love your work. Thanks for the time and effort you put into it. 🤘
Always such good content from you. These spyderco in different steels are extremely interesting, i recently got a para 2 in cru wear and I'm loving it tbh.
valebliz nice
Awesome video as always and I can't wait to watch when I see the notification on my phone!
Awesome video. I have this knife and learned a lot about the steel from this video. I am relatively new to sharpening. I have the KME and am still learning that system. This is very useful info.
Thank you for this. I have 1 of these on the way from Bentobox. Thinking about a Para3 as well in K390.
I ended having to buy the para 3 K390 on top of the PM2 K390 . Michael convinced me and I’m very happy & willing to pay more at Bento Box because their exclusives last for sale for more than 5 minutes. I would highly recommend getting that Para3K390. I trust Michael Christy and his vast knowledge. So many where knocking K390 but I trust Michael & Big Bear very very much
Best. PM2. Ever.
Hi Michael, thanks for all these incredibly informative videos, it seems clear to me that what you do is a true craft. I kind of struggled with figuring out my technique for a while, trying to sharpen with a stone flat on a table, but yours and others videos have shown how beautiful of an edge can be had with proper freehand. Getting the blade and stone up into the light where you can actually see what is happening is so much more ergonomic, and I really like the ambidextrous style too, a very important skill to keep practicing I think.
I don't have the money for any of these really nice diamond stones, but I've been experimenting with really inexpensive options from ebay. In particular the thin diamond plates and diamond lapping paste which are really cheap. I started off with a dual sided thing, 600/1200grit, but I didn't really like the hexagon pattern. I've since got a cheap 1200 grit pocket stone and leather sheathe which will be handy for when I'm out and about, and a 3000 grit thin diamond plate (well I ordered a 2000 but when it came it had #3000 on the wrapper, feels very fine).
The 3000 plate I use by placing it on the hexagon pattern stone thing and kind of holding/clamping it down with one hand while I sharpen. It seems pretty janky but it works well enough. The plate is a little bit convex, but I guess if it were glued down it would be fine, and it flattens out when I hold it down. It seems to cut really well, and has held up this far, so I'm going to get some more in lower grits.
The diamond lapping paste I use for a compound with some cardboard strops, I say strops but they're just some thin cutouts that I hold onto the hexagon pattern stone in the same way as the plate. There is some variance between pastes though it seems,, i bought some 3.5 micron stuff initially that wasn't much use as it would clump up and stick the blade bevel. The 7 micron paste I got next was much much better, it didn't clump up and cut really well, taking material off really quickly. I've since got a selection of of other grades and they all seem to be as smooth and nice, cutting as expected for their advertised micron size.
The good paste has red labels with "SHUANGXIN" on there which is presumably the manufacturer. This stuff - www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Diamond-Polishing-Lapping-Paste-Compound-Syringes-0-5-40-Best-Best-G/223622399765?hash=item3410ef0715:m:mnXjs8jTPmz6YkyoBXCs9jw It looks like it can be had from the US ebay too. The bad stuff with the star logo was this - www.ebay.co.uk/itm/RDGTOOLS-2-X-5-GRAM-DIAMOND-LAPPING-PASTE-VARIOUS-GRIT-SIZES-ABRASIVE-POLISHING/371654688633?hash=item5688587f79:m:mzw5B_HA45iLndFOfmPMSjQ Perhaps that might have worked better on leather, but on cardboard it was terrible.
With these really very cheap products and my janky method I've been able to get pretty damn good results on a number of blades now, shaving and whittling sharp. I think it would be really interesting to see what you made of these products and techniques, a 'super budget sharpening' video perhaps? It would be useful to a lot of people like myself who don't have the money for these wonderful diamond waterstones.
Thanks.
Wow you’re really knowledgeable and objective and well spoken.
Awesome information there... It's an awesome knife regardless of the steel 🍴🔪🗡️
Can you please re-visit a Spyderco knife in CPM S30V, and walk us through how YOU sharpen it? Thanks for your time and work. Big fan.
Justin Hoffman thank you. It might make for an interesting video.
He kind of did this with the kapara.
Soooo glad I grabbed this knife!!!!!!
I tested mine and got 61 rc. I'm really surprised it's that low but honestly it's performing amazingly. I've yet to sharpen it and used it quite a bit for daily use and it's still going strong.
Tactical Pterodactyl Knives mine is performing extremely well. Holding a very high level of sharpness through use.
@@michaelchristy4982 glad to hear it. Mine too, I usually run tests with the factory edge before I sharpen then repeat but the factory edge is so good I haven't had to yet lol
Any chance you have been able to hardness test the seki k390?? I'm curious where the first run of spyderedge enduras landed
@@BrothersCinco I read somewhere that Seki's K390 are heat treated to a higher rockwell than the Golden models
I have heard that too. I was initially very disappointed with my serrated k390 endura. I was not impressed
Also I agree about bento box I like shopping there
What is the main difference between m390 and k390... seems k390 is not a tougher steel? I have a para2 in m390... love it. Wondering if I should get the k390. Is it stronger/tougher than maxamet ? Thoughts Michael?
Busa Rider K390 should have better edge retention then M390, but I wouldn’t expect it to be tougher. Also, K390 is not stainless, and M390 is.
Waiting for K390 Endura on preorder. Love the PM2 design and own 2 in other steels, 204, 110. Just like the Endura lighter weight and blade shape. You can put it in your gym short/ surf shorts and it won’t weigh them down.
Ken Sheffield I’m looking forward to the Endura as well. If it’s done well, I might buy several of them.
Michael Christy Thanks for the reply! I’m on LinkedIn and posted your 3 minute bevel alignment vid this week, got about 100 looks. I really appreciate you man - sliceofaloha on BF. Preordered 3 K390 Endura. 1 to give to a good buddy for his first knife.
Ken Sheffield glad to know the Endura’s are up for preorder.
Michael, your content is amazing and your sharpening is beyond reproach. Any chance of a video about straight razors in future (both steel selection and sharpening)? That would make my day. Thanks!
TheFerguscan nothing planned on straight razor sharpening, but maybe at some point.
Bout to get a pm in k390 and a k2 with 10v! Two heavy hitters I've been wanting for a while
I didn't hesitate to get one. Just as soon as I heard word of a pm2 in k390. I loved the spyderco police so much but its just too big for me to carry often. The pm2 is the perfect platform for k390 Imo
- Trmxzer0 - same here.
I would love a native chief in k390, or xhp. That would be awesome
Great video man. I picked one up when they released. It’s a shame mine will never be that sharp! Lol
I think the statement about the toughness being same as m4 would be at the same hardness. And if that is the case ill buy it. m4 at 62 will be tougher then k390 at 65 its just logics. I think this is an important detail often over looked by people who just watch reviews about steels they don't really know yet. But i still prefer k390 a lot! Toughness in a folder is totally overrated! Cutting with this knife you wont break it simply. Its like saying apple phone needs to be tougher because you cant play tennis with it. Use what its made for and k390 at 65 will be tougher then you ever need a folder to be providing you use the tool what its made for. You deserve more subs also! great stuff keep it up.
Thanks for the great content as always. Do you think you could make a video discussing burr reduction and removal in-depth?
Aaron Kahn-Bork a comprehensive video on burr reduction would be interesting
I agree I see him useing a flashlight sometimes
Michael Christy yes it would
yeah please 😂
Would love to get your take on Spyderco’s 15V
After several years do you still think the K390 out of Golden is good on the PM2? I’m seriously thinking of ordering one.
Great and informative video
awesome talk!
Para 3 in k390 just announced!
EDC Gear & Gun Reviews I’m looking forward to it.
When and where? BB?
Direct Source Seafood yes
I'd be interested in your thoughts on the Manix 2 and the ergonomics on that knife
Jeremy Russell I like the Manix 2, but I don’t like the lock. But the ergo’s are fine.
Michael could you list where you bought your strop? Link would be great. Thanks for all you do.
Michael Brogdon it was sent as a gift from a fellow sharpener. If I find where to buy one, I’ll mention it in the next video.
Good info and thanks for the video
Wiha ! love German tools and this spyderco knife , in this steel , really interests me . As usual , I enjoy your reviews .
Sam4yeshua thank you.
Buy it! You won't be disappointed. I feel like this is an amazing knife to have in your pocket in survival situations due to how long it will stay sharp and is plenty tough for anything you would need other than using it as a pry bar like a fool.
I bought it , love it . Cpm magnacut next or another pm2 in cruwear
Micheal, I was wondering what you use to keep your venev stones clean? Can’t seem so find a proper SiC dressing stone that Shawn recommends. The only thing I can find is SiC pocket stones from sharpening supplies. Should be roughly the same thing right?
Seth Wright I don’t know if it’s the same thing. I would need to research it. I use a cheap Nagura from King that you can find on Amazon.
@Michael Christy konstantin recommended not using alumina based naguras but if it’s not giving you trouble I’m not going to worry about it. Thanks man, looking forward to getting this knife btw.
Micheal I haven't seen you with any Shamans have you owned any and if so what do you think about their cutting performance ? I know they are thicker bladed knives.
Alan Nemtsev just got my first one this weekend. Liking it so far.
Spyderco makes some knives very difficult to loosen the screws.Do they haves reason for this?Sometimes I think they do it for a practical joke.Thanks for another excellent video.
I'm using a KME sharpener with the diamond stones. What angle would you suggest to sharpen or reprofile?
Steven Buell I usually do 30 inclusive for all my folders.
I'm in the process of moving from hair popping to hair whittling and removing the burr is challenging. While I make my own strops I'm wondering if the leather is efficient. Could you recommend a leather and supplier?
Hiker Marapese I use different leather’s based off the compound I’m using. I often buy leather from Amazon or arts and crafts stores.
The scrap leather sold at Hobby Lobby is awessome for making strops. Its $10 for 3 lbs, but often on sale for like 7 or 8 bucks, and contains almost exclusively veg tanned. Ive only found chrome tanned leather in a few bags and only small pieces.
Combine that with some $3 wooden slats from the arts and craft department at walmart and you have the best value ive ever found in knife sharpening.
Hope this helps someone.
Enjoyed the video, good stuff. Haven't tried K390 yet but it's on my list. Just can't seem to the the maxamet out of my pocket long enough to try something else.
James Miller Maxamet is great stuff.
Wow, nice job
Thank you very much, another wonderful video. I purchased 2 of these K390's from Bento Box, one for my son and the other for myself. I want to ask if I can get the factory edge hair whittling sharp, or if I would need to change the angle of the edge, reshape the angle, to accomplish this? I also want to ask if using a plain cordovan (horse rump leather) strop would maintain the edge between sharpening?
robert milstein I have gotten Spyderco’s that were almost hair whittling out of the box. My K390 PM2 was not, but many have been close. Try stropping it and see if that gets it hair whittling. If not, you may need to reshape/resharpen it.
@@michaelchristy4982 thank you very much Michael. You are doing great things!
@@michaelchristy4982 you're like the Babe Ruth of sharpening! Love the videos.
@@Cerebrology I had good results with stropping my new factory edge k390 para 2. It's still needing to be cleaned up because the factory edge grit is a little rough. I don't think there's anything wrong with the angle of the grind however.
bboness713 thanks. Glad you like the channel.
Mine was just tested and it was 63.1 and 63.2 Rockwell. Im not sure if that is an optimum hardness or not.
Mike Likes Knives that’s great to hear. Frankieblades checked his and it was 61 if I remember correctly, so 63 is a nice second data point.
Michael Christy k390 was at 65 hrc on the police models.
Hi Dude all of them?
Michael Christy 2 were tested. 65 hrc & 64.9
fairly new in this community, i am looking for my first EDC knife, which do u recommend, K390 PM2 or M390 PM2?
Jackson Ang both are good. M390 is stainless. K390 is not. K390 has better edge retention. You tell me.
Michael Christy what’s your opinion on k390 PM2 or Cruwear PM2? Love your videos to btw. Thank you for doing them!
You can use a soldering iron to heat the screw and melt the loctite
i dont like double sided strops. cause if you put it down on the table, the grit can mix, you dont want say 1 micron on your .5 micron side. normally i keep a strop in a bag because its leather... and if it were double sided, it would mix grits.
Tactical Center I usually don’t do double sided strops, but it’s a damn nice present to get, and the strop works really well. I’m glad it’s double sided. I don’t know what it cost, but I’m sure it wasn’t cheap. It’s nice to be able to try two different grits on it.
I agree
Agree on single side strops for the reason you give.
@Rick koontz yea, my point is, once you set that 4 sided strop down multiple times on different sides in the same area with different grits, they all mix. then when your trying to strop .25 micron, you will probably have some 1 micron grit now on that side. thats not good. no ones saying mutli sided strops are inherently bad. if you stand it on the flat non leather tip of the strop, no problems. if you only put it down on one specific side each time, no problem with that. you just have to be more conscious when using a multi side strop.
Question: do you hit that strop with a lot of pressure? I have on good authority that a strop works best with minimal pressure, as if dragging a feather...not that your results are questionable!!
I was already waiting for you to review this PM2 in K390. I almost wanted to send you one, just to hear your expert opinion on it.
Great and helpful review.
How about the corrosion resistance of K390?
Dr. Oëtqer in my experience, K390 is less corrosion resistant then M4. The steel may even patina. But it’s not going to be like 52100 or other basic carbon steels. But I’m not worried about corrosion. Keep it oiled if you’re worried about it.
@@michaelchristy4982 Thanks for your reply. I think I'm not really worried about a nice patina if I'm start using this one.
I don't have much experience with using tool steels besides a few like M4, O1 and Cruwear (although I don't know if that one really counts, haha).
I always clean my tools after using them to an extent, so a slight amount of Ballistol is already a daily routine.
K390 gets darker/cloudy when I touch it. Weird and awesome looking. When you sharpen it the bright edge gives a nice contrast.
@@AlohaBlade Thanks, sounds good to me. Looking forward to the patina mine will develop over time
What stropp and compound you useing in this video where do you get it at nice knife thank you for your info you just cost me $200 dollars 🤑
Jason Erickson right on!
Amazing content.
S110v vs k390 vs. maxamet. If you still have that police you should go for it
hands and cardboard ressources are gonna suffer on this one
Hi Dude I’ve tested S110V vs. 10V. I’ve tested 10V vs. Maxamet. And I covered these things years ago.
Nice strop .
Very nice
Great video! Where can i get that strop? I really like it
Subs3v3n it was made by North West Knife Guy on IG.
Ergos are very good on the pm2, but for me, the manix 2 is so much better
Shane miller some guys love the Manix. I say more power to you.
I want to like the Manix but just too wide when closed.
Comment not critique. For loosening loctite, I have heard from several people try a soldering iron. That way your screws will not get damaged. What say you?
Timothy Becker you’re probably right, but I’m more skilled with pliers then a soldering iron, so I went with the pliers.
@@michaelchristy4982 I hear ya, I am just worried about possibly melting g10 or frn material. I have not tried it yet, cause I always remember I have 2 after the task is done. So I have a soldering iron now on top of my wiha, for next time!
Timothy Becker you won’t melt G10, but FRN will certainly melt. For FRN it’s best to have a sacrificial driver, one you can heat up in a flame and then stick into the screw, letting the screw act like a heat sink drawing the heat out of the driver. That way you’re localizing the heat and not risking melting the FRN. With g10 however, you don’t have to worry about that.
@@johnd9357 thanks
Just got mine and love it! I much prefer it to S110V because I find all the chromium in S110V makes sharpening on anything but diamond a pain. It also seems to "gloss over the steel". I find it harder to keep the edge really sharp unless running through all diamond stones before stropping.
bboness713 K390 definitely sharpens better then S110V
Imagine a Manix 2 in K390
K390 has higher wear resistance than 10V due to higher hardness while it has 1% less vanadium but has 3times more moly plus the Tungsten and Cobalt make it significantly harder than 10v and there have been planty of tests and I've seen one on SupersteelSteve where he had k390 at almost same hardness than Maxamet and guess what men!? K390 was ahead in that specific test.. Bohler actually developed as a upgrade to 10v Michael.. It's written on Bohler Uddeholm official site
Marek Masar what Bohler writes on their website is that K390 was made to have slightly better toughness then 10V, while also having slightly LESS wear resistance.
Therka Marka I read it on a spec sheet put out by Bohler. 1% less Vanadium. As you said, higher impact resistance while maintaining almost the same wear resistance. At no point did I say the difference is large. In fact, I believe I said “slightly less wear resistance”. I’ve been quite clear in several videos recently that with these top shelf steels, they’re so wear resistant, you’re very unlikely to see the difference in use because the time it takes to wear down the edge is too long.
Therka Marka In fact, you’ll see a bigger difference in performance due to factors like abrasives used in sharpening, edge finish, edge angle, and how the cutting is done, but I’ve been pretty open about that lately as well.
The Molybdenum and Tungsten are to boost the secondary hardening with M2C and M6C if the high temper is used although it won't significantly affect the wear resistance over the Undissolved MC type Vanadium Carbides. They both are on par with Vanadium carbides ~17% in the matrix after HT. Don't be breaking Christy's balls mang. 10V can also get very hard. I have a gyuto I made at 67rc with custom protocols. The subject is deeper than regurgitating spec sheets.
I agree... I perfer it to s110v
Holy shit what an amazing channe,l so much amazing information
My favorite knife, but I lost it somewhere in the subway =(
DerielWelm sorry you lost your knife.
After so many reading i think that CPM steel quality is simple not so good like Bohler steel. Look at knife testing from Outpost76. M390 is much better than 20CV and probably K390 much better than 10V.
speedykobac you’re wrong. It’s fine if you want to run with that misinformation, but you’re incorrect.
It doesn’t keep them away 😂 my experience with them is there’s at least 2 pricks that take customer service calls and emails. I’ve never spoken with someone there (once at least was the owner I can’t remember his name) that didn’t start with a smart ass reply and end with them being super defensive. But I still buy from them if they have something I want. Including this exact knife. They’re pretty horrible people, but I like knives and don’t care really because I can give it back as good as they can 😂
If only my k390 didn’t rust so terribly!
Paul Victor I’m surprised you had that much trouble with it.
Michael Christy I guess it is because I live in Brisbane at the coast. I unfortunately might have to stick with M390 and LC200N. Actually my S110V is holding up well.
Give it a light polish and your rust issues will go away. Spyderco SHOULD be polishing k390 before it leaves the production line. My k390 endura was rusting every day in the summer until I polished it and I've never put a drop of oil change on it since. I don't even need to dry it off completely after rinsing it
@@BrothersCinco awesome advice thanks!!! I’ll do that.
ALL of it is down to the End User Mike. Let be real. Most EDC bros can't or struggle to even properly sharpen basic stainless steel like AUS8. That's why they'll run around say 'aus 8 is trash." Yeah it sure is, in the hands of a trash user. This is why EDC bros hyper focus on abrasion resistance, which they wrongly call "durr edge retention" which is literally of the properties of steel relevant to bladed tools the single least important quality in most cases. Yet this is the only thing most EDC bros are focused on at all. Why is that? Because they dont actually know to use much less maintain a knife. So they think they're gonna find magic metal that never has to be resharpened. What's the end game with their low IQ logic? Everyone carries around a glassy Kyocera single use knife that shatters if you drop it and chips out as soon as you start using it then gets tossed when it can't cut anymore. Sorry but an End User with basic skills can get more out of any cheap but functional knife with any steel than most EDC bros could get of the most tailor made to purpose knife and steel for their given use. Someone that knows what they're doing will get more out of a $10 AUS8 gas station knife than your average EDC bro would from a K390 pm2, even for the narrow task of say slicing cardboard.
Je continue à dire que c est une mauvaise idée de faire claquer sa lame contre le stop-pin.
Ça finit par le mater.
Alors que ce couteau, comme tous les autres peuvent s ouvrir calmement..
Excellent. Ill probably be divorced soon but i just got. Bento box k390 pm2….are ther any women who would have me at this point :)
Unfortunately this version of pm2 is run pretty soft.. Police 4 was run at 65-66hrc and Pm2 62hrc ,that's why I passed on this model.. Also I think you're not watching test.. Everything you said was actually wrong!! No offense but s110v has 30% less edge holding and in several test k390 is only slightly behind Maxamet.. Triple B said it's M4 killer and it's correct.. It has higher edge stability and higher wear resistance!!! This is probably your most misinforming video of all.. Testing the steel on one knife doesn't really represent what the steel can do..
Marek Masar I don’t think you have any idea what you’re talking about.
@@michaelchristy4982 ohh I think I do my friend.. Just because someone doesn't agree with your opinion analogy ,it doesn't make me oblivious to all data that has been accumulated...You can challenge me on any point mentioned in that comment and I'll provide you with related data..
Marek Masar you said this model is run at 62, but you haven’t RC tested the knife I have. You said I’m not watching tests... what tests? Not to mention, I’ve run these tests myself, some of them several years back. This is old news, not to mention the information that’s already out there in the industry and community about the steels. You’re just repeating what you’ve heard others say. S110V has 30% less edge holding then what? You’re not even forming complete statements.
As far as Maxamet and K390, I’ve tested Maxamet against 10V, so I have a pretty good idea of where things should land.
I’m using production models, openly. If you want to bring custom knives with custom HT’s into the equation, everything can change. That’s why you spend more money on customs. TripleB and everyone else will agree with me on that.
If I’m doing a test on one knife, and it’s a production knife, I’m open about what I’m using so that factor can be considered by the viewer. It’s on purpose.
@@michaelchristy4982 Ok 1 by 1!!! As far as s110v with k390 Peterfrom Cedric and Ada tested s110v with course Vs polished edge where the result was 620polished/675coarse and tested k390 on mule with polished edge result 970cuts through rope.. As far as hardness is concerned , I've seen 2 bento box exclusive tested !!! 1 by JCOOL paramilitary 2 indeed at 62.3!!! The other one by a Slovak guy on RUclips as well with almost same result!!! I've seen 2 police4 tested both cut test and HRC test both knives over 65hrc!!! As far as your test is concerned where is your data and when did you put head to head 10v Vs k390? I've seen one test where you tested k2 10v against s110v military and it was your test where s110v was just slightly behind!!! When Maxamet is concerned I've seen SuperSteelSteve test on Maxamet Vs k390 at almost same hardness where k390 came slightly ahead!!! Those are all recorded data (you can watch) I didn't make up by pretty well known RUclipsrs😉 Those are all facts!!! Are these statements complete enough?
Marek Masar there’s lot of videos from Cedric and Ada where I don’t agree with the results for one reason or another, but I don’t have to agree with everything someone posts. Pete and I get along just fine. You people in the comments are always trying to start drama between different testers and guys on RUclips, but most of us talk behind the scenes and it doesn’t work. None of us appreciate your little bullshit or anyone else’s.
As far as his results are concerned, there’s a lot of reason’s the results could have a large margin between them and represent good data. In fact, Pete may not have even presented the data that way. I’ve heard about a lot of Bento PM2’s hitting 63-64. Even TripleB has talked about that publicly.
I’ve tested 10V/S110V and 10V/Maxamet, and I trust my results over other people’s. Why would I need to test K390 against 10V? What sense would that make?
In fact, why am I wasting time with you arguing in the comments?