I know it was long, but it was worth making and worth watching, Smoke. Thanks for taking the time to do it. I have to tell you, this one made me smile... I just posted a Para 2 extended use table-top review yesterday, and called it the best EDC folder on the planet. I also mentioned that it's pretty hard to justify spending alot more money for a sprint run, like the S35VN blade you featured, when the "base model" is so good, unless you're a collector of course. I think you showed that :)
Great Video...Subbed. Both great steels. I have loved S30V for a long time. With the right heat treat and edge profile, it lasts for a good long while. Thanks for comparing these two with 2 knives with the same grind and manufacturer. It makes for a much more accurate test.
Nice test. I also own the PM2 in S30V and S35VN and even though I never did an extensive test like this I have the impression that the S30V hold a better edge. Good to see this confirmed at the end of your test. Love both steels though and the PM2 still is one of my favorite EDC knives.
I think it would've been cool, (albeit time consuming) to take yet another well-known steel through this test with the others such as 8cr13mov or AUS8 as sort of a baseline or a reference point.
Oh Lawdy, I had no idea how great those steels were. I mean, I don't think very many of us do half that much cutting with our EDC knives, and still both of the knives shaved paper. I personally love S30V and have a lot of faith in it. Man, that stuff can take a sharp edge, and hold it. Thanks!
I just finished the vid. I was actually getting upset that neither dulled. Excellent knives, excellent steel they both have. I was amazed. You need to make a follow up and show what it takes to dull them. I'd sit through another 25+ min vid. Yours are truely enjoyable! Take care brother. Aloha, Mike
First, thanks for doing this, especially with my favorite edc. What I take from this, not much if any perceivable difference S30V & S35VN. Spyderco has there shit together with blade profiles. And you are officially a wicked edge guru.
NICE !!!! 25 minute video and now 1 to 1 1/2 hours sharpening on the Wicked Edge, equals a lot of fun for those of us watching. Your videos are great !!!!
Thanks for the awesome video man, looks like another feather in Spyderco's cap to me. From what I've seen, Spyderco's steels are pretty much always top notch. Even on the lower priced models, they simply get it right. Not to mention the great edge they almost always come with.
S35VN is a softer steel because of adding more Niobium. It was likened cuz of its easy machining properties for the manufacturers. S30v is the superior steel than S35VN from a consumer viewpoint. but Knife manufacturers like to make it appear that S35VN is superior because its easy for them to machine. Easier way to make an inferior steel appear superior is by creating a hype by giving it a higher price tag than s30v. s90v is the steel that can actually beat S30v in edge retention but that one is also hard to machine.
Easy, easy easy..my ZT 0452CF with 35V is just as good. It’s the same steel..by the way, are you from East Texas by chance? Lol, I’m from East Texas and we have our on language and it sounds like your speaking it. Keep on keeping on brother, just subscribed! However, I have a brand spanking new Spyderco Rubicon 2 that I just posted on eBay with the warranty papers and everything and I don’t think I’m going to be able to get $180 for it the way it’s looking. Sad situation for a $230 (S30V) Spyderco knife.
Hi, Thanks for the upload of this very useful video. I think your Test worked, because it never really relied on any crazy uncontrollable slashing or unrepeatable strength moves, just the simple cut and this is how all knives should be Tested. Doing like with similar or even opposites
I've got an Elmax Para 2 on the way. Looking forward to trying it out. Spyderco always seems to do a wonderful job on their HT for pretty much any steel.
I would love to see you sharpen these knives at as low of an angle as possible and see how long the edge lasts..... I love your great edge retention testing videos! I want to get a wicked edge system soon and I'm debating on whether or not I need the low angle adaptor
I did some (similar) tests with Microtech's S35 (Select Fire/MA) and S30 (D.O.C/M.A), pretty much the same, neither dulled very quickly (tons of boxes and shaving wood etc etc.) But the S35 did dull slightly faster than the S30V. As for sharpening? They seemed the same to me. Neither took much longer than the other in the sharpener, and they both got back to a razor's edge very quickly using the Edge Pro Apex 4.
It was better back then. Not anymore. Pretty much all knife-makers found out about the sweet-spot when it comes to s35vn heat-treatment, and they can get it harder than s30v with better edge stability.
I agree. Back in the day S30v was better then s35vn, but once knife makers started getting s35vn heat treated to 59-61 rockwell, it blew s30v away in both toughness, chip resistance, and edge holding.
great vid, have you considered doing a comparison of the spyderco s90v or something along that line compared to one of your hinderers, because you said the crk steel isnt as good
IMO, the ELMAX in the ZT0561, which is the model with which most problems are reported, often just have burnt edges. Sharpening past the burnt portion, you'll get into good steel, once done IMO the steel performs well. This phenomenon is not only found in ZT ELMAX. Gavkoo found a similar problem with his lionsteel knife w/elmax. ELMAX is a good steel, but if not sharpened with care on power equipment it can be burnt causing poor initial edge retention. If you like the ZT designs, look into it
Smoke I have just recently went from spending no more than 50 bucks on knives to jumping to the better production knives and I want to thank you for your videos on showing me the difrence between the 2. My question is why is it you do not like elmax steel I was about to purchase the zt0561 but I wanted to ask you first thanks again...
Tested it myself: M390 ( Bradford ,anyway) is the best retention I have tested to date.( Bradford does perhaps the best HT, double HT ,double cryo) It does everything good S30v does...better. By a bunch. I would guess using the old school way ( stones), that M390 is NOT fun to reprofile or even sharpen/touch up. I have the Worksharp belt system so everything is easy. All this said: Proper S30v is the best bang for the buck right now IMHO. My "edc" is S30v and I love it ( also my fav knife ever) www.whiteriverknives.com/collections/backpacker/products/backpacker-black No cord for me
Thanks for doing this man. I know what my first expensive knife is going to be. Paramilitary 2 in s30v =) but in G10 or digi camo? I dont know *shrugs*
S30 clearly looks better. Not a big fan of those fast cuts as test thru phone paper. If it can't cut thru it slow then I say they cant cut phone paper.
when you got yours in s35vn did it have a different edge geometry then your standard s30v para? Mine did. The relief edge was weird on the s35. It was tiny.
My para 2 shouldn't have any more damage to it for how much metal has been removed as I suspected an over heated edge, the actual heat treat could be sub par though as it has never kept an edge like smoke's here did after that much cutting. My ritter does have a very thin edge and a micro bevel but the way it acts I suspect edge over heating and i just haven't tested that theory yet. It works as an edc blade for light tasks and I'm happy with that. I'll have to thicken the edge and go from there
As always enjoyed the video you must have free hand are used a wall mart sharpener i know a wicked edge can not put that kind of edge on a knife keep the videos comeing and my the good Lord bless you all Randy.
I wish i could say the same for my s30. My para 2 dulls after a priority box and same with my ritter grip. the ritter is worse actually. I do recall cliff stamp on here saying that it could be due to a damaged edge but I have sharpened my pm2 a good bit and reprofiled it twice. Although I have a microtech with s35vn and I have been having a wonderful time with that, my utx75 actually came sharp from the box 3 months ago and the coating is starting to wear and I haven't even had to strop it yet!
All this proves is that you obviously have wimpy phone book paper that is easily cut by inferior steels! LOL!!! J/K of course! Awesome test SE908...easily the best edge ret. test for these 2 steels on YT (particulary of S35VN which is unjustly bagged on by many IMO)! I am impressed as hell by both steels frankly (& with your obvious sharpening skills). Amazing what these 2 steels are capable of. Great test!!!
Smokey! I am trying to decide between a new strider pt in s30v or s35vn. I'm not going to abuse it and I currently just have a sharpmaker and strop for sharpening. Which would you reccomend for an edc. I'm thinking for a light use edc edge retention is more important then strength but with that being said I don't want the blade chipping. This will be my first strider so I know nothing about there ht
Oh man, I thought you were going to have a heart attack before you did the test from all those energy drinks. Lol just giving you a hard time. I actually had a caffeine overdose in college, never want to repeat that.
Testz seems a bit inaccurate as you were cutting the rope you were only with top half of the knife. when you cut the paper you were starting with the bottom half.
Well there is one major difference i've seen on Amazon. The new Buck small game knife with s35vn is TWICE the price of my s30v small game knife. No effin way I'd pay double for it.
Knife nerds has both rated 7.5 for corrosion resistance. So S35VN is not more corrosion resistant than S30V. Niobium was added to S35VN to make it more machinable and then jack up the price.
Well if nothing else you ended up with a very good pile of fire starter lol. you want to really test edge retention go hunting kill a dear then field dress it and butcher it with your knife, there is just something about that that just puts a knife to a serious test, especially where you have to cut through the hide and hit hair, that will dull even the very best of knives in VERY short order.
thank you for taking the time to watch it :)
thank you for taking the time to make the video~!
I know it was long, but it was worth making and worth watching, Smoke. Thanks for taking the time to do it. I have to tell you, this one made me smile... I just posted a Para 2 extended use table-top review yesterday, and called it the best EDC folder on the planet. I also mentioned that it's pretty hard to justify spending alot more money for a sprint run, like the S35VN blade you featured, when the "base model" is so good, unless you're a collector of course. I think you showed that :)
thanks brother for watching I appreciate it, you just gotta love the PM2 line of knives for sure
There is no noticeable difference between CPM-154, S30v and S35vn in edge retention, that the normal user would ever notice IMO.
Thanks for the video.
Great Video...Subbed. Both great steels. I have loved S30V for a long time. With the right heat treat and edge profile, it lasts for a good long while. Thanks for comparing these two with 2 knives with the same grind and manufacturer. It makes for a much more accurate test.
Nice test. I also own the PM2 in S30V and S35VN and even though I never did an extensive test like this I have the impression that the S30V hold a better edge. Good to see this confirmed at the end of your test. Love both steels though and the PM2 still is one of my favorite EDC knives.
I think it would've been cool, (albeit time consuming) to take yet another well-known steel through this test with the others such as 8cr13mov or AUS8 as sort of a baseline or a reference point.
Oh Lawdy, I had no idea how great those steels were. I mean, I don't think very many of us do half that much cutting with our EDC knives, and still both of the knives shaved paper. I personally love S30V and have a lot of faith in it. Man, that stuff can take a sharp edge, and hold it. Thanks!
I just finished the vid. I was actually getting upset that neither dulled. Excellent knives, excellent steel they both have. I was amazed. You need to make a follow up and show what it takes to dull them. I'd sit through another 25+ min vid. Yours are truely enjoyable! Take care brother. Aloha, Mike
Oh and thanks for your edge retention tests - I like them as they show real world outcome for those steels.
First, thanks for doing this, especially with my favorite edc.
What I take from this, not much if any perceivable difference S30V & S35VN.
Spyderco has there shit together with blade profiles.
And you are officially a wicked edge guru.
NICE !!!! 25 minute video and now 1 to 1 1/2 hours sharpening on the Wicked Edge, equals a lot of fun for those of us watching. Your videos are great !!!!
WoW that is crazy stuff brother, it amazing how different they act with different companies
Finally a good comparison video that makes sense.
Thanks for the awesome video man, looks like another feather in Spyderco's cap to me. From what I've seen, Spyderco's steels are pretty much always top notch. Even on the lower priced models, they simply get it right. Not to mention the great edge they almost always come with.
Damn that’s impressive. Whatever difference there is between the two are negligible... I’d be extremely happy with either.
Thanks for the extensive testing. Informative. I agree though that slow cuts in paper might be more revealing.
S35VN is a softer steel because of adding more Niobium. It was likened cuz of its easy machining properties for the manufacturers. S30v is the superior steel than S35VN from a consumer viewpoint. but Knife manufacturers like to make it appear that S35VN is superior because its easy for them to machine. Easier way to make an inferior steel appear superior is by creating a hype by giving it a higher price tag than s30v. s90v is the steel that can actually beat S30v in edge retention but that one is also hard to machine.
Easy, easy easy..my ZT 0452CF with 35V is just as good. It’s the same steel..by the way, are you from East Texas by chance? Lol, I’m from East Texas and we have our on language and it sounds like your speaking it. Keep on keeping on brother, just subscribed! However, I have a brand spanking new Spyderco Rubicon 2 that I just posted on eBay with the warranty papers and everything and I don’t think I’m going to be able to get $180 for it the way it’s looking. Sad situation for a $230 (S30V) Spyderco knife.
Hi,
Thanks for the upload of this very useful video.
I think your Test worked, because it never really relied on any crazy uncontrollable slashing or unrepeatable strength moves, just the simple cut and this is how all knives should be Tested. Doing like with similar or even opposites
I've got an Elmax Para 2 on the way. Looking forward to trying it out. Spyderco always seems to do a wonderful job on their HT for pretty much any steel.
love your vids. are you ever gonna do an m390 vs s110v pm2?
I would love to see you sharpen these knives at as low of an angle as possible and see how long the edge lasts..... I love your great edge retention testing videos! I want to get a wicked edge system soon and I'm debating on whether or not I need the low angle adaptor
I did some (similar) tests with Microtech's S35 (Select Fire/MA) and S30 (D.O.C/M.A), pretty much the same, neither dulled very quickly (tons of boxes and shaving wood etc etc.) But the S35 did dull slightly faster than the S30V. As for sharpening? They seemed the same to me. Neither took much longer than the other in the sharpener, and they both got back to a razor's edge very quickly using the Edge Pro Apex 4.
Thank you for this vid! This was excellent!
NOS for life. just ordered my para 2 in digi. cpm s30v. time to retire the bench made 583 barrage tanto. stay safe and attack from the unburned side.
You to brother glad to know that your still hanging around ;-)
here from your instagram post! thanks for the vid bro
Fantastic test. Thanks for sharing.
seems like the s30v is better than the 35. thanks for the video.
It was better back then. Not anymore. Pretty much all knife-makers found out about the sweet-spot when it comes to s35vn heat-treatment, and they can get it harder than s30v with better edge stability.
I agree. Back in the day S30v was better then s35vn, but once knife makers started getting s35vn heat treated to 59-61 rockwell, it blew s30v away in both toughness, chip resistance, and edge holding.
New sub here very awsome video brorher 🇺🇲🔥
great vid, have you considered doing a comparison of the spyderco s90v or something along that line compared to one of your hinderers, because you said the crk steel isnt as good
IMO, the ELMAX in the ZT0561, which is the model with which most problems are reported, often just have burnt edges. Sharpening past the burnt portion, you'll get into good steel, once done IMO the steel performs well. This phenomenon is not only found in ZT ELMAX. Gavkoo found a similar problem with his lionsteel knife w/elmax. ELMAX is a good steel, but if not sharpened with care on power equipment it can be burnt causing poor initial edge retention. If you like the ZT designs, look into it
Nicely done video sir!
i have a zt 0350 and 0550, the s30v holds up way better then the s35vn, but they are both pretty nice steels, better than most! great video
the S30v sounds more sharp ;)
great testing!
greetz from Germany
thanks for watching I appreciate it
Smoke I have just recently went from spending no more than 50 bucks on knives to jumping to the better production knives and I want to thank you for your videos on showing me the difrence between the 2. My question is why is it you do not like elmax steel I was about to purchase the zt0561 but I wanted to ask you first thanks again...
Snobs look down on S30v like it is AUS 8.
Impressive!
How does S30v compare to M390 in this type of test
that's what I want to see
Tested it myself:
M390 ( Bradford ,anyway) is the best retention I have tested to date.( Bradford does perhaps the best HT, double HT ,double cryo)
It does everything good S30v does...better. By a bunch.
I would guess using the old school way ( stones), that M390 is NOT fun to reprofile or even sharpen/touch up.
I have the Worksharp belt system so everything is easy.
All this said: Proper S30v is the best bang for the buck right now IMHO.
My "edc" is S30v and I love it ( also my fav knife ever)
www.whiteriverknives.com/collections/backpacker/products/backpacker-black
No cord for me
no. maxamet destroys them all
It sure enough sounds familiar that is for sure, thanks for watching
Thanks brother for watching I appreciate it
brother Good Lord Good stuff
Thanks for doing this man. I know what my first expensive knife is going to be. Paramilitary 2 in s30v =) but in G10 or digi camo? I dont know *shrugs*
Got my pm2 with carbon fiber scales and a deep carry pocket clip
S30 clearly looks better. Not a big fan of those fast cuts as test thru phone paper. If it can't cut thru it slow then I say they cant cut phone paper.
I could not agree more brother!!
when you got yours in s35vn did it have a different edge geometry then your standard s30v para? Mine did. The relief edge was weird on the s35. It was tiny.
My para 2 shouldn't have any more damage to it for how much metal has been removed as I suspected an over heated edge, the actual heat treat could be sub par though as it has never kept an edge like smoke's here did after that much cutting. My ritter does have a very thin edge and a micro bevel but the way it acts I suspect edge over heating and i just haven't tested that theory yet. It works as an edc blade for light tasks and I'm happy with that. I'll have to thicken the edge and go from there
Man I love these vids
thanks for watching
hey man love the new logo :)
Great Test!
Fantastic Video And Thanks For Sharing!
As always enjoyed the video you must have free hand are used a wall mart sharpener i know a wicked edge can not put that kind of edge on a knife keep the videos comeing and my the good Lord bless you all Randy.
LMAO Thanks Bruce I really hope it was generous :))
I wish i could say the same for my s30.
My para 2 dulls after a priority box and same with my ritter grip. the ritter is worse actually. I do recall cliff stamp on here saying that it could be due to a damaged edge but I have sharpened my pm2 a good bit and reprofiled it twice. Although I have a microtech with s35vn and I have been having a wonderful time with that, my utx75 actually came sharp from the box 3 months ago and the coating is starting to wear and I haven't even had to strop it yet!
those poor chopping spydies lol good video 👍👍
Kudos to that brother
Highly informative! Thanks.
All this proves is that you obviously have wimpy phone book paper that is easily cut by inferior steels! LOL!!! J/K of course! Awesome test SE908...easily the best edge ret. test for these 2 steels on YT (particulary of S35VN which is unjustly bagged on by many IMO)! I am impressed as hell by both steels frankly (& with your obvious sharpening skills). Amazing what these 2 steels are capable of. Great test!!!
no micro-chipping?
Great video keep it up =D
Hey I just got a spyderco knife with super blue steel and I'm curious as to how it will hold up do you think you could test that steel?
Great vid!
It don't matter, I will take either one.
was the zt elmax in full flat grind? I think that would affect it
What angle did you sharpen them at?
Smokey! I am trying to decide between a new strider pt in s30v or s35vn. I'm not going to abuse it and I currently just have a sharpmaker and strop for sharpening. Which would you reccomend for an edc. I'm thinking for a light use edc edge retention is more important then strength but with that being said I don't want the blade chipping. This will be my first strider so I know nothing about there ht
Never had any of my many S30V blades chip.
Oh man, I thought you were going to have a heart attack before you did the test from all those energy drinks. Lol just giving you a hard time. I actually had a caffeine overdose in college, never want to repeat that.
good results as they are chemically almost identical. The s35 people might buy only for color of the handle...
Great Video!
How much do you think you would charge to sharpen some knives? thanks.
Thanks I appreciate it
Testz seems a bit inaccurate as you were cutting the rope you were only with top half of the knife. when you cut the paper you were starting with the bottom half.
with that said, how do i get in touch with you for sharpening services?
If you want a real test for your blade cut carpet pad, I don’t care if you have Maxamet it will be dull in a few passes
AngryIrish87 yep. Just had to do this last week. Destroyed the edge on my 940.
IrishSavage87 that's one of those few areas with a box cutter slices better for longer, just on account of being so thin behind the edge
Cool I appreciate that!
how high grit do you go to get that edge? .5 micron?
Great test!
21:39 I started crying 😥
You completely sold me on S30V
The steels have identical performance, yes. BUT, S35VN is vastly easier to sharpen. So, why ever bother getting S30V?
No it isn't. Saw no difference sharpening either.
Which is the steel with the best edge retention used in a Spyderco Paramilitary 2?
Perico De Lospalotes s110v
Well there is one major difference i've seen on Amazon. The new Buck small game knife with s35vn is TWICE the price of my s30v small game knife. No effin way I'd pay double for it.
I wouldn't! No advantage getting it in S35VN vs S30V.
Great video
Zero Tolerance knives have the WORST heat treatments, never buying another one of their knives. I only buy Benchmade, Spyderco, and Cold Steel.
Looks like despite all of the new super steels out there, CPM S30V is still a pretty tough steel to beat.
and thx goes to spyderco for making the exact same knife in so many properly heat treated steels
I was guessing about 45 minutes each, because of your experience on it. Oh well, still fun for us.............
Well done video
After this, I would go with S35VN, because they cut the same, but 35 have much better corrosion resistance...
Knife nerds has both rated 7.5 for corrosion resistance. So S35VN is not more corrosion resistant than S30V. Niobium was added to S35VN to make it more machinable and then jack up the price.
Great vid!! Thanks.
It looks like you are cutting rope with the blade 1"-2" from the tip and then paper testing the edge 3"-4" from the tip.
john hazel dude the blade is only 3.5” so....
thank you
I like the intro music
No way I can get them hair whittling again in 20 minutes for both of them
thanks!!
Watch this video with the sound off and the closed captioning on. It's pretty much hilarious.
S35vn or s30v?
Sounds like they had bad heat treats or you have to thin of an edge on them
Not really they were pretty close to where they should be, that is odd that yours was that way
Well if nothing else you ended up with a very good pile of fire starter lol. you want to really test edge retention go hunting kill a dear then field dress it and butcher it with your knife, there is just something about that that just puts a knife to a serious test, especially where you have to cut through the hide and hit hair, that will dull even the very best of knives in VERY short order.
I agree, I've dulled a few knives on deer and wild hogs.