When it comes to selecting the right steel for a knife, the choices can be overwhelming. Among the plethora of options available, S110V and SPY27 stand out as high-performance steels with unique characteristics.
But because these two steels have some differences that should be noted, we will look at each steel, their characteristics, and how they compare in-depth as well as the best knives in each steel.
Short Answer:
S110V is better in terms of corrosion resistance and edge retention. SPY27 is more forgiving as it is tougher and is easier to resharpen.
In-Depth Look at S110V
S110V is a highly wear-resistant stainless steel developed by Crucible Industries, renowned for its exceptional edge retention and corrosion resistance.
S110V Composition:
- 2.8% Carbon
- 15.2% Chromium
- 2.2% Molybdenum
- 9% Vanadium
- 2.5% Cobalt
- 3% Niobium
Edge Retention: S110V is one of the most edge-retentive steels on the market. It is specifically made to have great edge retention and it does a great job at that. However, it is extremely difficult to resharpen.
Corrosion Resistance: With its high chromium content, S110V offers excellent corrosion resistance, making it suitable for use in various environments, including marine environments and high-humidity climates.
Toughness: While not as tough as some other steels, S110V maintains a balance between toughness and edge retention. So it will not be the best for heavy chopping but it is a good steel for cutting and slicing.
In-Depth Look at SPY27
SPY27 is a high-performance stainless steel developed by Crucible Industries in collaboration with Spyderco, known for its exceptional balance of edge retention, toughness, and ease of sharpening. Here are some key aspects of SPY27:
SPY27 Composition:
- 1.2% carbon
- 14.5% chromium
- 2.8% molybdenum
- 0.1% nitrogen
- 1.5% Cobalt
- .9% Niobium
Edge Retention: SPY27 offers good edge retention. There are certainly better steels out there in this regard but SPY27 is made to be easier to resharpen.
Corrosion Resistance: With its high chromium content, SPY27 provides good corrosion resistance. It is unlikely that it would stain or rust but it should still be taken care of.
Toughness: SPY27 exhibits good toughness, making it resistant to chipping and deformation under normal use. It strikes a balance between hardness and toughness, ensuring durability and reliability in a wide range of cutting tasks.
In-Depth Comparison of S110V and SPY27
Edge Retention: S110V, being one of the most edge-retentive steels on the market, is the superior steel in this regard. Its high carbon content makes it better at holding and edge and therefore better for long-duration cutting tasks.
Corrosion Resistance: S110V provides superior corrosion resistance compared to SPY27, making it more suitable for environments with high humidity or exposure to corrosive elements. This is because of the higher chromium content that S110V has.
Toughness: While both steels exhibit good toughness, SPY27 may have a slight advantage in terms of resistance to chipping and breakage under normal use. This is because carbon can make a steel brittle and S110V has a lot of carbon.
Ease of Sharpening: SPY27 is easier to sharpen than S110V, thanks to its lower hardness and finer grain structure. This makes it more forgiving for users without advanced sharpening skills or who want to keep a razor-sharp edge on their knife at all times.
Best knives in each steel
Now that we have looked at each steel, each steel’s uses and composition, and how these two steels compare in-depth. We can look at what the best knives in each steel are.
Spyderco Native 5 (CPM-SPY27)
The Spyderco Native is a lightweight EDC knife that is versatile. This knife has a 2.95-inch blade, a 4-inch FRN handle, a metal pocket clip, a backlock, and a thumbhole for opening. If you want a versatile and easy-to-carry knife, you should look at the Native 5.
Spyderco Para 3 (S110V)
The Spyderco Para is an EDC knife that is a little different than most. It has a unique blade shape and a thumb hole for opening. It has a grippy G-10 handle and is lightweight and small, making it great for carrying. If you are looking for a fairly unique knife to carry, this is for you.
Check out this knife here (link to Amazon)
Conclusion
In conclusion, both S110V and SPY27 are premium steels that are better for different tasks. S110V is better for those who want the best in the way of edge retention and corrosion resistance. SPY27 is better for those who want a more forgiving steel that is easier to resharpen.