Spyderco Paramilitary 2: Steel Selection

As with many other Spyderco knives, one of the best things about the Spyderco Paramilitary 2 is that it is available in many different variants. Following, it is also available in many different steel alloys. Here are some of the more common among them.

• MagnaCut: MagnaCut is one of the best super steels on the market, bar none. There are tougher alloys, like 3V, and there are harder alloys, like S90V, and there are more corrosion resistant alloys, but there are few if any that offer such a balance across these three attributes. Most users agree that MagnaCut is remarkably tough, holds an edge well without being too hard to sharpen, and is surprisingly stainless.
   
• Cru-Wear: Cru-Wear was developed as an improvement to D2; a solid concentration of vanadium (which forms carbides in the steel) along with tungsten, result in a steel that holds an edge well without being too brittle. In fact, toughness is the main beneficial attribute of Cru-Wear, and it resists chipping and breaking much better than its predecessor. 
  
  
• S45VN: Think of S45VN sort of like an upgraded version of both S30V and S35VN. S45VN has more carbon and chromium than either of those former steels, and retains the niobium of S30V. As a result, S45VN offers better corrosion resistance, paired with a fine, even carbide distribution for solid edge retention.
  
  
• S110V: S110V is a tool steel with a very high wear resistance and toughness, with a slightly elevated level of chromium along with hard-carbide forming elements like vanadium, cobalt and niobium. 
  
  
• K390: With tons of vanadium and a very fine carbide distribution, K390 is a remarkably hard and tough steel. It is actually one of the hardest tool steels commonly available, and will hold an edge for a long time. Despite this, it is remarkably resistant to chipping and breaking. There are just two things to keep in mind: it will be hard to resharpen, and it will rust. 
  
  
• Maxamet: Maxamet is packed with vanadium, tungsten, and cobalt, so it’s rich in carbides. Like K390, it is very hard and will hold an edge for a long time. Unlike K390, it is not remarkably tough and can chip if not handled carefully. That said, it will take and hold an edge very well. 
  
  
• BD1N: High chromium concentrations paired with the addition of nitrogen are the key players in this steel alloy, which is very corrosion resistant. It’s a good steel alloy to choose if you prefer edge retention and corrosion-resistance over toughness. 
  
  
• SPY27: This proprietary Spyderco steel is very much like S35VN but with a smidge more nitrogen and niobium. In either case, it offers daily solid performance on edge retention, corrosion-resistance and toughness, all without being overly hard to sharpen at home, unlike some other very hard steels like S90V or K390. 

Add a Spyderco Paramilitary 2 to Your Collection Today 

These are some of the steels that the Spyderco Paramilitary 2 comes in; if you’re interested in learning more or have questions, visit River’s Edge Cutlery or get in touch with their customer service before you buy; they’ll be more than happy to assist.

For more information about Benchmade Knives and Hinderer Knives Please visit: River’s Edge Cutlery.