The A1 is also laminated VG-10, and that knife did very well on Noss's
tests. I think it ranked just behind the Scrapper6.

I have many knives in 154CM, Microtech Troodon,Piranha Fingerling,
a few TiKnives three customs handmade customs and all Scrap Yards in 154CM as well. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

The Yard 154CM is way tougher to sharpen than the others I listed. Which leads me to The Yards are heat treated so well for hard use and is a bugger to make it shaving sharp. Once sharpened it stays that way too. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />

All other 154's I have are much easier to sharpen. Not as hard as
Busses or ATS-34. I can't say enough good about my Yard stainless. That new Muk is gonna be a EDC. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/ooo.gif" alt="" />

I use a Edge Select 120 home sharpening station and it gobbles up steel and spits out very scary sharp blades! I cheat. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" />


Peace.

True... But, 154CM "is" a lot harder to sharpen.

But, the same can be said for most of the VERY good cutting/slicing steels I used in recent years.

ZDP-189, S90V, and similar "Super steels" are all quite hard and challenging to sharpen. But, MAN <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/ooo.gif" alt="" /> can they slice and cut. Sometimes I think stuff cuts and splits itself ahead of some of their edges. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/ooo.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

I recently acquired a Spyderco Caly III in Carbon Fiber with ZDP-189. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/ooo.gif" alt="" /> - I have not traditionally been a mid-lock fan. But, the blade steels abilities, the shape of the blade, the ergos of the handle, the clip and the Carbon Fiber scales are all just WAY amazing. I usually carry a 3.5" - 4.0" bladed folder. But, I enjoy cutting stuff so much with this smaller Caly III, that I keep grabbing it for EDC.


VG-10 and BG-42 both seem easier to sharpen to me than Busse's 154CM. But, Busse just seems to have a knack for adding magical toughness that other maker's can't seem to provide in similar steels. While VG-10 and BG-42 get incredibly sharp and are (have been) easier for me to sharpen, I doubt they are as tough as Busse's 154CM (??????) (* Unless laminated like the many Fallkniven's in VG-10 ????)

From what I know, I wouldn't want 154CM, VG-10, BG-42, S90V, ZDP or similar on a chopper (Unless laminated like Fallkniven's NL1 and similar <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />). But, they are amazing for smaller chore knives, folders and similar. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

*** Bruce is right about Fallkniven's NL1 (aka: "THOR"). It is laminated VG-10. I have one. It is similar in size and weight to a DFLE. The DFLE is a little taller, but the NL1 is a little thicker and more a fighter styled blade.

Like the DFLE, the NL1 is a little larger than the Battle Rat.

I honestly haven't used my NL1. The blade is amazing - in that it is very nice looking, well ground, nice shape, full height convex and I like the look of laminated blades (like my Caly III <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> ). I would have to say that my NL1 is the nicest "Looking" chopper I own. But, for chopping, my user is going to be about all-round function and ability "First". I have used my Battle Rat as my user/beater for so long and the handle on my Battle Rat and DFLE feels much more secure for chopping. Honestly, while the NL1 is very cool looking and probably a very effective chopper, I doubt it has any real advantages over my Battle Rat. The NL1 probably has slight edge holding advantages over my DFLE as VG-10 is a great blade steel for slicing/cutting, but the over-all design, weight, balance, feel and secure grip of my DFLE and Battle Rat still would probably make me reach for DFLE or Battle Rat.

Also, the NL1 is pretty darn expensive (IMO). Most Fallknivens are for that matter. And most laminated steel bladed knives I have seen have been pricey as well.

I have gone through some finance pinches quite a bit on and off over the last few years and I have almost sold my NL1 quite a few times because of it's high cost. But, somehow, I still have it. I would love to find a NL1 that has been used for half price, replace the handle


3V, M4 are both still "Super Steel" knife steels in my book. Although, not stainless and arguably (Super)-Tool steels, they can both be hard and challenging to sharpen. But, they are both quite tough and might make good smaller knives and larger choppers.


I am still a pretty big fan of A2, SR-101 and similar tool steels that offer a great combination of great toughness, great edge properties/sharpness and still pretty easy to sharpen. A2 and SR-101 both also make great smaller blade steels and larger knives. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

Of course, INFI is STILL the King of BEST combination of properties for most fixed bladed knives (IMO). And it is GREAT for both small and large sized knives. But, it is SO darn expensive. I can't say that I wouldn't buy the right design. But, I have had to unload a couple of AD's that weren't designed to my liking. INFI is pretty hard for me to justify if the design isn't VERY good.

Jerry used to use A2 for his Busse line, I am surprised he never brought it into some limited piece for Swamp Rat or Scrap Yard. I assume he must have a hoard of it somewhere.... (?????).

Maybe he sold his hoard to Mike S. (?????)

.

Fallkniven makes VERY nice/good quality knives. I like the laminated steels as well.

I can get 154cm on an axis lock benchmade very sharp, pretty fast with a DMT diamond hone on the EZE.

+1 on that! I think that SS4 in 154CM might make my new favorite hunting knife.

If you're looking for a big Fallkniven in VG-10, also consider their A2 model, which adds two inches of blade to the A1. (A simple and to the point comparison shot, showing the A2 on top). Smaller than the NL1, but a whole lot cheaper, and the kraton handle is preferable to some. And still has plenty of chopping power.