Manix 2 CTS-XHP Question

[luckycaribou]

Been thinking bout picking up a with the ZDP 189 n seen the Manix with this new steel. Just wondering how the two would compare to each other. And also, how is the 154 CM on the regular Manix 2 compared to say s30V Thanks

[Blerv]

Originally Posted by luckycaribou

Been thinking bout picking up a with the ZDP 189 n seen the Manix with this new steel. Just wondering how the two would compare to each other. And also, how is the 154 CM on the regular Manix 2 compared to say s30V Thanks

Here is an extremely basic grouping of the steels. They have different properties and could be debated for pages but they are within a close enough spectrum to understand:

Good Steels: AUS8, 440C, GIN-1, 8Cr13Mov (Byrd/Tenacious/Persistence)
Premium Steels: ATS-34, 154cm, VG10
Super Steels: CPM-S30v, CPM-S35V, Carpenter CTS-XHP (manix2 green), D2 (non-stainless)
Exotic Steels: CPM-S90v, ZDP-189, some of the tool steels like CPM-M4, etc.

Other: H1 (rust-proof but somewhere between AUS8/VG10 depending on hardening process)

Here is a great read or at least reference where our own Joe Talmadge goes into great detail on steel properties and most modern used materials.

http://zknives.com/knives/articles/knifesteelfaq.shtml

Welcome to the forums


PS: 154cm on the Manix2 is very impressive. It seems to hold an edge a long time and get very sharp without requiring an expert sharpener. It can also take quite a bit of abuse.

[JNewell]

Good recap. I have to say that unless you're scraping concrete or cutting staples on cardboard boxes, you might not notice the difference between 154CM, S30V and ZDP-189, but YMMV.

If you want one of the Carpenter sprints, you should not delay.

Originally Posted by Blerv

Here is an extremely basic grouping of the steels. They have different properties and could be debated for pages but they are within a close enough spectrum to understand:

Good Steels: AUS8, 440C, GIN-1, 8Cr13Mov (Byrd/Tenacious/Persistence)
Premium Steels: ATS-34, 154cm, VG10
Super Steels: CPM-S30v, CPM-S35V, Carpenter CTS-XHP (manix2 green), D2 (non-stainless)
Exotic Steels: CPM-S90v, ZDP-189, some of the tool steels like CPM-M4, etc.

Other: H1 (rust-proof but somewhere between AUS8/VG10 depending on hardening process)

Here is a great read or at least reference where our own Joe Talmadge goes into great detail on steel properties and most modern used materials.

http://zknives.com/knives/articles/knifesteelfaq.shtml

Welcome to the forums


PS: 154cm on the Manix2 is very impressive. It seems to hold an edge a long time and get very sharp without requiring an expert sharpener. It can also take quite a bit of abuse.

[Visual Articulation]

Is 140$ a fair price for one of these? Also any recommended reputable knife sites would be appreaciated. Thx in advance

[nozh2002]

Originally Posted by luckycaribou

Been thinking bout picking up a with the ZDP 189 n seen the Manix with this new steel. Just wondering how the two would compare to each other. And also, how is the 154 CM on the regular Manix 2 compared to say s30V Thanks

Based on manila rope cutting tests I did - Spyderco Manix2 CTS-XHP currently best steel among production knives (only Dozier D2 is little better). Right after CTS-XHP next place took Spyderco Endura ZDP189.

In knife community there are lot of misleading theories flying around, but unfortunately all of them are not based on any test results, but rather rumors or marketing information.

So based on manila rope cutting Spyderco CTS-XHP - 2nd place among 41 tested, Spyderco ZDP-189 - 3rd place, Spyderco CPM M4 - 9th place, Spyderco CPM S90V - 13th place, Buck CPM 154 - 17th place, Buck CPM S30V (by Paul Boss) - 19th place, Spyderco CPM S35V - 27th place, CRKT AUS-8 - 39th place

Thanks, Vassili.

[smikesmith3]

$140 isn't too bad. Considering street price was around 110 when they first came out. I saw one go for $200 before.

[LorenzoL]

Originally Posted by Blerv

Here is an extremely basic grouping of the steels. They have different properties and could be debated for pages but they are within a close enough spectrum to understand:

Good Steels: AUS8, 440C, GIN-1, 8Cr13Mov (Byrd/Tenacious/Persistence)
Premium Steels: ATS-34, 154cm, VG10
Super Steels: CPM-S30v, CPM-S35V, Carpenter CTS-XHP (manix2 green), D2 (non-stainless)
Exotic Steels: CPM-S90v, ZDP-189, some of the tool steels like CPM-M4, etc.

Other: H1 (rust-proof but somewhere between AUS8/VG10 depending on hardening process)

Here is a great read or at least reference where our own Joe Talmadge goes into great detail on steel properties and most modern used materials.

http://zknives.com/knives/articles/knifesteelfaq.shtml

Welcome to the forums


PS: 154cm on the Manix2 is very impressive. It seems to hold an edge a long time and get very sharp without requiring an expert sharpener. It can also take quite a bit of abuse.

I have to disagree about the distinction between Super Steel and Exotic Steel. S90V is no more "exotic" than CTS-XHP, as for M4 it is just a high-carbon tool steel and an evolution of M2 that has been around for decades. It is also one of the most widely used tool steels on knives along with D2 and A2. ZDP is also widely popular.

Also, S30V (and S35V) are becoming quite mainstream, I definitely don't consider them "Super Steels".

[The Mastiff]

Vassili, Are you aware that Carpenter links to your you tube video on whittling hair with the CTS XHP Manix 2 sprint? It's on the Carpenter website in the section talking about the new CTS blade steels. Joe

[nozh2002]

Originally Posted by The Mastiff

Vassili, Are you aware that Carpenter links to your you tube video on whittling hair with the CTS XHP Manix 2 sprint? It's on the Carpenter website in the section talking about the new CTS blade steels. Joe

Really? It is a great honor for me!

I hope this will in some way help this steel to became industry standard for high end knives. It is super-performer, stainless and made in US - what else needed?

Thanks, Joe for this info. I am really proud.

Vassili.

[The Mastiff]

Well congratulations Vassili. I was pleased to open up the link and see one of your videos. I think it's smart using it as it tells a lot about the product and the edges it can take.

It's linked as "watch this super sharp knife demo" here on this page. http://www.cartech.com/whatsnew.aspx?id=3684

There's also a link to an article in Tactical knives with an interview with Bob Dozier who has made some knives with it. In addition a not named customer of Bob's talks about the testing he does using half inch rope where the steel substantially outperforms S30V cutting.

It is interesting reading with Bob Dozier calling it "440C on steroids".

Check it out when you get time. Once again congratulations Vassili. Joe/Raleigh.

[Donut]

I would really like to see some other knives with XHP, it is an amazing steel. After I get my initial impression of the Para2, that might be one of my wishes.