Has the ARC changed your choice of EDC folder?

[pa_strunk]

So now that we have transitioned over the years from 420 HC, 154 CM, S30V, to a Magnacut primary multitool blade has this changed your choice of EDC folder? I totally realize I can mod the ARC and add a razor blade holder, but find this simple  9TiEDC crossbar lock version works great as a “fidget spinner” and wonder do I really need a folder with exotic blade steel anymore?   

[David Bowen]

It hasn't changed what I carry for a primary blade. I still carry one, usually lesser steel than the Arc, just habit I guess. I carry a main blade because it's often larger and has a taller blade than the Arc and a more maneuverable due to size/weight.

Sent from my SM-G996U using Tapatalk

[powernoodle]

I don't own an ARC, and prolly never will, but I carry a folder primarily because I can generally get to it quicker than an MT blade.  There are exceptions, of course, but I think the vast majority of MT and folder users would not notice any difference between the wide range of steels that are on the market today.  In my view, the steel game is mostly marketing.  Again, there are exceptions, like the guy who is opening boxes and cutting straps all day at the Walmart warehouse, but he's not using an ARC for that anyway.  He's rocking a box cutter.  I would be very impressed with the guy who uses his ARC blade enough to notice a purported difference between 154CM (Leatherman Charge+) and MagnaCut.  JMO.

[powernoodle]

.

[Aloha]

Great question.  I was not a dedicated folder user so my MT was my primary cutting tool.  I had began to carry a dedicated folder from time to time till I got my Charge TTi.  Having S30V kept me from wanting to carry a folder for a while. 

I ended up carrying a dedicated folder even with my Charge TTi.  I'd imagine even those with the ARC who enjoy knives will continue to carry a dedicated blade  . 

I do think its a very good question.  Sure makes pocket space if you stop.   

[LoopCutter]

As others have mentioned expressed a great question!

In my realm, if I was 30 yrs younger, I would say yes, yet likely not have the funds  not buy fancy steels AND attempt the ventures that would benefit the test. 

Now at 70, yrs I can afford both the tool and the adventure but my body cannot cover the ground. Life is not always fair.

I am comfortable with my REBAR or ST300 as my
MT depending on the task.  And an EDC with S35VN as my first choice for a blade.

In fact with my pocket sharpener, the ST300 blade (420hc) does really awl I want and I have tested it to deliver.

3 yrs ago, a friend(15 yrs younger), a active hunter and I made a deal.  I accompanied him on a weekend hunt for a white tail.  He drop the buck, and I  would process. He was curious and agreed.
He dropped that buck with a single arrow,  as clean as I could expect, the buck ran about 70 yards.

I used my  ST300, and field dressed the animal, gather the organs we wanted and dragged the deer out on a sled.  Took to inspection station, then to his barn, hung it and cooled it down.  The next afternoon, we moved to his garage (make shift butcher shop)  and he told me how he wanted it cutdown.  The  SE and PE of the St300 did it all, the saw cut through bones along the back at top of the ribs and the joints on the legs after skinning. (Not in that order)

Just as I wanted to confirm my LM ST300 could be a hunting knife/tool just as a fix blade. Just a bit harder to wipe down. The 420hc held its edge and the tip of the blade did not break or bend.

S35VN never touched flesh. But I like that steel, I am comfortable sharpening can put an edge on it if I ever needed to.

I do not any longer see the need for the best steels, trendy  models.  I just buy what I buy because I like the look, and because I like to admire the art I see in designs.

Today, I honestly feel 98% of the knives and tools produce ever see a minute of hard use. Let along justify the expense.

Heard a funny, Junior Baseball coach, looked at his dugout, in the bat rack was 10 fancy trendy metal baseball bats, average price of $400 each.  $4000 dollars of bats belonging to his players. Yet, the score was 3 to 0, his players had 1 hit, no runs,   $4,000 for one hit and a lost game.   
What advantage ?

Carry and use what you trust, knowing it will work if you need it! 

Oh my, never noticed I got on a soap box🙄

[Rich_SD]

Great question, and I like all of the different answers. 

While I definitely have a preference in blade steel, I have never carried a dedicated folder with a multitool just for the better steel.  As much as I love the Arc's magnacut blade, it hasn't changed what I carry.

[BlindFarmer]

I personally think the blade steel thing is marketing and not really a concern if you take care of your blade. Look at the grandpa knives. No one cared about the steel, yet they were used for generations. I personally feel that it matters more that whatever you use, it is kept sharp with routine care. Like an oil change, it matters more than you do it at the scheduled time rather than what brand oil/filter you use. For my daily use, I can not tell the difference between my Buck 110 or Buck Advantage pro. If they are sharp, they both do the same job.

[Rich_SD]

I personally think the blade steel thing is marketing and not really a concern if you take care of your blade. Look at the grandpa knives. No one cared about the steel, yet they were used for generations. I personally feel that it matters more that whatever you use, it is kept sharp with routine care. Like an oil change, it matters more than you do it at the scheduled time rather than what brand oil/filter you use. For my daily use, I can not tell the difference between my Buck 110 or Buck Advantage pro. If they are sharp, they both do the same job.

For me, the blade steel choice is primarily about how long it will remain sharp before I have to sharpen it, and how easy/difficult it is to sharpen.  I actually think that 420HC is a fantastic compromise in edge retention and ease of sharpening, although my favorite is 154CM.  S30V is a more premium steel, but I find it too difficult to sharpen.  I haven't needed to sharpen my magnacut blade yet, so I guess the jury is still out on that one.

[BlindFarmer]

For me, the blade steel choice is primarily about how long it will remain sharp before I have to sharpen it, and how easy/difficult it is to sharpen.  I actually think that 420HC is a fantastic compromise in edge retention and ease of sharpening, although my favorite is 154CM.  S30V is a more premium steel, but I find it too difficult to sharpen.  I haven't needed to sharpen my magnacut blade yet, so I guess the jury is still out on that one.

That sounds fair to me. I have a routine that once a week I touch up the knife I have been carrying. I use the Lansky Blade Medic for general touch up and maintenance. If I have a knife that needs sharpening then I use the Lansky multi stone system.

[Aloha]

LC  fantastic post thank you. 

I'm not steel snob but I do enjoy the idea of a blade being strong ( hard to break ), corrosion resistance ( thank you Barry for my Jumpmaster ), long lasting edge ( yeah edge geometry considered ), and fun new steels ( or at least ones I have not tried ).  In no particular priority since I have have blades for different purposes. 

As mentioned my Jumpmaster in H1 is incredible as corrosion resistance.  I live very close to the coast.  Stuff rusts unless rinsed of the salt water residue.  The edge doesn't hold up well for my liking.

Love me some 420/440 steel.  When her treated well this still is a real performer.  Battle tested and is usually a benchmark for most steel charts. 

I've got 1095/A2/CMP3V/O1/Mora carbon steel and laminated carbon steel for my outdoor fixed blade for pure toughness so I don't have to worry a whole lot pushing my knive.  They also have pretty nice edge retention. 

I've got S30V, 154CM, ZDP189 for dedicated blades for all things needing cutting. 

I love my Case SS and CV.  My older traditional blades are perfect as well which I am sure most are 1095. 

What I am saying is, I enjoy blades and new steels while trendy are fun.  This is what its all about.  Need?  My case is more than enough most times as are my SAKs. 

I am confident sharpening all my steels so I wouldn't pass on any if given the chance.  I don't chase steels but given a chance I'd try just about anything new. 

[sir_mike]

This really is a great question! 

I personally don't carry a MT daily but I will say that if I did, I would not carry a folder as well as I see no need.  I would probably still have my sak with me though so I have access to the tweezer's and toothpick plus an extra blade for fine slicing/food prep.

As far as steels go, I am not a snob but just recently I seen a video posted by the guy that helped create the Magnacut steel and it was interesting and he said prior to the Magnacut, his pick for the best mid range all around steel was the 154CM and he feels the Magnacut replaces that one.  This is based on the usual factors of toughness, ease of sharpening, corrosion resistance, edge retention etc.  I will say that the 154 CM steel is one of my favorites and for every day use, you can't go wrong but I do want to try out a folder someday in Magnacut.

Now I do have a few different steels available in my folders like s30v, s110v, s35v n (also a favorite), d2, 20cv, 420 and probably one or two I can't think of between folders and mt's.  Of course, most of my folders don't see much action throughout a day so dulling them doesn't seem to be an issue so I really can't say if I have any that I could not sharpen here and I couldn't tell you if one steel is better than the other because use is limited.   

I actually seldom carry a folder but always carry a sak which is plenty for my edc needs.  If that changes or I know I am going to do something outside the norm, I add to my edc.  Today though I actually carried a folder, a Spider Monkey with s35vn.  Used it a couple of time without any issue of course.  pretty nice folder!

[David Bowen]

I personally think the blade steel thing is marketing and not really a concern if you take care of your blade. Look at the grandpa knives. No one cared about the steel, yet they were used for generations. I personally feel that it matters more that whatever you use, it is kept sharp with routine care. Like an oil change, it matters more than you do it at the scheduled time rather than what brand oil/filter you use. For my daily use, I can not tell the difference between my Buck 110 or Buck Advantage pro. If they are sharp, they both do the same job.

The Buck Vantage Pro was my "perfect" knife for a long time, simply did not see a knife being more comfortable, better blade shape, steel etc.

Sent from my SM-G996U using Tapatalk

[genevabuck]

I normally still carry one of several Benchmade folders in a rotation with every Leatherman, including the ARC.

[Rich_SD]

The Buck Vantage Pro was my "perfect" knife for a long time, simply did not see a knife being more comfortable, better blade shape, steel etc.

Well, now I have to buy one    DLT should send you a commission 

[pa_strunk]

Excellent discussion, you guys never disappointment me and are the only crew that understand a true MT/SAK/blade collector enthusiast mindset   

[LoopCutter]