Anyone have a preference from this maker?
I have a couple coming. No batoning, etc for me and I don't live next to salt water, FWIW.
Appreciate your input.

I've got a couple from Gene, both are S-30V. Little more $$$ but worth it.

I prefer S30V for the stain resistance. I still use several D2 knives but when I have the choice I order S30V.

Thanks fellas. S30v is the direction I'm going on these 2

I've had both steels from Gene and don't have a preference. Both work like they should, the D2 has not stained or speckled. Honestly for me it's a draw.

S30V all day everyday. It gives up nothing to D2.

I introduced the Fire to Gene's knifes. I have one O1 and one 440C, all the rest are D2.

I've skinned/dressed/quartered well over 100+ with a double whammer in D2 since 2005 with nary a problem nor stain.

I have only been on the Fire since 08, But I have a few Of Gene's and Charle's long before that. But this isn't about them, it's about steel. S30V gives up nothing to D2. D2 has .90% V as opposed to 4.0% in S30V. V is for Vanadium which in cutting is your friend.

Edit: add the fact that you live and I assume are going to use the knives in Saltwater its the clear and easy way to go.

Thanks again for the input. Only $25 more to go with the S30V, so that's the way I'm going. Mr. Ingram responded to a note I sent him saying 'the S30V may hold an edge a little longer, but you'll be happy with either.' Good enough for me.

MCH, I'm about an hour from the ocean, and don't much hunt that way. These knives will be used on deer, and if I'm lucky elk and pronghorn.

Steelhead, I'd be interested to see some of those earlier knives if you're willing to post up a pic or two.

Sure, will do so tomorrow.

Longarm, what pattern knife are you ordering?

MOGC, I have 2 coming : 4L and #30 Drop Point. Already have a Spey I picked up from another forum member. Just sent the final message to Gene re the scales and such. So excited! Will post pics when they arrive.

Another vote for s30V here. D2 is ok but it will get rust spots fast it you do not keep it dry/oiled.

Here's a pair of Ingram D2 knifes (elk handled knives) that I've had for 14 or 15 years. Other than the oil that gets on them when I sharpen, they ain't oiled.

Can't see a rust spot or stain anywhere. Course they've only resided in 4 different states and seen 20 others.

Not my experience...

Getting rust spots on semi stainless D2 in Arizona? Something ain't right here. lol

Not the best pics, but it's cold out this morning. I have a few more, all D2

My first knife from Gene, must have been 2002 or 2003. This one is O1 and the blade is 'stained'




All D2 knives. The youngest was made about 2005 or 06.










I misspoke, this one is S30V. Was originally 440C but we had some heat treat issues and Gene replaced it with the S30V. This is my fishing knife.

Agreed.

I've seen some of Scott's "ingrams". He has pretty good taste. He ain't kiddin' about introducing him to the fire either. I'm sure he regrets it from a personal perspective but I think Gene probably appreciates the hell outa it.

Steelhead, appreciate you posting pics of the early models. All are beautiful, those elk antler scales are outstanding. Has the man ever made an ugly knife?

I'll second that. Thanks Steelhead.

I collect elk knives and appreciate seeing your Ingrams.

Yes those are some cool blades, thanks for sharing

Judman,
Top model?
And did you bust the tip off that lower one, or is it just a trick of the light?
Nice knives

Top is a #4 B&T. Bottom is the 6.5 mag, tip is fine, just the lighting.

The #4 B&T is on my list for the next time my name comes up.

You won't be disappointed....

Notice the difference? All my blades have a choil.

What's choil?

The notch at the end of the cutting edge? Do you have to request it?

Since we are doing Ingrams.........

here are a few,

Kingfisher in A2





Dirk in S30V





Ingram P&C (Pig and coon), S30V





Gene's Interpretaion of RW Loveless 'Lambs"




a couple more inS30V





and a Nessmuk set in A2, Desert Ironwood scales




ya!

GWB

Steelhead, yes I noticed the choil right away. Were those by request or did he just stop making them that way?

GW, was kinda hoping you'd join the party. Giraffe on the Lambs? Also, what's that last one on the right?
Such a great looking collection of knives

Ya,

Dyed Giraffe Bone on the lambs





and the other ........

It's like a modified Kingfisher









ya!

GWB

and a 6. 5 Mag..........




in S35V N



along with a wildcat 6.5 Mag



Bo Clerke Smithed Custom Winchester M70, CRF, 6.5 Leopard (6.5-300 WSM)

ya!


GWB

Dayum!
Well played, sir!

What's the matched pair, blue and Westy? Are they #3 B&T?

GWB,

Should you ever decide to part with the Dirk, please let me know. A lot of knives catch my eye but there's something I really like about that one....and it's not my regular "style" of knife at all. Very interesting knife.

JCM

He did choil as SOB in the beginning. I do know remember with a later knife he said, you like the choil right? So they all have it.

My ingram boner didn't have one. So I added it. Just like I do on the others that don't....

I might have to make one of those Dirks.
Kinda cool looking.

Nice collection Don..

GW is a show off!! Haha

I'm sure I resemble that remark!















ya!

GWB

Gene has the recipe right for both steels. One will see more variation knife-to-knife than steel-to-steel in general use gutting and skinning critters.
That said, S30V is "more" stain resistant, has "higher" wear resistance, "better" toughness and can take a more acute edge profile...whether "more", "higher" or "better" will ever be realized by a user in actual practice when the D2 is already so darn good is the knife knut aspect of this hobby. That's the part many of us enjoy...

longarm,
The 4L is a really nice pattern. It has the best handle-to-blade ratio for large hands of any svelte 3" blade I've handled, and just feels feathery light. The friend I gave this one to is 6-4 with large hands and always wanted a more compact knife, but never found one that felt right. You couldn't pry this one from him with the jaws of life...

Journeyman,
EXACTLY what I am hoping for, thanks.


You fellows have wonderful collections, thanks for sharing

Steelhead,
Third pic down below the combo, what pattern is that? One of the B&T's I'm assuming? Blade length?

3 1/2" of cutting surface. No idea on pattern numbers. We were kicking around ideas on the phone and that's what he came up with. Must have been 2003-4 time frame.

It's almost 'dainty' despite the blade length.

Gee, fine knives... Always a nice way to wrap up the fire... Looking at you guns, knives, and porkers..

Never heard of him,or those steel(s)..............

Whoa! Is there a 12 Step Program available for the Ingram collector?

Stick, of your collection so any models stand out particularly for field work on deer and pronghorn sized critters?

Less IS more.



D2.

Have only whittled (5) Moose with my first #4 DP...................

IIRC,

he is a knife-maker



ya!


GWB

Mebbe some day,I'll see my first?!?

Thanks!................

Some tend to look like...............




hint!


ya!


GWB

All new to me................

No problem,

I hear you can follow sign!





ya!


GWB

Not really.

I'm too busy breaking trail.

Hint...............

10/4


GWB

Nice pics as usual GW. That dirk is very unusual.

Stick, I see Gene no longer has pics of the #4 on his site. That's a good looking blade. Think I'll wait to receive and use my 2 a bit before I order another set. Gotta figure what works for me. Very addictive hobby! Appreciate the pics.

Gene listens.

Most do NOT.

He'll craft most any whim and I've certainly TESTED his resolve.......................(grin)

Well you certainly had the opportunity to with all those cards!
Thing is so many of his knives look so good to me.. It's like dogs, wish I would live another hundred years so I could hunt with all the great breeds we have to choose from.
Anyway this is a start. Then I know I want a B&T... And a boning knife... And a...

Seeing all these Ingrams made me want to check with the man himself to see what he had for immediate delivery and he has five ready. Unfortunately, they are the wrong profile for what I want, but if anyone is looking for 3 1/4" blades 4 S30s, 1 D2), you might want to reach out to Gene directly. No wait....

Your previous posts and this one ultimately make the #30 choice all the more curious. A guy needs to gut, skin, de-bone, flesh (skive) and cape big game, and do the B&T thing as a hunter. Filet is a different category, but can be done pretty well in most instances with the boning or B&T knife if spec'd right.The 30 doesn't fit any of those better then other choices. A 3 knife set of the right knives can do it all...

You might consider a new thread asking about double whammers and triple+ whammers that will do all of the above...

Journeyman
That would be an interesting thread, I hope you take the opportunity to start it. I'd enjoy reading it.
Choice of the #30 wasn't driven by practical consideration; I simply like the looks of it.

Been there/done that, with lots more things than knives! No offense intended, was just trying to answer your question re best for antelope/deer. The long suit of Gene's wares in most folks' opinions I know who use them is how they work so much bigger than they are so one can carry a smaller blade and still accomplish the job with aplomb. Original thought on this set from 15 or 16 years ago that I gave my son was a hunter/caper pair. It wasn't long before on most forays the little original style #4 like Steelhead and Stick posted above went along while the 20 stayed home. Anyway, just my opinion...enjoy that 30. Looking forward to pictures. One really can't go wrong...

(That 4L will kick azz...I had a 4S hanging around my neck this morning)

No offense taken Journeyman. Practicality wouldn't explain some of my past choices in girlfriends either... Work in progress.
Will post pics of mine upon receipt

Looks like a No. 4 may be in my future...

Well you just cost me some money...

Here are the two I recently received. A #30 DP and a 4L., both in S30V.

nice,

like them both.

What wood is the knife with the spalted scales.

ya!

GWB

Thanks GW. The card says "Spalted maple". The grain has quite a bit of 'cat''s eye' effect in that light colored bars appear and disappear depending on angle. You can see them clearly here

really good looking knife!

JMHO, but the second photo does the knife much more justice!

Congrats.

ya!


GWB

That's Gene's pic and I agree with you. Surprisingly tricky to capture well for me.
Here's his pic of the 4L

That's a good'un also.

One's wood and a looker

ones micarta with the contrasting tan/ivory

Different as night and day but they compliment each other.

kinda like fraternal twins.

ya!

GWB

Something about the way that 30 fits.. That's the one I'm picking up most often.
Looking forward to using both.

Very nice!!!

Thanks Judman!
I'm very pleased with them.

I ain’t the knife man many here seem to be, but after a few s30v knives, it’s not my favorite.

I really like VG10 and cpm154. Even a $40 Buck with 420HC. Id go D2 and not think twice.

Ditto......I'm probably not smart enough to know better but D2 is good enough for me.

Mooner ever have a custom made from S30V? Or they production blades?

One s30v custom, a Buck, and a Spyderco. Only the custom left.

Dont get me wrong, its a nice blade. The vg10, 154, and Bucks 420hc seem to get sharper and the first two hold an edge really well. Buck steel aint exactly a slouch either. All three sharpen for me better than the s30v.

In fact I just had 2 vg10 and 1 sv30 knives professionaly sharpened. The vg10's have a better, IMO, edge.

Copy I’ve never had a custom D2, just a few koa. Not overly impressed with em after custom blades. Elmax is another goodun. I like hanks cpm154 as well...

I had a Dale Howe cpm154 that was a wicked bastard. Gave it to my nephew. Still waiting to hear how many stitches he ends up with. Lol.

Haha, I had Dale build my boy a light hunter in elmax 5 years ago or so, all he does is fishes and hunts, I always ask him how he likes it, he just shakes his head, "dad you wouldn't believe me if I told Ya"!!! Grin

I’m sure there’s a difference in production D2 versus custom d2 heat treat.

I wouldn’t swear off ribeyes just cause i ate one at a restaurant that wasn’t cooked good.


Go with Winston or Ingram or May for d2 and never look back. Guess im too cheap to pay the s30v up charge.


I do have a Howe Skinner in 154cm that cut my eyebrow from just looking at it.

Any pics of those Howe knives?

Oh there's a difference for sure!!!

Ya I'll dig around here and find some. I've posted a bunch right here

I think i lost my pics when photobucket dumped.


I think it’s the Howe Wyoming Skinner model. Mines blue scaled.

I like skinners. That one has a lot of belly.

[img]https://imgur.com/a/Jkm9zKj[/img]


For some reason, won’t embed. Click the link.


Blue scales. Black lines. Taper tang.

my pair....elmax

Ooooh I love that woodsman Don.....

Dales "wyoming" Skinner is the best Skinner I've been around

Nice!
That pic with the Colt is too cool

Very nice Trio.

Pair o' Colt's, and pair o' Howes. All my white handled stuff in one pic....

[img]https://ibb.co/3fRH12p[/img]



I dunno. Not working for me tonight.

also have a May skipjack in D2, Ingram small boner in S30V and a Menefee 12 ga in 154.



cuttin' sonsabitches, all.....

What grips are on that woodsman Don? Aftermarket? Thanks

Got a couple Arringtons(no clue what steel), that don't take a backseat to anyone.... In fact, I use them more than the others....

little 3-Finger is my EDC..

Yeah. If you call homemade, aftermarket. From Corian scraps.....

Fine trio right there!!!

Super nice, huntsman

Finally got it too work.

Howe Wyoming skinnah

Agreed, got 2 from him and my little EDC see’s a lot of use and holds up well.

ETA; I have 2 D2 and 1 S30V Ingram and could easily get by with either.

A bit late as the decision has been made, but offering a few thoughts for those in the future trying to decide.

I currently have two Ingrams in D2 and two in S30V. He does good things with both and either make excellent knives with excellent edge retention.

My preference is for his D2 for use on deer and feral pigs. I use an Atoma 140 grit plate, remove the burr, and leave it at that.

That “toothy” edge really bites hide and flesh and splits it with just a light touch. The D2 provides a more durable edge that is noticeable cleaning pigs caked with dried mud. The D2 also is faster to sharpen. The S30V benefits from a finer finish on the edge, otherwise it is susceptible to microchips on the belly.

Similar to the endless discussions about cartridges, steel is only one factor in performance. Design, profile, edge geometry, heat treat, and how the edge is sharpened all are important factors.

I ordered my first custom knife in 1976 and have bought, sold, and used many steels from many excellent makers. Gene is one of the absolute best for designing a knife that is comfortable in hand to use, designs that work well, with just right geometry, and heat treat that provides good edge retention with durability. His work is shoulder to shoulder with the best, even with “just D2.”

My Ingram Bullnose in D2 is the one I tend to pick up first, and most often.