The knife that I was having problems with was eather Buck or Camillus. My guess is that it was 440A steel. Eather way, I find both Buck and Camillus difficult to get a razor edge with.
I now use VG10 or S30V steel. for my carry knifes. Exept for a Pushdagger that is made from 420. Of corse its "Cold Steel" knife so they claim that their heat prosses makes the steel more durable than 420. I dont care if that Pushdagger is made from Aluminum(I think 420 is basicly Aluminum anyhow). If it ever gets used it may be the best $30 I ever spent
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Noway,
What is the name of the Spyderco knife, you used for cleaning your Elk and Deer?