LC200N steel remains the overall better choice for most users, just as it was against H1.
H2 steel is Spyderco's modern replacement for H1. While H2 features manufacturing improvements that make it easier for the factory to roll and grind, its real-world performance characteristics remain nearly identical to H1. It is still an ultra-tough, 100% rustproof steel that suffers from poor edge retention on plain-edge blades but excels heavily when serrated.
Performance Comparison
Metric | H2 Steel | LC200N Steel | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
Edge Retention (Plain Edge) | Poor (dulls very quickly, requires constant touch-ups) | Good (holds a working edge roughly twice as long as H2) | LC200N |
Corrosion Resistance | 100% Rustproof (zero carbon, relies entirely on Nitrogen) | Virtually Rustproof (highly resistant to prolonged saltwater exposure) | H2 Steel (By a fraction) |
Toughness & Impact | Extremely High (highly elastic, bends rather than chipping) | Moderate-to-High (excellent structural stability) | H2 Steel |
Ease of Sharpening | Effortless (takes an edge incredibly fast) | Very Easy (responsive to simple ceramic rods) | H2 Steel |
Choosing Based on Edge Style
The choice between H2 and LC200N heavily dictates what blade style you should purchase:
Choose LC200N for Plain Edge (PE): If you want a standard daily pocket knife, LC200N is vastly superior. Plain-edge H2 will lose its razor sharpness after just a few cuts through standard cardboard or rope. LC200N uses a more structured matrix that enables it to maintain a slicing edge for a realistic amount of time.
Choose H2 for Serrated Edge (SE): H2 is a "work-hardening" steel. The heavy mechanical pressure required to grind serrations into the blade dramatically increases the steel's hardness at the cutting edge. A fully serrated H2 knife will hold its edge incredibly well, often out-cutting premium standard steels when tearing through fibrous materials like thick marine rope or nets.
Summary
Stick to LC200N for a smooth, traditional everyday carry knife. Only opt for H2 if you are buying a fully serrated rescue, white-water kayaking, or dive knife that will live in a harsh marine environment.
Are you considering a specific knife model like the Spyderco Salt 2 or Dragonfly 2? Let me know your intended primary use, and I can help you pick the right steel variant.
