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At A Glance
154CM, a high-carbon, stainless steel developed for tough industrial applications, boasts superior edge sharpness, toughness, and is relatively easy to sharpen. Conversely, CPM S35VN, co-developed by renowned knifemaker Chris Reeve, delivers improved toughness over its predecessor (CPM S30V), offers excellent corrosion resistance, and retains its edge for longer, though it’s a bit harder to sharpen. While 154CM is more affordable, CPM S35VN, though pricier, provides premium characteristics justified by its cost. Ultimately, the choice between 154CM and CPM S35VN depends on the knife’s intended use and the buyer’s personal preference, with both steels being top choices for high-performance knives.
Top Rated Knives
154CM
S35VN
Choosing the right blade steel for a knife can make a significant difference in its performance, durability, and maintenance requirements. Two often compared steels in the knife-making industry are 154CM and CPM S35VN. In this article, we will contrast these two popular blade steels, assessing their composition, hardness, toughness, corrosion resistance, edge retention, and ease of sharpening, which will help you determine the most suitable steel for your knife.
The world of knives can be a challenging arena, given the extensive array of materials and technologies involved in their manufacture.
To simplify this, we will undertake a comprehensive comparison between two prevalent knife steel types: 154CM and Crucible Particle Metallurgy’s S35VN (CPM S35VN).
We’ll evaluate their composition, hardness, toughness, corrosion resistance, edge retention, and ease of sharpening to help you make an informed decision about your next knife purchase.
Steel Background
Understanding the characteristics and origins of each steel type is crucial before diving into their comparison.
154CM
154CM is a high-carbon, stainless steel initially developed for tough industrial applications. It is an improved version of 440C with added molybdenum, which helps to attain superior edge sharpness and increased overall toughness. Custom knife makers, as well as large-scale manufacturers, frequently use it.
➤ Read More: 154CM Knife Steel Review
CPM S35VN
Co-developed by Chris Reeve, a renowned knifemaker, CPM S35VN is a high-quality, martensitic stainless steel offering improved toughness over CPM S30V. Crucible Industries’ proprietary Crucible Particle Metallurgy process or CPM denotes the process by which this steel is made, resulting in a highly homogeneous, top-notch steel.
➤ Read More: S35VN Knife Steel Review
Steel Composition
A thorough comparison commences with understanding the chemical composition of each steel type.
154CM
- Carbon: 1.05%
- Chromium: 14%
- Molybdenum: 4%
- Manganese: .5%
- Silicon: .3%
- Phosphorus: .02%
- Sulfur: .02%
CPM S35VN
- Carbon: 1.4%
- Chromium: 14%
- Molybdenum: 2%
- Vanadium: 3%
- Niobium: .5%
- Manganese: .5%
- Silicon: .5%
- Phosphorus: .02%
- Sulfur: .02%
154CM vs CPM S35VN – Complete Comparison
Hardness
Hardness significantly impacts a knife steel’s edge retention and wear resistance.
154CM exhibits a Rockwell hardness (HRC) of 58-61, which strikes a fine balance between toughness and edge retention. This steel can endure considerable use without chipping or breaking.
CPM S35VN, with an HRC of 58-61, mirrors the hardness of 154CM, maintaining a good balance between toughness and edge retention. This tough steel can withstand substantial use without significant damage.
Toughness
Toughness refers to a steel’s capacity to resist chipping and cracking during use.
154CM, thanks to its high carbon and molybdenum content, showcases excellent toughness, making it suitable for knives used in demanding conditions.
CPM S35VN displays superior toughness due to its fine grain structure, a result of the Crucible Particle Metallurgy process. This makes it an excellent choice for heavy-use knives.
Corrosion Resistance
Corrosion resistance defines how well a steel can withstand rust and oxidation.
154CM, with its 14% Chromium, provides good corrosion resistance. It is an apt choice for knives used in humid or wet conditions.
CPM S35VN, also having 14% Chromium, offers excellent corrosion resistance, similar to 154CM. Its higher carbon content, however, may give it a slight edge.
Ease of Sharpening
Edge retention is the steel’s ability to retain its edge during use. Harder steels maintain their edge better but are more challenging to sharpen.
154CM is fairly easy to sharpen, providing an excellent balance between edge retention and sharpening ease.
CPM S35VN, while offering excellent edge retention, is relatively harder to sharpen than 154CM but still manageable with proper tools and technique.
Edge Retention
Edge retention relates to how long a steel can maintain its sharp edge during use.
Both 154CM and CPM S35VN exhibit excellent edge retention due to their high hardness. The choice here depends on the trade-off between the slightly better edge retention of CPM S35VN and the easier sharpening of 154CM.
Price
154CM, a high-quality steel, comes at a reasonable price, making it a popular choice among knife enthusiasts and makers.
CPM S35VN, being a premium knife steel, is more expensive. Its superior properties and the unique manufacturing process justify the higher cost.
Conclusion
Both 154CM and CPM S35VN are exceptional blade steels, each having its strengths and shortcomings. 154CM offers excellent toughness, good corrosion resistance, and easier sharpening. It’s a popular choice for general-purpose knives and those used in demanding conditions. CPM S35VN, on the other hand, provides superior toughness, excellent corrosion resistance, and longer edge retention, albeit being slightly harder to sharpen.
The final decision between 154CM and CPM S35VN depends largely on the knife’s intended use and personal preference. Both steels have been widely adopted by knife makers and manufacturers due to their excellent performance. When purchasing a knife, choosing a reputable brand and manufacturer ensures the full potential of the steel is realized.
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When you visit a merchant by clicking a link on this site we may make a commission on anything you buy (at no additional cost to you). Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to Amazon Associates and the eBay Partner Network.”