M4 vs S30V – Which Makes Better Knife Blades?

At A GlanceCPM M4, a high-speed tool steel, excels in toughness and wear resistance, offering superior edge retention, but is less resistant to corrosion and harder to sharpen. S30V, a high-end stainless steel, is balanced in toughness, edge retention, and corrosion resistance, and is easier to sharpen. Both are top-notch materials used by reputable knife …

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Elmax vs Magnacut – Battle of the Blade Steels

At A GlanceELMAX, a high chromium-vanadium-molybdenum-alloyed steel, boasts excellent wear and corrosion resistance. Conversely, MAGNACUT, a stainless steel, is designed to offer an optimal balance of toughness, wear resistance, and corrosion resistance, performing excellently in both dry and wet conditions. While both exhibit superior performance, ELMAX has exceptional edge retention but is slightly more challenging …

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CPM154 vs 440C – Which Blade Steel Is Superior?

At A GlanceCPM154, made via the Crucible Particle Metallurgy process, boasts high corrosion resistance, toughness, and edge retention, ideal for high-end, heavy-duty knives. On the other hand, 440C is a high-carbon stainless steel providing good hardness, edge retention, and corrosion resistance, making it a cost-effective choice for a variety of knives. The final decision between …

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N690 vs 154CM – Which Makes Better Knives?

At A GlanceN690, produced by Bohler, stands out for its superior corrosion resistance, toughness, and good edge retention, making it ideal for general-purpose knives and usage in challenging conditions. In contrast, 154CM, developed by Crucible Industries, features high hardness and excellent edge retention but is slightly more susceptible to chipping and corrosion, hence suited for …

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1095 vs 5160 – Blade Steel Analysis & Review

At A Glance1095 steel, characterized by its high carbon content, offers excellent hardness and edge retention, making it a suitable choice for general-purpose tasks. On the other hand, the 5160 steel, also known as spring steel, is a low alloy, high carbon steel with Chromium addition that bolsters its toughness and hardenability, ideal for heavy-duty …

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CPM 20CV vs M390 – Top Tier Blade Steel Shootout

At A GlanceCPM 20CV and M390 are top-tier blade steels known for their excellent wear resistance, hardness, and corrosion resistance. They have similar chemical compositions, leading to comparable performance. Their hardness levels make them ideal for premium knives, while their high chromium content offers superior corrosion resistance. However, they may be slightly challenging to sharpen …

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CPM154 vs 154CM – Blade Steel Comparison

At A GlanceBoth steels have similar compositions and hardness, with Rockwell hardness (HRC) scores of 58-61. They exhibit excellent edge retention, corrosion resistance, and are relatively easy to sharpen. CPM154, made using the Crucible Particle Metallurgy process, offers superior toughness, leading to higher resistance against chipping or breaking. It comes at a slightly higher cost …

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M390 vs MagnaCut – Which Is A Better Knife Steel?

At A GlanceM390, produced by Böhler, is renowned for its impressive edge retention and excellent corrosion resistance, making it suitable for durable knives. However, it can be challenging to sharpen due to its hardness. MAGNACUT, developed by Crucible Industries, offers a balanced composition resulting in excellent toughness, good corrosion resistance, impressive edge retention, and easier …

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Carbon vs Stainless Steel – Which Is Better For Blades?

At A GlanceCarbon Steel is high in carbon content, offering superior hardness and edge retention but is susceptible to rust and corrosion. It is well-suited for high-impact usage and scenarios where sharpness is a priority. Stainless Steel, alloyed with a significant percentage of Chromium, provides excellent corrosion resistance and good hardness and toughness. However, it …

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S30V vs VG10 – Comparing The Best Knife Steels

At A GlanceS30V, created by Crucible Industries, is renowned for wear resistance and edge holding due to its high carbon and vanadium content. VG10, a high-quality Japanese stainless steel, excels in edge retention and rust resistance, enhanced by the presence of cobalt. Both have comparable hardness, but S30V slightly outperforms VG10 in edge retention. Despite …

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