Last updated on July 14th, 2023 at 02:54 pm
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At A Glance
S35VN, a martensitic stainless steel, is designed to offer greater toughness than S30V. Both steels are similarly hard, but S35VN offers better chip resistance due to its fine grain structure, making it ideal for heavy-duty knives. Both have excellent corrosion resistance, but S30V may need more maintenance. While S35VN is considered easier to sharpen. Both steels retain their edge excellently, but S35VN may have a slight advantage due to its improved toughness. Despite their premium price, they are justified by their superior properties and high-quality manufacturing process.
Top Rated Knives
S35VN Steel
S30V Steel
Blade steel is a significant factor to consider when choosing a knife. CPM S35VN and S30V are two popular blade steels that are frequently compared. In this article, we will analyze CPM S35VN and S30V in terms of their composition, hardness, toughness, corrosion resistance, edge retention, and ease of sharpening to determine which one is superior for knives.
The universe of knife-making materials can be intricate for both the experienced enthusiast and the newcomer.
To assist in unraveling this topic, this article will provide an in-depth comparison between two popular knife steel types: Crucible Particle Metallurgy’s S35VN (CPM S35VN) and S30V.
We’ll examine their composition and how they perform in terms of their composition, hardness, toughness, corrosion resistance, edge retention, and ease of sharpening to ascertain which one is better for knives.
Steel Background
Before delving into the comparison, it’s crucial to comprehend what each steel type is and how they’re made.
CPM S35VN
This is a martensitic stainless steel that was designed to offer better toughness compared to CPM S30V. Co-developed by Chris Reeve, a celebrated knifemaker, it is considered a high-grade knife steel. CPM denotes Crucible Industries’ proprietary Crucible Particle Metallurgy process, producing highly homogeneous, superior-quality steel.
➤ Read More: S35VN Knife Steel Review
S30V
S30V is also a martensitic stainless steel created for specific use in cutlery. It is also known as CPM S30V steel, emphasizing the Crucible Industries’ CPM process. It was designed to offer a balanced combination of corrosion resistance, hardness, edge retention, and toughness.
➤ Read More: Read Our S30V Steel Review
Steel Composition
The first point of comparison is the chemical composition of each steel.
CPM S35VN
- Carbon: 1.4%
- Chromium: 14%
- Molybdenum: 2%
- Vanadium: 3%
- Niobium: .5%
- Manganese: .5%
- Silicon: .5%
- Phosphorus: .02%
- Sulfur: .02%
S30V
- Carbon: 1.45%
- Chromium: 14%
- Molybdenum: 2%
- Vanadium: 4%
The above composition shows that while CPM S35VN and S30V have very similar amounts of Carbon, Chromium, and Molybdenum, S35VN includes Niobium, while S30V has more Vanadium, contributing to their individual properties.
CPM S35VN vs S30V – Complete Comparison
Hardness
Hardness is a vital aspect of knife steel, as it directly influences edge retention and wear resistance.
CPM S35VN has a Rockwell hardness (HRC) of 58-61, striking a good balance between edge retention and toughness. It is a tough steel that can withstand heavy use without chipping or breaking.
S30V has a Rockwell hardness (HRC) of 59-61, making it comparable to S35VN. It is highly wear-resistant and maintains an edge well, but it may be slightly more prone to chipping under heavy use.
Toughness
Toughness refers to a steel’s ability to resist chips and cracks under use.
CPM S35VN was specifically designed to offer better toughness than S30V. Its fine grain structure, resulting from the Crucible Particle Metallurgy process, gives it excellent resistance against chipping and breaking, making it a great choice for heavy-duty knives.
While S30V is also a tough steel, it may not withstand heavy use as well as CPM S35VN, making it more suitable for general-purpose knives.
Corrosion Resistance
The corrosion resistance of steel determines how well it can resist rust and oxidation.
CPM S35VN, with 14% Chromium, provides excellent corrosion resistance, making it a suitable choice for knives that will be used in wet or humid conditions.
With the same percentage of Chromium, S30V also offers excellent corrosion resistance, but it might require slightly more care to maintain compared to CPM S35VN.
Ease of Sharpening
Ease of Sharpening signifies how easy the steel is to sharpen with normal methods. It usually correlates inversely with edge retention and hardness.
CPM S35VN is relatively easy to sharpen, making it a good choice for knives used for a variety of tasks. However, achieving a razor-sharp edge might require some extra effort.
S30V, due to its hardness, may require more time and skill to sharpen. However, with the right tools and technique, it can also achieve a razor-sharp edge.
Edge Retention
Edge retention is how well a steel retains its edge during use. Harder steels maintain their edge better but are more difficult to sharpen.
Both CPM S35VN and S30V have excellent edge retention, making them suitable for knives that will be used for heavy-duty cutting tasks. However, S35VN may have a slight edge due to its improved toughness and slightly lower hardness.
Price
As premium knife steels, both CPM S35VN and S30V fall in the higher price range. The cost is justified by their superior properties and the high-quality Crucible Particle Metallurgy process.
Conclusion
Both CPM S35VN and S30V are excellent blade steels, each with its unique strengths. CPM S35VN is a tough, corrosion-resistant steel that can hold a sharp edge for a long time and is relatively easy to sharpen. It is a good choice for knives that will be used for heavy-duty tasks. S30V, while also tough and corrosion-resistant, might be slightly more challenging to sharpen, making it more suitable for general-purpose knives.
Ultimately, the choice between CPM S35VN and S30V will depend on the intended use of the knife and personal preference. Both steels are excellent choices for knives and are popular among many knife makers and manufacturers. When purchasing a knife, it’s important to choose a reputable brand and manufacturer to ensure that the blade steel is of high quality and has undergone proper heat treatment.
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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.”