Last updated on July 14th, 2023 at 03:01 pm
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At A Glance
CPM S35VN excels in toughness, wear resistance, and corrosion resistance, making it ideal for general-purpose tasks. It’s easier to sharpen but is more expensive. D2 offers excellent edge retention suitable for heavy-duty tasks and is more affordable, but requires more maintenance against rust. The choice depends on the intended knife use and personal preference.
Top Rated Knives
CPM S35VN Steel
D2 Steel
Blade steel is one of the most important factors to consider when choosing a knife. CPM S35VN and D2 are two popular blade steels that are often compared. In this article, we will compare CPM S35VN and D2 in terms of their composition, hardness, toughness, corrosion resistance, edge retention, and ease of sharpening to determine which one is better for knives.
The world of knife-making materials can be complex for both the seasoned enthusiast and newcomer alike.
To help demystify this topic, this article will delve into an in-depth comparison between two popular knife steel types: Crucible Particle Metallurgy’s S35VN (CPM S35VN) and D2.
We’ll be looking at their composition and how they stack up in terms of their composition, hardness, toughness, corrosion resistance, edge retention, and ease of sharpening to determine which one is better for knives.
Steel Background
Before diving into the comparison, it’s important to understand what each steel type is and how they’re created.
CPM S35VN
This is a martensitic stainless steel that was designed to offer improved toughness over CPM S30V. Co-developed by Chris Reeve, a renowned knifemaker, it’s regarded as a premium grade knife steel. CPM refers to Crucible Industries’ proprietary Crucible Particle Metallurgy process, which produces very homogeneous, high-quality steel.
➤ Read More: S35VN Knife Steel Review
D2
D2 is a high carbon, high chromium tool steel often referred to as “semi-stainless” as it falls just short of the required amount of chromium (13%) to qualify as full stainless. It’s known for its high hardness and decent corrosion resistance. D2 has been around for a long time and is popular among both custom knife makers and large production companies.
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%
D2
- Carbon: 1.5%
- Chromium: 12%
- Molybdenum: 1%
- Vanadium: 1%
- Manganese: .6%
- Silicon: .6%
- Iron: Balance
From the above composition, we can see that the CPM S35VN has slightly less Carbon but more Chromium, Molybdenum, and Vanadium than D2, contributing to its superior toughness, wear resistance, and corrosion resistance.
CPM S35VN vs D2 – Complete Comparison
Hardness
Hardness is a critical aspect of knife steel as it directly influences the edge retention and wear resistance.
CPM S35VN has a Rockwell hardness (HRC) of 58-61, which is considered to be a good balance between edge retention and toughness. It is a tough steel that can withstand heavy use without chipping or breaking.
D2 has a Rockwell hardness (HRC) of 55-62, which makes it one of the hardest steels available. It is a very wear-resistant steel that can hold an edge for a long time, but it is also more brittle than CPM S35VN and can chip or break under heavy use.
Toughness
Toughness refers to a steel’s ability to resist chips and cracks under use.
CPM S35VN is a tough steel that can withstand heavy use. It is a good choice for knives that will be used in tough conditions. S35VN was specifically designed to improve the toughness over its predecessor, S30V. Its fine grain structure, resulting from the Crucible Particle Metallurgy process, gives it excellent resistance against chipping and breaking.
D2 is also a tough steel that can withstand heavy use, but it is more brittle than CPM S35VN and can chip or break under heavy use.
Corrosion Resistance
The corrosion resistance of a steel determines how well it can resist rust and oxidation.
As a stainless steel with 14% Chromium, CPM S35VN offers excellent corrosion resistance, far outpacing D2. It is a good choice for knives that will be used in wet or humid conditions.
With only 12% Chromium, D2 is more susceptible to corrosion and requires more maintenance to keep rust at bay. It’s classified as semi-stainless, meaning it falls just short of the stainless steel classification.
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, but it can be more difficult to achieve a razor-sharp edge than some other steels. Thanks to its fine grain structure it is typically easier to sharpen than knives of a similar hardness. It is a good choice for knives that will be used for general-purpose tasks.
Due to its high carbon and chromium content, D2 can be more difficult to sharpen than CPM S35VN. However, it can be sharpened to a razor-sharp edge with the right tools and technique and maintains its edge well. It is a good choice for knives that will be used for heavy cutting or chopping tasks.
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.
CPM S35VN has excellent edge retention, meaning that it can hold a sharp edge for a long time. This makes it a good choice for knives that will be used for slicing or cutting tasks.
D2 also has excellent edge retention, but it can be more difficult to sharpen than CPM S35VN. It is a good choice for knives that will be used for heavy cutting or chopping tasks.
Price
As a premium knife steel, CPM S35VN is more expensive than D2. The cost is justified by its superior properties and the high-quality Crucible Particle Metallurgy process.
D2 is a more affordable option compared to CPM S35VN. It’s an excellent choice for budget-conscious buyers who still want a high-performing knife.
Conclusion
Both CPM S35VN and D2 are excellent blade steels that have their own strengths and weaknesses. 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 general-purpose tasks. D2 is a very wear-resistant steel that can hold an edge for a long time, but it is more brittle than CPM S35VN and can chip or break under heavy use. It is a good choice for knives that will be used for heavy cutting or chopping tasks.
Ultimately, the choice between CPM S35VN and D2 will depend on the intended use of the knife and personal preference. Both steels are excellent choices for knives and are used by many knife makers and manufacturers. It is important to choose a reputable brand and manufacturer when purchasing a knife to ensure that the blade steel is of high quality and has been properly heat-treated.
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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.”