Last updated on July 14th, 2023 at 02:54 pm
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At A Glance
Crucible Particle Metallurgy’s S30V (CPM S30V) and S90V (CPM S90V) are two popular knife steels. Both offer good hardness, toughness, and corrosion resistance, but they differ in wear resistance and ease of sharpening. CPM S90V has higher Carbon and Vanadium content, leading to superior edge retention but making it harder to sharpen. CPM S30V, while easier to sharpen, might need frequent maintenance for optimal performance. Both steels are a good choice depending on the knife’s purpose and user’s preference.
Top Rated Knives
S30V Steel
S90V Steel
Choosing the right blade steel is a crucial aspect of knife selection. This decision not only impacts the overall performance of the knife but also its durability and maintenance requirements. CPM S30V and CPM S90V are two highly esteemed blade steels often brought up in discussions. In this article, we will dissect these two steels, comparing their composition, hardness, toughness, corrosion resistance, edge retention, and ease of sharpening to establish which is the superior choice for knives.
Knife-making materials can often seem like a labyrinth of complex information. With the purpose of simplifying this subject matter, we will be performing a detailed comparison between two highly popular knife steel types: Crucible Particle Metallurgy’s S30V (CPM S30V) and S90V (CPM S90V).
These steels will be analyzed on the basis of their composition, hardness, toughness, corrosion resistance, edge retention, and ease of sharpening to determine the preferable choice for knives.
Steel Background
Let’s first grasp a basic understanding of each steel type and their manufacturing processes.
CPM S30V
This is a martensitic stainless steel, widely recognized for its excellent balance of hardness, toughness, and corrosion resistance. CPM refers to Crucible Industries’ proprietary Crucible Particle Metallurgy process, which ensures a homogenous and high-quality steel. This steel was developed in close collaboration with renowned knife makers, including Chris Reeve.
➤ Read More: Read Our S30V Steel Review
CPM S90V
CPM S90V is another martensitic stainless steel, however, it offers significantly higher wear resistance compared to CPM S30V. Although it shares the same Crucible Particle Metallurgy process, the steel’s higher vanadium and carbon content make it more challenging to sharpen.
Steel Composition
The chemical composition of each steel forms the basis of our comparison.
CPM S30V
- Carbon: 1.45%
- Chromium: 14%
- Molybdenum: 2%
- Vanadium: 4%
- Manganese: 0.5%
- Silicon: 0.4%
- Phosphorus: 0.02%
- Sulfur: 0.02%
CPM S90V
- Carbon: 2.3%
- Chromium: 14%
- Molybdenum: 1%
- Vanadium: 9%
- Manganese: 0.5%
- Silicon: 0.5%
- Phosphorus: 0.03%
- Sulfur: 0.03%
From the above composition, we can see that the CPM S90V has a significantly higher Carbon and Vanadium content than S30V, contributing to its superior wear resistance and edge retention.
CPM S30V vs CPM S90V – Complete Comparison
Hardness
Hardness directly influences edge retention and wear resistance.
CPM S30V has a Rockwell hardness (HRC) of 59-61, providing a solid balance between toughness and edge retention. This steel is sufficiently tough to withstand intense usage without chipping or breaking.
CPM S90V, with a Rockwell hardness (HRC) of 59-61, is on par with S30V in terms of hardness. However, its exceptional wear resistance makes it less prone to losing its sharp edge.
Toughness
Toughness defines a steel’s capacity to resist chips and cracks during usage.
CPM S30V offers high toughness levels, making it a robust choice for heavy-duty tasks. Its excellent balance of hardness and toughness makes it a preferred choice among knife users.
CPM S90V, while not as tough as S30V, still offers good resistance to chipping and breaking. However, its standout quality is its remarkable wear resistance.
Corrosion Resistance
The corrosion resistance determines how effectively a steel can resist rust and oxidation.
As a stainless steel with 14% Chromium, CPM S30V has high corrosion resistance. It’s a reliable choice for knives that will be used in wet or humid conditions.
CPM S90V, sharing the same 14% Chromium content as S30V, also provides excellent corrosion resistance.
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 S30V, with its balanced hardness, can be sharpened without much difficulty. It’s suitable for general-purpose knives that need frequent sharpening.
Contrarily, due to its high vanadium and carbon content, CPM S90V is challenging to sharpen. However, once sharpened, it holds its edge exceptionally well.
Edge Retention
Edge retention refers to a steel’s ability to maintain its sharpness during use.
CPM S30V, although offering good edge retention, may require regular sharpening to maintain optimal performance.
CPM S90V, with its high carbon and vanadium content, provides exceptional edge retention, outperforming most other blade steels.
Price
CPM S30V is a premium steel but is generally more affordable than CPM S90V.
CPM S90V, due to its superior edge retention and wear resistance, usually comes at a higher price.
Conclusion
Both CPM S30V and CPM S90V are exceptional blade steels, each with their unique strengths and weaknesses. CPM S30V is renowned for its excellent balance of hardness, toughness, and corrosion resistance, making it ideal for a wide range of general-purpose knives. CPM S90V, on the other hand, is highly esteemed for its remarkable edge retention and wear resistance, making it an excellent choice for heavy-duty knives that demand top performance and low maintenance.
Ultimately, the decision between CPM S30V and CPM S90V hinges on the knife’s intended use and the individual’s preferences. Both steels have a well-earned reputation in the knife-making industry, and any knife made with them from a reputable brand or manufacturer would be a wise choice. Remember, the knife’s performance largely depends on the quality of the blade steel and its heat treatment, so it’s crucial to purchase from trustworthy sources.
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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.”