CPM 154 vs Magnacut: Steel Comparison for Knife Making
When it comes to crafting the perfect blade, choosing the right steel can make all the difference. For knife makers…
When it comes to choosing the perfect knife, the type of steel used can make all the difference. For knife enthusiasts and makers, the debate between 20CV and S35VN steel is a hot topic. Both are celebrated for their high performance, but they offer distinct advantages that cater to different needs. In this article, we’ll delve into the key properties of these steels, comparing their wear resistance, corrosion resistance, and edge retention. By the end, you’ll have a clearer understanding of which steel is better suited for your knife-making endeavors. So, which one will emerge as the superior choice? Let’s find out.
Choosing the right steel is essential for creating a knife that performs well and lasts a long time. The type of steel directly impacts critical factors like edge retention, toughness, corrosion resistance, and sharpening ease, all of which determine how a knife will perform in specific tasks and environments. Whether you’re crafting a blade for everyday carry or heavy-duty outdoor use, understanding these properties is key to making an informed decision.
Edge retention determines how long a blade stays sharp during use. CPM 20CV is exceptional in this area, making it perfect for tasks that demand a consistently sharp edge over extended periods. CPM S35VN, while offering good edge retention, balances this property with other attributes like toughness and ease of sharpening, making it a versatile choice for a variety of applications.
Corrosion resistance is vital for knives exposed to humid or marine environments, where rust can be a significant concern. CPM 20CV offers outstanding corrosion resistance due to its high chromium content, while CPM S35VN is slightly less effective in highly corrosive conditions but still performs well in most environments.
Toughness determines how well a blade resists chipping, cracking, or breaking under stress. While CPM S35VN is specifically designed to handle heavy-duty tasks with greater toughness, CPM 20CV is better suited for applications where chipping is less of a concern and edge retention takes priority. This makes S35VN ideal for larger blades or knives subjected to impact-heavy use.
Ease of sharpening is an important factor for users who frequently maintain their knives. CPM S35VN stands out for being relatively easy to sharpen, allowing users to quickly restore a razor-sharp edge. In contrast, CPM 20CV’s higher hardness makes sharpening more challenging, though its superior edge retention means it requires less frequent maintenance.
By understanding the strengths of CPM 20CV and CPM S35VN, you can choose the steel that best fits your needs—whether it’s superior edge retention, durability, or ease of maintenance. Each steel offers distinct advantages, ensuring there’s a perfect choice for every knife-making or knife-using application.
A steel’s chemical makeup greatly impacts its hardness, toughness, and resistance to corrosion.
With high chromium (20%) for corrosion resistance, vanadium (4%) for wear resistance, molybdenum (1%) for strength, and high carbon content for hardness and edge retention, CPM 20CV is a robust steel.
Hardness, measured on the Rockwell Hardness Scale (HRC), indicates how well steel resists deformation.
Edge retention refers to how well a steel maintains its sharpness during use.
CPM 20CV, with its high chromium content, excels in corrosion resistance, making it ideal for wet or marine environments. CPM S35VN also offers good corrosion resistance but is slightly less effective in highly corrosive conditions.
Toughness measures a steel’s ability to resist chipping, cracking, or breaking under stress.
Ease of sharpening is an important consideration for users who maintain their knives regularly.
CPM 20CV and S35VN are both high-performance steels popular among knife enthusiasts and manufacturers. Each offers distinct advantages catering to specific needs and applications.
CPM 20CV is known for its superior edge retention, making it ideal for tasks requiring a sharp edge over extended periods, such as high-precision cutting tools.
With a high chromium content, CPM 20CV excels in corrosion resistance, outperforming S35VN. This makes it particularly suitable for environments prone to moisture and corrosive elements, such as marine applications.
Although both steels are hard to sharpen, S35VN is generally easier to maintain compared to CPM 20CV. This is an important consideration for users who prioritize ease of maintenance.
S35VN is noted for its toughness, making it more resistant to chipping and breaking under stress. This characteristic makes S35VN more suitable for heavy-duty applications where impact resistance is essential.
For EDC knives, CPM 20CV is an excellent choice due to its superior edge retention and corrosion resistance. These properties ensure that the knife remains sharp and rust-free, even with daily use and exposure to various environments.
S35VN is perfect for outdoor and survival knives because it’s tough and easy to sharpen. These knives often face demanding conditions and heavy use, making S35VN’s balance of durability and maintenance an ideal choice.
For specialized cutting tools that require long-lasting sharpness, such as surgical instruments or high-precision industrial blades, CPM 20CV is the preferred steel. Its exceptional edge retention and wear resistance are critical for these applications.
If edge retention and corrosion resistance are your top priorities, CPM 20CV is the recommended steel. Its ability to maintain a sharp edge and resist rust makes it ideal for high-end knives and tools used in harsh environments.
For users seeking a well-rounded knife that is easier to maintain, S35VN is the suggested choice. Its balanced performance in edge retention, toughness, and ease of sharpening makes it versatile for a wide range of applications, from EDC to outdoor use.
CPM 20CV is more expensive due to its superior properties and performance. High-quality knives made from this steel often exceed $200, reflecting its premium nature.
S35VN is generally more affordable while still offering excellent performance. This makes it an attractive option for users looking for high-quality knives without the higher cost associated with CPM 20CV.
Below are answers to some frequently asked questions:
The key differences between 20CV and S35VN steel lie in their performance characteristics and intended applications. CPM 20CV excels in edge retention and corrosion resistance due to its higher vanadium and chromium content, making it ideal for environments with moisture or tasks requiring long-lasting sharpness. S35VN, on the other hand, offers greater toughness and ease of sharpening, making it better suited for heavy-duty tasks and larger blades. While 20CV is more wear-resistant and premium-priced, S35VN is more affordable and versatile, providing a balanced option for everyday use. Your choice depends on whether durability or ease of use is your priority.
The choice between 20CV and S35VN for knife making depends on the intended use of the knife. CPM 20CV offers superior edge retention and excellent corrosion resistance, making it ideal for environments where maintaining sharpness and preventing rust are crucial. However, it can be more challenging to sharpen and is less tough, making it less suitable for heavy-duty tasks. On the other hand, CPM S35VN provides a balanced performance with good edge retention, better toughness, and ease of sharpening, making it more suitable for larger blades and heavy-duty applications. Ultimately, the decision should be based on the specific needs and priorities of the user.
20CV and M390 are both high-end stainless steels with similar compositions, featuring high levels of chromium, vanadium, and molybdenum, resulting in excellent corrosion resistance, wear resistance, and edge retention. They are nearly interchangeable, with M390 produced by Bohler and 20CV by Crucible Industries. The primary differences are minimal and often related to heat treatment and specific applications rather than composition, with M390 potentially being slightly harder in some forms. Overall, choosing between them often comes down to personal preference or availability, as their performance characteristics are closely matched.
S35VN steel is particularly well-suited for larger knives, such as hunting, tactical, and survival knives, due to its increased toughness and resistance to edge chipping. This makes it an ideal choice for knives that will undergo heavy use and require durability. Its ease of sharpening compared to 20CV also adds to its practicality for these types of knives. Therefore, if you need a knife for demanding tasks and value toughness and ease of maintenance, S35VN is a better option.
When choosing between 20CV and S35VN steels, consider factors such as edge retention, corrosion resistance, toughness, ease of sharpening, price, and intended use. 20CV offers superior edge retention and corrosion resistance, making it ideal for harsh environments, while S35VN is tougher and easier to sharpen, suitable for heavy-duty tasks. S35VN is generally more affordable and widely available. Your decision should align with your specific needs, whether prioritizing sharpness longevity and rust resistance (20CV) or durability and maintainability (S35VN).
Both steels can be sharpened, but CPM S35VN is generally easier to sharpen compared to CPM 20CV. CPM S35VN offers balanced performance with good edge retention and toughness, making it more user-friendly for sharpening. In contrast, CPM 20CV, known for its exceptional edge retention and corrosion resistance, is more challenging to sharpen due to its high hardness and vanadium content. Specialized tools like diamond or ceramic sharpeners are often required for CPM 20CV. Therefore, if ease of sharpening is a priority, CPM S35VN is the better choice.
