CPM 154 or CPM S30V vs 52100, 1095, 1080

joshsmith

joshsmith

Joined
Mar 31, 2005
Messages
646
I'm curious to see if any of you have done any comparative cutting tests between the CPM steels and the typical carbon steels.

Do these two stainless steels hang with these steels or even surpass them like I've heard.

I'm interesting mostly in cutting ability. Bending 90 is of very little relevance to me.

Thanks.
 
From what I hear:
s30v,154,1095/52100/1080 (probably not to much diff with the last three)

But since Ive only used 1095, 52100 (technically SR77, buts i think its similar), and 1080, take my judgement with a grain of salt. Btw, this would probably be answered faster in General.

S30V is supposed to be the best stainless ever made, holds an edge forever, and is very tough. But its expensive, eats belts, and is very hard to sharpen w/o a belt sander or diamond stones.

I have S90V and its a beast. Edge retention like nothing ive ever used. Love the S90V Mule Team.
 
Hearing that Crucible is going to the auction block, CPM steel may get tough to get.
 
cpm steel can still be found, like CPM-10V which is considered to hold and edge the longest can be found from other places and i beleve its called AISI A11.
 
Josh, you should know, heat treatment and edge geometry are more important than the type of steel :D

Too many variables for a test like that. The CPMs will hold and edge longer but will they cut better? In my opinion, No. I like the way carbon cuts and sharpens much better.
 
Don Hanson III said:
Josh, you should know, heat treatment and edge geometry are more important than the type of steel :D

Too many variables for a test like that. The CPMs will hold and edge longer but will they cut better? In my opinion, No. I like the way carbon cuts and sharpens much better.
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2 :thumbup::thumbup: for dons W2 :D
 
Is this a powder metallurgy vs. non thread, or a carbon vs. stainless thread?

The difference between CPM154/S30V and 52100/1095? The carbon steels rust! They tend to be harder so they keep the initial sharp edge longer than the CPM stainless, but they just wear duller and duller. S30V and CPM154 can keep semi-sharp for a long time.

That said, 52100 and 1095 at 63-65 rc outperforms the softer stainless in every aspect, from wear resistance to toughness. Edge deformation is just vastly superior, especially at very acute angles. Carbon steels are still my steel of choice when rust is not a factor, but only if they are at high hardness. 1095 at 58-59 rc is a poor performer in holding an edge (in that S30V lasts 5x longer at the same hardness).
 
This could get ugly :D But I pretty much agree with cotdt.

Throw W2 into the mix and all bets are off :D Thanks JT...
 
Don Hanson III said:
This could get ugly :D But I pretty much agree with cotdt.

Throw W2 into the mix and all bets are off :D Thanks JT...
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yes this could get ugly, i have seen it happen befor. so i will just get it out of the way and say it,
CARBON STEEL IS BETTER THEN STAINLESS STEEL :D ;):eek::confused::foot: JK
Ya I'm a carbon steel kinda man.
 
Don Hanson III said:
Josh, you should know, heat treatment and edge geometry are more important than the type of steel :D

Too many variables for a test like that. The CPMs will hold and edge longer but will they cut better? In my opinion, No. I like the way carbon cuts and sharpens much better.
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I am aware that edge geometry is key and I am basing my testing on similar edge geometry. I am asking because I am considering steels that would be used for knives on a more mass scale. However I do not want to lose quality. What I am finding is that I can't get the steels I want to use in flat sheet, i.e. w-2, 52100, 1084m, 1086v

I just thought I'd ask if anyone has done any specific comparative testing, not just bias opinion one way or the other. As I can see here though different people may interpret results differently. Do you want a semi sharp blade for a long time, or a razor sharp blade that loses the edge suddenly but is then easier to sharpen? It's all clear as mud isn't it?:)

When I do get these blades done I'll let you know of my results. It may be a while but I am going to be testing 52100, 1095, CPM S30V, and CPM 154. Now coming up with fair and equal tests in the challenge. :confused:
 
I've personally tested lots of different blade materials, stainless, carbon, stellite, and some I don't know how to categorize. I always looking for better materials. When we test a blade it get used in the kitchen, for packaging and when possible, daily EDC carry.

In my testing, the best edge holder is for stainless steel is CPM S90V. The best edge holder for carbon steel is CPM M4. Both steels are very very hard to sharpen. My personal favorite steel is CPM 3V. Knifemakers can take advantage of the toughness of 3V by grinding the edge very thin.

Other steels we've tested that I like (not in order of preference):

Stainless:
- 13C26
- 440C
- BG42
- N690
- CPM154
- VG-10

Carbon:
- 1080
- 1080+
- 1084
- 5160
- 50100B
- 52100
- 8670
- A2
- D2
- L6
- W2
 
Josh, a lot of the guys on the other side of the pond still like good old O1 for their hard use non-stainless knives. As a matter of fact, the "bushcraft" guys actually seem to prefer it over the good stainless steels that they have over there. I haven't used CPM3V, but a number of our fellow metal pounders seem to like it when they are using something other than their standard forging steels, but availability could become an issue. As you are talking about increased production, is absolute performace the objective, or will cost figure into the equation?
 
I am asking because I am considering steels that would be used for knives on a more mass scale.
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Josh, your question makes a lot more sense now.

For a steel readily available in flat stock, don't over look 01, like Joe mentioned.
 
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