Cpm S35vn vs cpm154

Status
Not open for further replies.
R

Rsq

Joined
Aug 7, 2011
Messages
162
I have decided to make my first knife. I ordered most of the stuff i need, (files, sandpaper, sharpening system, etc, doing it the cheap way and seeing if it's worth pursuing farther). I have narrowed the steel i want to make it from to cpms 35vn and cpm 154. they are similarly priced, less costly than the damascus that i will replace the blade with for show, if this comes out well, but I cant get any definitive information that inclines me one way or the other. Everyone seems to love both. The traits i am looking for are: toughness, wear resistance, and finishability (able to take a mirror finish without orange peeling like d2' or remaining misty like the super high vanadium steels). I have researched them a bit, and they seem close in all respects. I dont want to buy both, so I was wondering if you guys could save me some money and weigh in. Which do you prefer and why?

I guess i can sum up the question in this way: two knives, all other things equal besides blade steel, which one would cut more cardboard and still be able to shave my beard, and not break if i loan it to an idiot who abuses it (so i can shave his dog of course)
 
Ah
Right
It will be a folder, blade length will be in the 4-5" range. I love tantos, so the first will likely be a modified tanto, but i want to make a wharncliff with the leftover material.

I'm tentatively going to throw m390 in the mix, as I have found it on aks.

If I'm overlooking something significantly better in this range, I want to spend under 30$ for at least 14 inches of 1.5x.125 bar stock. A little thicker is ok if thats all there is, i can file it down. With 14 inches, i figure i'm pretty safely going to be able to get 3 blades. I have already picked out the 3/32 440c 1.5x18 barstock from knifemaker.com for the handle material. I want to make a pretty friggin perfect knife, then go all out on the furniture, but first I want to make sure that the knife mechanism and fit is as baller as it can be. I have some great ideas (if I may say so) for experimental lock and deployment mechanisms, unlike anything I've encountered yet, so I want to see if I can execute them and if theyre as good in practice as in principle.

I will be using 440c for the handles, and i'm going to get everything ht'd at peters.
 
As a beginner knifemaker building a folder is hard , well above my skill level. A simple full tang hunter is always a good start but if your up for it go for it .
 
CPM154 will certainly give a high polish , don't know about S35VN.They're close but perhaps the S35VN will be a bit more wear resistant ,CPM154 a bit tougher .
440c for the handle ? Explain your choice for that.
 
Folder: im very technically minded, and and tinkering is a skill i've elevated to an art. If I make a few cardboard models first, im sure it wont take too many attempts to get it right.

440c for the handle: its stainless and durable. Ht'd to a slightly lower rc than it would be used in a blade for, it should provide exceptional anchoring for the blade. I want it to be simple and slim, without sacrificing ruggedness. I will have scales that will absorb shock better than the 440c can. Is there a reason not to use 440c? Its cheap enough and comes in the size i need it in. Why not?
 
Another reason for 440c is that i will have enough to practice grindimg a blade with b4 i use the more expensive steel, and not need to buy additional materials
 
Go with CPM-154. I would do the whole knife in it....handle and blade. Makes sense to me, anyway.
 
You sure have caught my attention !!! I always want to see "new" ideas in folders. Please show us some pictures. My best to you on your "make". Frank
 
Definitely use the CPM 154 , if your going to put the time and effort into it why use inferior steel like 440c . If you want to make a Work In Progress thread I'd be very interested in seeing the process start to finish.
 
CPM154.

I've been very impressed with it, and it may become the main stainless steel I use in the future.

S35VN is great too, but doesn't seem to finish as well.
 
So ive ordered 3 steels, cpm 154, 440c, and 1095. 1095 bc its cheap and this is my first project, so good practice. I want to make several of these with what ive ordered, hence the 440c. Save some money.

As soon as they arrive i'll start a WIP thread. I will update it often for advice/criticism
 
tedinatl said:
Can you expand a bit on your answer, please Ray? Why do you like it the most?
Click to expand...

Because cpm 154 and s35vn are about the same as far as cost, work, and finishing. I can't tell them apart in performance just by using them. The difference IMO is that s35vn is a newer "hotter" steel. If you have two identical knives, one with 154 and the other with s35, the s35 will be more attractive to a potential buyer. That's just how I see it.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top