CPM154 vs S30V

A

Adamar

Joined
Dec 9, 2008
Messages
231
I am looking to get a knife that comes in either CPM154 VS S30V. 1st question is how does these steels compare to each other and why would you choose one over the other?

2nd question, if both knives are the exact same price, would this change your answer from question #1.

Here are links to the knives. Same knife, same price, but different steel.

http://www.truenorthknives.com/vcom/product_info.php?products_id=2657

http://knives.cx/store/product_info.php?cPath=21_24&products_id=2844&osCsid=5a8c81fec53fd4fd81680f1aaa2d8521
 
Both are good steels, but CPM-154 will hold an edge longer than S30V, but then that also depends on the RC hardness of the blades in question.

If you can get S30V at 60 RC or harder (Where it really should be for best performance) then you will have a hard time telling the difference between the steels under normal use.

Both steels will take an awesome edge, CPM-154 is easier to sharpen though.

CPM-154 is tough to beat at 62 RC.
 
Think I'd go CPM154 ... It's supposed to be a little tougher but I could be wrong. Doubt you would really be able to tell much difference in normal use.

I like the S30V knife better though! :D
 
id go with the TNK version, simply because it seems to have a bit more background, specialty to it. not by much, but just enough.

cpm 154 has impressed me more then s30v. not that s30v is really that much different, maybe a steel expert would be able to tell which is which in a blind use test, if you can imagine it, but both steels are great.
 
jakeyjake4528 said:
id go with the TNK version, simply because it seems to have a bit more background, specialty to it. not by much, but just enough.

cpm 154 has impressed me more then s30v. not that s30v is really that much different, maybe a steel expert would be able to tell which is which in a blind use test, if you can imagine it, but both steels are great.
Click to expand...

You can tell the difference when sharpening them and S30V is a more aggressive cutter, but as I said above it has to be 60 RC or better to perform like it should.
 
I would definitely go with CPM154.

A lot of less expensive knives out there already with the S30V ($60-$100), I would want some thing different for a $400+ knife. People give great feedback for CPM154 on here and other forums.
 
For all round blade [maker &user] I like CPM154. Takes a wonderful edge easily, excellent edge retention. S30V has better wear resistance [ that's what the extra vanadium is for !!] harder to sharpen but I use a diamond sharpener for a microserrated edge which I think is better for that steel.
 
I picked this one up a couple of weeks ago used for $300. They are nice knives with a smooth action and great lockup. I much prefer CPM154 over S30V. I can get a crisper edge alot easier with it.

attachment.php
 
S30V has slightly better edge retention than CPM154. The toughness is about equal. Again, this is with each steel at optimum hardness. But I would imagine the CPM154 is a heck of a lot easier to sharpen.

I would like to see more about S35VN. About the same edge retention (very slight difference) and better toughness than S30V.
 
Last edited:
Yea I usually like to get my edc knives tree topping sharp and I've always been least satisfied with the edges on my S30V knives ( I only have 1 left).
 
CPM-154 can take a mighty fine edge and hold it for a very long time. I love the edge cpm-154 takes and how easy it is to get it so sharp.
 
grybsh7 said:
I picked this one up a couple of weeks ago used for $300. They are nice knives with a smooth action and great lockup. I much prefer CPM154 over S30V. I can get a crisper edge alot easier with it.
Click to expand...

I like CPM 154, 154 MC both better as my experience with them on Benchmade. Isn't this all relative to the knifemaker who treats the steel?

BTW I posted to ask grybsh7 to identify the knife plz. I love these images but don't wth they are? It's a beauty. :)
 
cziv said:
I like CPM 154, 154 MC both better as my experience with them on Benchmade. Isn't this all relative to the knifemaker who treats the steel?

BTW I posted to ask grybsh7 to identify the knife plz. I love these images but don't wth they are? It's a beauty. :)
Click to expand...

There are links to it in the OP.
 
CZ it's a SFC John Smith, Chris Smith and Aaron Frederick collaboration. C-1.
Ive had S30V blades from several maufactures and have sold them all. Maybe just in my head, I know some guys really like it.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top