Looking for info on CTS-40CP!

misterjuiceman · Oct 29, 2010

Hi guys, I'm wondering if anyone has any info on the blade steel CTS-40CP. I've searched around multiple forums, and I haven't been able to find too much except that it's supposed to be a powdered version of 440C from Carpenter. I just got a Mayo in it, so I'm kind of curious about it.

ibute21 · Oct 29, 2010

Yeah I just looked it up in the knife steel composition app for droid and it appears to be powered 440c. That's all I was able to find.

Joshua J. · Oct 29, 2010

Here's Spyderco's steel chart.
http://www.spyderco.com/edge-u-cation/index.php?item=3

Powder 440C sounds right.

misterjuiceman · Oct 30, 2010

Joshua J. said:
Here's Spyderco's steel chart.
http://www.spyderco.com/edge-u-cation/index.php?item=3

Powder 440C sounds right.

yeah, that's about all I can find too. I was hoping to hear from someone who has used the steel, and could compare it to D2, 440C, S30V, 20CV, CPM154, etc.. It doesn't seem like many have knives in it. So far it seems that Tom Mayo and Rick Hinderer have used it a bit, though.

J.Davey · Oct 30, 2010

In my opinion, 440C is one of the best stainless steels when done properly (from the steel manufacturer to start with, and then the knifemaker when heat treating). From what I've read, it's biggest flaw was inconsistency in its manufacture. CTS-40CP should remedy this problem.

arjung · Oct 30, 2010

I thought CTS-XHP was called a powdered 440C? Now I'm confused. What's the difference between the two?

The Mastiff · Oct 30, 2010

A while back Sal G. had this to say in response to my not very enthusiastic response about 440C in general, and it's tendency to chip at low angles.

Powdered 440C is not too shabby. Could make you a fan. Surprised me. Unlike wrought 440C, it will take a very thin edge. The powdered process eliminates carbon migration.

There was something more recently from him, also positive but my google-fu is weak today. My general impression is that it's good stuff. 440C with the weaknesses fixed.

misterjuiceman · Oct 30, 2010

arjung said:
I thought CTS-XHP was called a powdered 440C? Now I'm confused. What's the difference between the two?

as far as I know, CTS-XHP is kind of like a stainless, powdered version of D2.

Gator97 · Oct 30, 2010

CTS-XHP, also 440XH is described by Carpenter as D2 steel with 440C class stain resistance. Can be hardened up to 64HRC.

CTS-40CP is PM version of 440C, working hardness up to 60 AFAIK.

Compositions are noticeably different, about 0.40% more C in CTS-XHP and, and 0.45%V which is not present in CTS-40CP.
Detailed CTS-XHP vs. CTS-40CP steel composition comparison.