School me on CPM 20CV

crocogator106

crocogator106

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Nov 16, 2012
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I've bought and sold so many knives over the past year trying to find the one I like best. I had both inexpensive and expensive ones (Hinderer, Strider, Chris Reeve, Benchmade, Zero Tolerance, etc...) throughout this journey. They all are great knives but I've made full circle and have settled on the Hinderer XM series, more specifically the 3" XM. I've also tried many different blade steels during this journey as well and really fell in love with S35VN. Anyway I've been wanting to try one of the new Gen 5's. I'm really liking the sheepsfoot blade but I have no experience with the new steel Hinderer is using, CPM 20CV. Anyone with hands on experience with this steel please chime in and tell me your thoughts. I really like the ease of sharpening and edge retention of S35 so how does it compare to CPM 20CV especially in Hinderers since every manufacturers heat treatment is a little different. Also any thoughts on the new XM Gen 5. Thanks!
 
Do you know M390? If not, what about CTS 204P?
If yes to either of those, then you know CPM 20CV.

About S35Vn vs M390/204P/20CV:
S35Vn will sharpen more quickly, dull more quickly, and take a slightly keener edge, but should be slightly tougher, given all things being equal.

M390/204p/20CV will hold a working edge longer and possibly be a bit more stain resistant.
 
Man, I just flat out like 20cv better then s35vn on a folder. I don't need the toughness that s35vn offers. I'd rather have the edge holding of 20cv. It sharpens great too.
 
NJBillK said:
Do you know M390? If not, what about CTS 204P?
If yes to either of those, then you know CPM 20CV.

About S35Vn vs M390/204P/20CV:
S35Vn will sharpen more quickly, dull more quickly, and take a slightly keener edge, but should be slightly tougher, given all things being equal.

M390/204p/20CV will hold a working edge longer and possibly be a bit more stain resistant.
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I've had limited experience with M390 but my last SNG was in 204P. I really enjoyed it but really didn't find it any harder to sharpen than S35....maybe even easier.
 
I’d echo what’s been said above, except to add that in my experience M390/204P/20CV take just as keen an edge as S35VN.

And of course it holds it significantly longer, as mentioned.
 
I find my CRK took a crisper edge than my 710 in m390... Maybe method was to blame, since I used DMTs, so it isn't as if I couldn't cut the alloying elements in the matrix.
 
How would it compare to S30V. I've had several blades in S30 and REALLY hated to have to sharpen it-lol.
 
crocogator106 said:
How would it compare to S30V. I've had several blades in S30 and REALLY hated to have to sharpen it-lol.
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You dont like to sharpen S30V? Then I would not recommend 20CV or any of the above SUPER similar steels. What system do you own if you dont mind me asking?
 
Unfortunately I have only 1 knife in 20cv, compared to 5 or 6 in S35.
My Attleboro Dau Tranh (2.625" fixed blade) in 20cv is my go to EDC, I absolutely love it. It easily takes as keen an edge as my S35 given my sharpening abilities (good or mediocre) and I've not ever even had a burr to deal with.
That little knife did the majority of work on 4 deer this year, including gutting, skinning and quartering before I decided I'd touch up the edge. It was still almost shaving sharp before I touched it up. I use it 10-30 times a day for typical everyday chores (i.e. not opening concrete bags etc) and I really only touch up the edge every couple weeks because I miss sharpening it. I will say reprofiling the blade from ~25° to 20° right after I got it was a real chore, after that it's been very easy to keep shaving sharp.
 
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Aquaholicc said:
You dont like to sharpen S30V? Then I would not recommend 20CV or any of the above SUPER similar steels. What system do you own if you dont mind me asking?
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Spyderco Sharpmaker-I've also got the diamond and extra fine rods. I've had zero issues sharpening s35, 204p even elmax bit with s30 it has been a nightmare.
 
I have owned an EdgePro but sold it. Just wwaayy too much fiddling, setting up, adjusting and dealing with water all over the palce. It just took too long to sharpen a knife!
 
crocogator106 said:
I have owned an EdgePro but sold it. Just wwaayy too much fiddling, setting up, adjusting and dealing with water all over the palce. It just took too long to sharpen a knife!
Click to expand...

While there is some setup involved. The time invested in the setup pays off as you can get perfect edges that are much more difficult to get free hand sharpening. However, I definitely agree the Edge Pro can create a mess. Ultimately, all sharpening results in a mess in my kitchen.
 
Got a Spyderco Mule in CPM-20Cv and love it. Thing's a big scalpel and probably sharper. Hones very easily.
 
I’d go 20CV everyday. Great edge, tougher than you might think (I may have had good luck with heat treat) and easy to maintain.

Would suggest learning to free-hand sharpen too. I’ve been learning over the past year. I still don’t like to sharpen hollow grinds, but flats are easy...VG-10 to S110V, no matter...still haven’t had need to sharpen Maxamet. It’s stubborn.
 
Thanks for all the replies! I think I'm going to try one of the Gen 5s out with the sheepsfoot blade in the 20cv. I'm really liking the FDE G10 with Battle Bronze lockside. Might just order it tonight! Who knows, I might just discover a new favorite blase steel.
 
crocogator106 said:
Thanks for all the replies! I think I'm going to try one of the Gen 5s out with the sheepsfoot blade in the 20cv. I'm really liking the FDE G10 with Battle Bronze lockside. Might just order it tonight! Who knows, I might just discover a new favorite blase steel.
Click to expand...
If you like it try a Half Track in 20CV.
 
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