A Guide To Comparing Cpm 20cv and s30v
If you’re planning to buy a premium steel blade for your next knife, then, you may have already listed the Cpm 20cv and s30v, right? You’re on point! If you’re eagerly waiting to pick one of them, you can mess up between them! They almost look the same and you can’t find any differences at once. However, there are numerous key differences that can assist you in making a decision!
The main key differences between cpm 20cv and s30v are toughness, corrosion resistance and edge retention. Cpm 20 cv has superior corrosion resistance and edge retention, whereas s30v has slightly better toughness than 20 cv. Again, s30v is easy to sharpen, whereas 20cv is harder to sharpen.
Still, many things left to know about these two plates of steel. Let’s search for more details with a complete overview and comparison with this entire article.
Table of Contents
Quick comparison chart table
| Basis for comparison | Cpm 20cv | s30v |
| Chemical compounds | Carbon 1.9%; Chromium 20%; Molybdenum 1%; Vanadium 4%; Tungsten 0.6%. | Carbon 1.45%; Chromium 14.00%; Molybdenum 2.00%; Vanadium 4.00%; Silicon 0.50%; Manganese 0.50%; Nitrogen 0.20%; Phosphorus 0.03%; Sulfur 0.03%; Tungsten 0.4%. |
| Hardness | 58-61 HRC | 58-61 HRC |
| Toughness | Better | Superior |
| Corrosion resistance | Excellent | Better |
| Edge retention | Excellent | Better |
| Ease of Sharpening | Hard | Easy |
| Maintenance | Require less maintenance | Require more maintenance |
| Cost | Costly | Affordable |
About Cpm short read
Cpm 20cv is one of the premium quality steels among popular stainless steels. It’s manufactured by Crucible Industries.
The highest chromium and vanadium carbide content make it higher-quality stainless steel. It has 20% chromium, which is the highest in the history of stainless steel blades. As a result, 20CV has superior corrosion resistance even in humid conditions.
The high volume of vanadium carbide increases its hardness! With this steel, you’ll get balanced toughness instead of high hardness! The edge retention is completely amazing! It holds the razor-sharp blade for a long time!
Compared with 440c, 20cv has 180% better edge retention, according to the CATRA test.
Cpm 20cv has been widely used for
- Making premium knives.
- Mold cavities.
- Barrel liners.
- Screw tips.
- Plastic injection.
- Palletizing equipment.
About s30v short read
S30V is martensitic stainless steel manufactured by the Crucible industry and designed in the USA.
S30v is very popular for its high carbon, molybdenum, and vanadium content! It has excellent corrosion resistance, wear resistance, and sharpness, as well as better edge retention.
The great combination of carbon, chromium, vanadium, and molybdenum increases its toughness and wear resistance. It’s truly balanced knife steel!
This steel is widely used for
- High-end pocket knives.
- Premium kitchen cutlery.
Key differences
You only have one step left: select the best knife and steel blade for the job! Read this detailed comparison to know what steel suit your needs and budget-
1. Toughness
A good steel blade always has balanced toughness, which resists chipping or breaking! In our first round, S30v wins for its better toughness over Cpm 20cv.
S30v has a perfect combination of Carbon, chromium, molybdenum, and vanadium, which makes the steel great for better toughness. So, while you want to use knife steel, it’s going to be perfect over s30v as it resists any chipping or breaking.
But that doesn’t mean 20CV isn’t tough. The performance of 20cv is good, but it is slightly lower than that of S30v.
2. Corrosion resistance
The steel blade shouldn’t rust easily. Otherwise, it would be less sharp! Here, the corrosion resistance of a steel blade plays a vital role.
Well, Cpm 20cv has superior corrosion resistance over s30v. 20cv has 20% chromium, whereas s30v has only 14% chromium. Without a doubt, 20cv resists rust better than S30V.
So, you can relax about your knife steel’s performance in any humid or corrosion-prone environment.
3. Edge retention
When it’s about edge retention, the harder steel will be the better choice! But, this time, it’s tough to say this between 20cv and s30v!
Because both of these two have a hardness of 58–61 HRC (according to the Rockwell hardness report). Well, 20CV and s30v both offer excellent edge retention, but 20cv has a high volume of vanadium carbide! That is why 20CV retains a sharper edge than S30V.
4. Ease of sharpening
S30V is easier to sharpen than 20CV. It is slightly softer and has lower chromium and vanadium carbide.
Again, 20cv holds the edge longer, but it’s tougher to sharpen this steel compared to s30v. But the good news is, 20cv doesn’t require frequent sharpening like s30v.
5. Price
20cv is premium-grade steel! So, it is more expensive than the s30v. 20cv has better corrosion resistance, edge retention, and sharpness, so it’s a more popular and perfect tool for any task.
Again, the s30v is cheaper but a good choice for its balanced performance!
My opinion (Which I Recommend)
However, you may be more aware of your requirements! Still, choosing between two popular steels isn’t easy. I can help you with some hints!
If your budget is pretty good and you want a premium knife, choosing cpm 20cv will be a good decision. It’ll be fully worth your money, as it has superior corrosion resistance, wear resistance, excellent edge retention, and balanced toughness.
If you need a heavy-duty knife with an average performance at an affordable price, the s30v will satisfy you! It has almost all the balanced features to make your cutting task easier.
So, what will you pick? Don’t forget to share it with me in the comment section.
My favorite knives in each category
You’re done! But there’s one thing left! Guess what? A perfect knife for your next steel blade! Before purchasing a knife, you can mess up the reviews with a steel blade. It’s better to see two of my favorite knives, which have already created a top place in every knife user’s mind! Let’s see –
1. Zero Tolerance 0357 knife | (Cpm 20cv steel)
Let’s introduce the premium grade ZT 0357 knife with an affordable budget! You may better take this one! Otherwise, you’ll be at a loss, my friend!
Since this high-quality knife has everything you need. superior sharpness, superb design, ergonomic G-10 handle, and balance of weight and size.
The linear lock closing ease is very convenient in this knife! It’s an industrial base knife! So, you’ll get your cutting task done more perfectly with this impressive knife!
2. Kershaw Blur S30V Folding Pocket Knife | (S30v steel)
This knife comes with the most perfect size, shape, design, and ergonomics, and you’ll love it! Its design and aluminum handle are very comfortable.
The sharp blade with superior edge retention will keep you more relaxed as it doesn’t require frequent sharpening. Moreover, it’s razor-sharp. This one is very affordable to buy! So, go and pick it up!
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