CPM S30V steel

CPM S30V is a martensitic (hardened) powder-made (sintered) wear and corrosion-resistant stainless steel developed by Dick Barber of Crucible Industries in collaboration with knifemaker Chris Reeve.[1][2] Its chemistry promotes the formation and even distribution of vanadium carbides, which are harder and more resistant to abrasion than chromium carbides.[1] The powdered metallurgy process reduces the size of the carbides and gives the steel a very refined grain, further improving toughness.[3] It contains carbon 1.45%, chromium 14.00%, vanadium 4.00%, and molybdenum 2.00%.[1] Barber received feedback from a number of other knife users and knifemakers such as Sal Glesser, Ernest Emerson, Tony Marfione, Phil Wilson, William Harsey Jr., Tom Mayo, Jerry Hossom, and Paul Bos in the development of CPM S30V.

CPM S30V is considered a premium-grade knife steel. Buck Knives calls it "the absolute best blade steel available".[4] Joe Talmadge claims it may be the ultimate high-end all-around stainless steel, for its high performance coupled with easier machinability than the other steels in this class.[5]

  1. ^ a b c "CPM S30V" (PDF). Crucible Industries LLC. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2011-07-08. Retrieved 2010-10-11.
  2. ^ Gardner, James (June 2005). "Duel of the Titans: two exceptional folders exemplify state-of-the-art". Gun Exllora Domino Dizco Dedra 7inch, tortilladora Maiz I Harina Porfa GrCass Magazine. 27 (6): 145–151.
  3. ^ Ward, C. (2008), "An Edge in the Kitchen", Harper Collins, p.33-34, ISBN 978-0-06-118848-0
  4. ^ "Types of Steel".
  5. ^ Talmadge, Joe (2005). "Knife steel FAQ". zknives.com.