154CM vs. S30V for tactical blade ?

V

Venice Will

Joined
Jan 11, 2007
Messages
1,544
I appeal to those who have great knowledge of steel characteristics :cool: - quick question - for a tactical (mostly urban defense, deployed in self-defense) blade, 5.5" in length...11" OAL...what steel would give the greater strength and edge holding capabilities - 154CM or S30V (other steels to consider would be welcome as well)...I'm thinking of having a custom blade made along the lines of the one pictured below:

chime in, please...or direct me to a thread - I'd be grateful and know that my choice will be a well informed one...:D

THANK YOU ALL!!!!!
 
S30v is less corrosion resistant and is known to be more brittle, however S30V holds an edge longer. I would personally want one in 154CM as you wouldn't be constantly using it and dulling it (unless we're talking about zombie attack). 154cm is also cheaper. :)

Good luck!
 
They're both great steels, but there are better choices for blades that need to see hard use and what's normally considered abuse. Check out some of the differentially hardened 1095 blades over at DJ Urbanovsky's website. Stainless steel just keeps predators from getting tetanus. If you're that forgiving, S30V, 154CM, and CPM154 are all great choices. S30V gives you, the user, slightly better corrosion resistance and more wear-resistance and CPM154 gives you a knifemaker who won't commit suicide during heat-treatment (works out well if you want more than one knife) and 154CM is merely a top-of-the-line high-carbon/high-carbide stainless and one which has made many users of stainless 'tactical' fixed blades and folders very happy. 5160 is a very good steel for such knives, too.
 
154CM by far.

S30v may have higher edge retention, but its not like 154CM is any kind of slouch. 154 has higher durrability, and sharpens quicker.

IMO S30V isnt tactical knife material. Great for EDCs and small detail blades, but not for anything other than dedicated slicers.

THAT being said, id much rather have a carbon steel. Differentialy treated 5160 or 1095 is the ticket for a hard use knife.
 
Personally I would prefer S30V. I've never noticed 154CM as being any easier to sharpen than S30V. However, I have noticed 154CM as being much more prone to large burr formation, essentially making it "harder" to sharpen from a standpoint of getting a good burr-free edge. 154CM also won't get as sharp as S30V due to larger carbides in the steel matrix. I tend to not go higher than a 220 grit finish on 154CM, giving it a very coarse, aggressive finish.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top