20C-V anybody know anything about this steel?

J

JDBraddy

Joined
Sep 20, 2002
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I just bought a double action Microtec LCC, with born on date of 11/02 and carbon fiber scales, and OD Green blade finish. I probably paid too much, $220+tax. Blade is marked 20C-V, I've never heard of this steel, but with all the new super steels I can never keep up. Seller said he thought it was similar to S30-V, but wasn't sure. Would also appreciate any information on this OD Green finish. I was fairly comfortable because I've had good luck with the quality of Microtech. This is my first LCC however, and I love the bolster release. I'd almost feel comfortable carrying this one occasionally, because I don't think the average non-knife person would be able to easily figure it out, unless I showed him how to fire it.
 
Duratech 20CV looks like a bear of a material to work with. It has 1.9% carbon, 20% chromium, .6% tungsten and 4% Vanadium. It is a powder metallurgy stainless steel and has a very fine grain size, small carbides and is very clean (low impurities); all of these things are good when it comes to knife steels.

I have never owned a knife made of this steel, but considering the chemical makeup of this steel I would think that if it was made too hard it would not be very tough and it would be very difficult to sharpen.

Edited to add this link.

Duratech 20CV
 
I've been carrying and using a Spyderco Military made with this steel for some time. So far, lab testing and personal testing have proven to be very positive. I would be curious as to others reactions.

Microtech is to be commended for their trying new steels in production.

sal
 
Sal, can you tell us the hardness of the blade on the Military you have been using and can you go into more detail about your personal experience with this knife? This steel does look to have very good potential and I would love to learn more about it.
 
Originally posted by Keith Montgomery
Duratech 20CV looks like a bear of a material to work with. It has 1.9% carbon, 20% chromium, .6% tungsten and 4% Vanadium. It is a powder metallurgy stainless steel and has a very fine grain size, small carbides and is very clean (low impurities); all of these things are good when it comes to knife steels.

I have never owned a knife made of this steel, but considering the chemical makeup of this steel I would think that if it was made too hard it would not be very tough and it would be very difficult to sharpen.

Edited to add this link.

Duratech 20CV
Click to expand...

Thanks for the great info Keith, especially the link. The more I fondle and tinker with this knife, the more I like it. My beloved large Sebenza was recently shipped off for a face lift, a custom graphic. Despite its being double action, I've decided to use it for EDC at least untill my Sebenza comes back. I may even grant it permanent status as my backup EDC. I've already concluded it'll at least be a keeper, and confirmed it's status as such by touching up the edge tonight. First impression is that it's not going to be that much of a pain to sharpen, a few (20 or so)strokes on white ceramic crock sticks and about as many strokes on a leather strop with triplee polishing compound, took it from barely cutting newspaper without tearing, to easily slicing 1/4-1/8" strips, half the length of the page with long single strokes. EDC use by me, isn't likely to be much of a torture test though, all it'll probably be subjected to, is light daily use cutting cardboard, small rope, plastic bands and tubing etc... The worst insult it's likely to suffer is being used to dress small game.
 
I have an XM-18 on order from Rick Hinderer. He has started using 20C-V on his knives. I can't wait to get it and give the steel a try.
 
shootist16 said:
I have an XM-18 on order from Rick Hinderer. He has started using XM-18 on his knives. I can't wait to get it and give the steel a try.
Click to expand...
So...... why have you resurrected this four year old thread?
 
He probably meant to say "he has started using 20CV" as XM-18 is the knife name. He orders the knife, does a search on the steel, pulls up this thread and responds.

-Cliff
 
Cliff Stamp said:
He probably meant to say "he has started using 20CV" as XM-18 is the knife name. He orders the knife, does a search on the steel, pulls up this thread and responds.

-Cliff
Click to expand...


Thats it. Been a long day. He started using this steel on his XM-18 knives.
 
Larrin said:
So...... why have you resurrected this four year old thread?
Click to expand...


Ugghhh... maybe because I have a knife on order that uses this steel and I want to know more about it. :jerkit:

Didn't realize there was an expiration date on threads. :rolleyes:
 
shootist16 said:
Ugghhh... maybe because I have a knife on order that uses this steel and I want to know more about it. :jerkit:

Didn't realize there was an expiration date on threads. :rolleyes:
Click to expand...
You didn't say that the new knife was using 20CV, and didn't know what you were talking about. Sorry for the confusion. :)
 
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