20cv vs 154cm? Griptilian

[Dallas T]

Just curious if anyone with the new 20cv griptilian noticed any real difference from the regular 154cm? As in any difference with edge retention or toughness.

 

[dano]

Nope...marketing hype...I do like the G10 on the gray Grips, though.

 

[Dallas T]

Asking cause I want another large grip and thought of custom creating my own through bm website, and I am one of the few that actually like the plain regular grips. Contemplating 20cv with regular grips or just saving the money and going 154cm

 

[FlaMtnBkr]

Really? I haven't tried the 20CV in a Grip, but have in other knives and it should, and does, hold an edge substantially longer than 154CM. 20CV is essentially M390 and is definitely in the 'super steel' class. Both steels should be plenty tough for the average folder cutting tasks.

 

[colubrid]

I wish BM offered a 154 with the same G10 grips the 20cv griptilian has.

 

[Dallas T]

So in most opinions 154 will perform just fine with very unnoticeable difference?

 

[TickTock]

personally I would go w/ the 20cv, it has higher wear resistance good grindability, and is very stainless

 

[Ccc]

So in most opinions 154 will perform just fine with very unnoticeable difference?

Both steels will perform fine, and 20CV is a steel that will hold an edge longer. I have noticed a very real difference, but not one that makes me dislike 154cm. In fact, I don't any steel performance has ever made me dislike another steel, just appreciate the differences.

If you already have a grip in 154cm, I think you might enjoy getting another in 20CV and comparing edge retention and toughness yourself. That is what I would do in any case. Like you, I don't mind the normal handle material - instead, I will spend money to have more fun trying different steel types.

 

[ATJ999]

I have a few knives in CPM 20CV, no benchmades though. It is one of my favorites. If you like M390 you will like it. 154CM is a good steel, but in my experience 20CV/M390/204p outperforms in every way, for a folder. Very easy maintenance steel.

 

[bf1122]

I have a Griptilian 551 in 154CM and a 551-1 in 20CV. I bought the 551-1 a few months ago in order to have (IMO) more attractive and ergonomic G10 handles along with its blue trim. I also hoped for benefits from having a "better" steel.

I was pleased to learn how much longer the 20CV blade sharpness lasts. However, my 154CM blade is definitely easier to sharpen. These observations are fairly clear and obvious, IMO. While requiring somewhat more work to sharpen, this 20CV blade is not prohibitive to sharpen using my Lansky diamond hones.

(I am only moderately experienced in knife sharpening, and my skills and knowledge are at best "semi-newbie".)

 

[Nfd538]

I've had a few 154cm blades. A mini grip that came as dull as a butter knife, got rid of that one in a week. Had a Protech TR4 that was one of the sharpest factory edges I've had.
I have three 20cv blades. A 550 grip, 3" XM and and 3.5 XM. I like 20cv and have no problems putting edges on it with Shapton stones.

 

[nzedge]

Nope...marketing hype...I do like the G10 on the gray Grips, though.

lol...yea just like the difference between 1090 and cpm 10v is marketing hype aye?
Have you seen the composition of the two steels?

That's like saying its just marketing hype as they are both made of steel...20cv is substantially better.
Its got 1.9% carbon vs 1.05% for the 154cpm. Its also got 4% vanadium which is a decent amount, the 154cm having none as far as im aware.

believe it or not there is a difference in steels. just because they are both hard and metal does not mean the difference is marketing. Look at any data sheet or learn to read composition charts and you will quickly learn that the 20cv has over double the alloying elements of the 154cm so a much higher carbide volume.

 

[dano]

And, the average, non-BF.com end user isn't going to research carbides, heat treats, etc.

 

[uxo2]

After owning a 154, 550 Grip and now
I have a 550-1 in my pocket.
The edge is amazing.. Super smooth.
Not a fan of "Grey" scales. Might RIT dye them.

The cost of a -1 is close to a 154 with your choice of custom scales.
Great steel or good steel.

Unless you must have this steel. Most will be happy with 154.


I like my 550-1

 

[MatthewSB]

So in most opinions 154 will perform just fine with very unnoticeable difference?

The difference is huge, and easily noticeable if you use your knife often enough to dull the edge. 20CV will hold a sharp edge many times longer than 154CM, and will be more difficult to sharpen when the time comes.

If you want a knife that is easy to sharpen but will dull quickly, go with 154CM. If you'd rather have a knife that can be difficult to sharpen, but will take far longer to dull, go with 20CV.

 

[me2]

I tested some 20cv years ago vs VG10. VG10 held its edge longer, but it took repeating the test 3 times to be sure. I doubt you'd be able to tell the difference in edge holding between 154CM and 20CV. Whichever is easiest for you to sharpen will come out on top, edge holding wise.

 

[MobileFireLord]

There is difference between 20CV vs 154.

20CV is similar to M390, but slight upperhand in wear resistance where M390 is tougher.

 

[RBid]

There is difference between 20CV vs 154.

20CV is similar to M390, but slight upperhand in wear resistance where M390 is tougher.

The thread had been asleep for a couple years. Not a big deal, but I wanted to let you know in case you were aniticipating replies from participants.

That aside, any perceived difference in wear resistance between 20CV, M390, and 204P is going to be a result of heat treat or geometry, not chemistry.

 

[Mo2]

There is difference between 20CV vs 154.

20CV is similar to M390, but slight upperhand in wear resistance where M390 is tougher.

This is wrong. Very wrong. They are the exact same 20cv,204p and m390. The only differences you will see are in the heat treatment and geometry. They are not tough steels, but this varies on the heat treatment and geometry yet again. Overall it's not tough compared to other steels for tough tasks like 3v for example.

Also 20cv has higher edge retention than 154cm by a long shot when cutting rope. And in Ankersons tests cardboard.

M390, 20cv and 204p shouldn't be used in tasks where toughness is needed.

 

[NG VI]

And, the average, non-BF.com end user isn't going to research carbides, heat treats, etc.

You don't need to research carbides or heat treats to benefit from them.