Actual Experience - S30V vs. S35VN

merlinus · May 25, 2011

Wondering if anyone has done any real-life comparisons between these two steels on a CRK model, and if so, what were the results?

BBQ BOY · May 25, 2011

I think if you do a search there may be some topics on comparison. I am not sure though.

merlinus · May 25, 2011

All of what I have read is based on info from the steel manufacturer (e.g. 30% increased hardness, easier machining and polishing), or hearsay and conjecture, such as being less prone to chipping. That's the reason for my post.

BBQ BOY · May 25, 2011

well I searched myself and really couldn't find any info that could help you.
I would be interested in real whorl opinions but if Mr.Reeve says it's better then that is good enough for me. I still want to hear others insight.

merlinus · May 25, 2011

I don't know if CRK has said that S35VN is any better, and that's why I am hoping for real-world testing and experience. There have been rumors to the effect that the only reason for the change is lower costs due to less machining, polishing, and such to bring it to the same standards as S30V.

foxx · May 25, 2011

These aren't CRK, nor from this forum, but.. quite a few reviews of S35VN, and comparisons to other steels. http://www.knifeforums.com/forums/showtopic.php?tid/886279/

I don't know if I, or many other average knife users could tell the difference. An extensive testing would have to be done to the exact same knives, with the two steels being the only difference. The easy way would be to just buy the knife with either steel, and enjoy.

merlinus · May 25, 2011

Thanks for the link. From what I read, however, S35VN clearly rated better than S30V. The main poster stated it was the best stainless steel yet, in his experience.

RobME · May 26, 2011

merlinus said:
I don't know if CRK has said that S35VN is any better, and that's why I am hoping for real-world testing and experience. There have been rumors to the effect that the only reason for the change is lower costs due to less machining, polishing, and such to bring it to the same standards as S30V.

That's almost funny...

Silly rumors. Chris (CRK), wouldn't have gone with S35VN if it didn't offer some clear advantage over the older but still excellent S30V. As far as manufacturing costs go... they would be the same. Identical! No change in manufacturing or machining or finishing costs because of the newer steel. I say this with certainty because as far as those processes are concerned, there are no substantial differences between the metals.

Haze · May 26, 2011

RobME said:
That's almost funny... Silly rumors. Chris (CRK), wouldn't have gone with S35VN if it didn't offer some clear advantage over the older but still excellent S30V. As far as manufacturing costs go... they would be the same. Identical! No change in manufacturing or machining or finishing costs because of the newer steel. I say this with certainty because as far as those processes are concerned, there are no substantial differences between the metals.

Progress isn't always made in leaps and bounds, it can take the form of very small steps. As I understand it S35VN is indeed an improvement over S30V be it a small one. Why would CRK put out "silly rumors" when asked about the steel ? They them selves said the improvments were small but they were there in the form of higher toughness, slightly better edge retention, easier working and finishing.

If you have a look at the data sheets that have been out for a while now you can see the chemical composition of S35VN over S30V for your self. Perhaps you can make a more informed decision about its attributes and get back to us ?

kreole · May 27, 2011

Haze said:
Progress isn't always made in leaps and bounds, it can take the form of very small steps. As I understand it S35VN is indeed an improvement over S30V be it a small one. Why would CRK put out "silly rumors" when asked about the steel ? They them selves said the improvments were small but they were there in the form of higher toughness, slightly better edge retention, easier working and finishing.

If you have a look at the data sheets that have been out for a while now you can see the chemical composition of S35VN over S30V for your self. Perhaps you can make a more informed decision about its attributes and get back to us ?

Speaking of the composition, I see no reason S35VN would have better retention. It loses .05% carbon and 1% vanadium for .5% niobium. Niobium is like vanadium, something that works as a hard carbide, but vanadium carbides are harder than niobium ones (plus 1% > .5%). The only way S35VN will have better edge holding is if the added toughness imrpoves edge stability enough to make up for having less vanadium. If that's the case, it probably won't be the case that S35VN is better (or worse) at edge holding when cutting every medium at any edge angle.

Needless to say, I am also curious to see actual use comparisons.

Haze · May 27, 2011

I only have the Nyala in S35VN so it's hard to make any sort of definitive decision weather it is or isn't "better". I have a few A2 one piece users and a few S30V folders but I have never really warmed up to the S30V fixed blades from CRK as users so I have nothing to make a "fairer" comparison with.
As far as I can see personally the S35VN Nyala takes what I would call a crisper feeling edge than the Sebenza/Umnumzaan in S30V or the likes of the OPK Skinner in A2. I'm not sure if it's really that easer to sharpen but it feels like it takes a nicer edge given the same amount of work. I'd say it seems to cut cleanly and feel sharper for longer as well, so to me that would mean better edge retention. I cut and shave a fair bit of bamboo for fire lighting as well as other hard and soft woods so that is largly what I'm basing my observations on.

:thumbup:

(Obviously grind, blade shape, edge geometry and hardness all differ somewhat on the knives I'm using so I don't know how acurately I'm presenting things here).