Any benefit of CPM-3V over 52100 for a medium size fixed blade?

[CMP-40V]

For a 6" fixed hunter. Supposing both steel done with optimal heat treat, which should be better edge retention, toughness and sharpness, thanks.

 

[Big Mike]

The CPM-3V wins in toughness and edge retention.


That said, the 52100 is very easy to get scary sharp,

...the 3V will require much more work to achieve that same level of sharpness,

...but once there, the 3v edge will last forever compared to the 52100 edge.





Big Mike

 

[Adam Buttry]

Let me start by saying, that I am less than a year into knife making and have not made any knives from CPM-3V yet. In fact, all of my knives thus far have been made from 52100 because I like this steel that much. I have, however, been an avid knife user and collector for over 30 years. In my experience AS A USER, I saw very little performance gains with 3V over 52100. The little things that jump out are that it is more corrosion resistant and increasingly more difficult to sharpen. 52100 seems plenty tough in my experience. It will take a very keen edge and hold a nice working edge for a long while. So again, AS A USER, I prefer 52100.

Now with that said, I look forward to making some knives from CPM-3V as it is a popular steel amongst enthusiasts and I want to cater to those potential customers.

Adam Buttry

 

[james terrio]

I've made a bunch of knives with 3V at 58Rc and 62Rc, and a few with 52100 at 58Rc. Both alloys make excellent knives; you really can't go wrong either way. Either one can take and support a very keen edge. They are both more than tough enough for a 6" fixed hunter.

For a 6" fixed hunter. Supposing both steel done with optimal heat treat, which should be better edge retention, toughness and sharpness, thanks.

CPM-3V for toughness and edge-retention, no question. The moderate corrosion resistance it has is just a bonus.

As for actual sharpness, I'm not entirely sure. They're both pretty fine-grained and can get very, very sharp. Keep cost in mind, too... 3V is a bit more pricy. In a knife that size, a client may not want to pay more for 3V that performs better, but isn't 100% necessary. Again, 52100 will definitely work just fine.

If sharpenability is an issue, again, leave it up to the customer/user. As for honing, 3V with a nice thin edge responds well to stropping and touch-ups. 52100 with the same geometry responds even better, but will require it more often.

Personally I don't care much about sharpenability, because the thrill of sharpening wore off for me a long time ago. So I'd rather do it very seldom with diamonds or a belt, than do it all the time with a "regular" stone.

Let me put it this way... I have the luxury of using any steel I can get my hands on, at pretty much any hardness my little heart desires. The knife on my belt right now (and most days, at home, in the shop, in the garden or in the woods) is CPM-3V at 58Rc.

 

[idaho]

For a 6" fixed hunter. Supposing both steel done with optimal heat treat, which should be better edge retention, toughness and sharpness, thanks.

Optimal heat treat - doesn't matter which one you use.
Higher toughness of cmp-3v won't play much role here.
Just take 52100 to 62hrc with 175Celcius tempering and you are good to go.