Any thoughts on CTS-XHP?

[Noctis3880]

I know this steel has been hard to get ahold of since Spydero's sprint run of the Manix 2 in the steel, but I wonder if anyone who has either the Manix 2 or XM-18 in that steel has formed any concrete opinions about it, particularly compared with the seemingly premium standard S30V steel.

I would think it's a step up from standard D2 given that the powder metallurgy process would make the steel tougher. Probably closer to a stainless version of CPM-D2 than anything else.

My own use of the steel didn't exactly shout anything out to be other than it seems to have poor corrosion resistance for a stainless steel. But then again, I might be spoiled by those high vanadium super steels that have much higher stain resistance than normal.


Still, just curious to know whether everybody else thinks it's good stuff or as someone else once said, "just a fad steel".

 

[singularity35]

Yeh, I was thinking that too. Manix 2 doesn't do anything for me so if I get to try XHP out, it's probably going to be on the brown military.

 

[CID25]

I've only put moderate use into my Manix 2 XHP, I guess it feels like the steel performs comparably to my old CPMD2 Para, but I haven't really used it long enough to say that with a whole lot of authority though. I did however find it to be pretty easy to sharpen, both in getting nice and sharp, and getting a nice finish on the bevels

 

[Ankerson]

There hasn't been enough blades around in this steel to really tell yet for sure.

 

[cziv]

I've only put moderate use into my Manix 2 XHP, I guess it feels like the steel performs comparably to my old CPMD2 Para, but I haven't really used it long enough to say that with a whole lot of authority though. I did however find it to be pretty easy to sharpen, both in getting nice and sharp, and getting a nice finish on the bevels

I have a BM 710 D2. Is that the same as CPMD2 or no? Benchmade makes 154 CM but it's not CPM154 from what I understand the CPM prefix means something different.

 

[Big Mike]

There hasn't been enough blades around in this steel to really tell yet for sure.

Very true.




I've been testing a Bark River prototype in CTS-XHP.





I find that this steel, like D2, settles into a working edge (down from initial sharpness) that seems to last forever.


I also find it very easy to shapen, much easier then D2.


It does show some surface corrosion (patina) from cutting foods,

...but it seems to very shallow,

...and changes (comes and goes) when cutting different materials.



I would like to see more knives in this steel. :thumbup: :thumbup:





Big Mike

 

[dsmegst]

I have a BM 710 D2. Is that the same as CPMD2 or no? Benchmade makes 154 CM but it's not CPM154 from what I understand the CPM prefix means something different.

D2 is a tool steel that's been around for a long time. I don't own any knife with CPM-D2 but I hear it's worth the price increase. From Spyderco:

"CPM-D2 has the same composition as D2, but it’s made in a particle metallurgy format. This change in the process compliments the Molybdenum and Vanadium properties of reduced grain size; thus providing greater strength and toughness. The elements of CPM-D2 Steel allow for superior cutting performance and edge retention."

It's a fairly rare steel. Aside from the now discontinued Millie and Para-Millie, I don't know what else is available.

 

[nsm]

CPM D-2 is readily available from Niagara Specialty Metals, NJ Steel Baron, Midwest Knife Supply and SB Specialty Metals.

 

[dsmegst]

CPM D-2 is readily available from Niagara Specialty Metals, NJ Steel Baron, Midwest Knife Supply and SB Specialty Metals.

I meant not commonly used in production knives.

 

[JNewell]

And you were right!

I meant not commonly used in production knives.

 

[JNewell]

CPM-D2 and CPM 154 (and others) are made with a powder technology. D2 and 154CM are conventional melt/ingot technology. There's some good literature on the Crucible website about the differences, which can be pretty significant if the knifemaker knows what it/he is doing.

I have a BM 710 D2. Is that the same as CPMD2 or no? Benchmade makes 154 CM but it's not CPM154 from what I understand the CPM prefix means something different.