Are CPM 154 and CPM D2 worth the higher prices over 154cm and plain old D2?

[AshesFall]

I know there's a difference and that the CPM versions are finer grained in structure and are slightly superior in edge retention, but are they really worth the higher pricetag?

 

[The Aflac Duck]

Yes, but I’m not sure where you’re seeing a huge price difference?

 

[Lodd]

Yes, but only if the maker / manufacturer knows what they're doing.

 

[tyyreaun]

I think the main benefit of the finer structure is toughness, not edge retention. Someone more familiar with metallurgy can provide a better answer - I'm sure @Larrin has a link on the subject. In general, though, my understanding is that the smaller carbides in the PM version are less likely to chip out, letting you get sharper edges that are less prone to taking damage.

Depending on the material you're cutting, that may or may not translate to longer edge retention, based on if the material is wearing away the steel itself, or knocking out carbide structures.

 

[hardheart]

No. Changing edge angle, edge thickness, or hardness are much greater factors in initial sharpness and edge life. A direct comparison of 154CM & CPM154 showed this.

 

[Larrin]

Yes I wrote up the article summarizing the comparison between edge retention of 154CM and CPM154 from a study that @hardheart worked on: https://knifesteelnerds.com/2018/06/18/maximizing-edge-retention/

Toughness and fine edge behavior are the benefits not wear resistance or slicing edge retention.

 

[PirateSeulb]

The price difference in knives using A vs B is likely that higher end products are using the "nicer" CPM variants so they are more expensive in general.

 

[Zeunerite]

Here's a spreadsheet someone made of all the knives tested by the Cedric & Ada youtuber.
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1b_rNfdJnL9oyn-JoL9yUHhUmDLAP1hJ1dN_0q5G4tug/

Comparing D2 to PSF27 and CPM D2 it seems like the finer carbides improve edge retention against rope.

 

[dirc]

the real answer, of course, depends on the situation:

if you're going to spend many hours hand crafting the knife, the steel choice is a small % of the overall cost - and easily worth it (imho)

if you're talking about a mass produced machine/automation setup, the steel choice is a much larger % (since other costs are much lower) - so, not really worth it


...some pm steel is much tougher (like double in some cases) than the non-pm version, read @Larrin 's blog/website

 

[superpog]

I will go with CPM154 on fixed blades, but for folders I don’t care.

D2 is not for fixed blade to me, so don’t care on folders as well.

 

[TheEdge01]

I doubt the person using the knife would tell much of a difference between them in an edc role. If the edge geometry, heat treat, etc were exactly the same, the CPM blades would probably hold up better if someone intentionally tried to dull the edge by pushing them to their limit in cardboard, carpet, or rope cutting tests. Like I said earlier, in an edc role, you shouldn’t have issues with any of them.

 

[TheTourist]

Yes, I prefer the finer grain idea. I polish my own edges and I've found that I can generate a mirror finish easier on the bevel--which translates into the same keen condition of the edge.

For those who don't know, that name of "CPM" means the 'P' stands for 'particle.' I remeber when knife enthusiasts were taking quality cameras and photographing the edges of knives. These edges looked like a layer of broken glass.