ATS-34 VS. 154-CM What is the difference?

[Bennett Richards]

I was told that 154-CM was just the American designation for the Japaneese made ATS-34.

Looking at the composition chart: http://www.knifeart.com/tabofdifstee.html it is obvious that there IS a difference in composition between the two steels. Is one better than the other and why have some makes started switching to 154-CM?

Thanks guys,

Ben

Ben

 

[e_utopia]

These steels are very similar, and the difference will easily be lost compared to the quality of heat-treat. For purposes of choosing a knife, pretend they are the same and decide based on other specs. Also, do some searches of the site for a lot of threads on this topic.

--JB

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e_utopia@hotmail.com

 

[Joe Talmadge]

e_utopia is right, these steels are close enough in composition that, theoretically, they're functionally the same. I say theoretically because they are made by different manufacturers, Hitachi for ATS-34, Crucible for 154-CM. 154-CM is getting a reputation as being cleaner than ATS-34, as a result of Crucible's well-controller manufacturing process. That's one reason knifemakers switch to 154-CM.

Another reason cited by knifemakers is the perceived arrogance of Hitachi. Crucible seems to be more flexible as far as the batch size you can buy from them, and have been consciously courting production knife manufacturers by coming out with a sheet product.

Lastly, 154-CM is American-made, ATS-34 is not. Whether the maker is patriotic or is using "American-made" as a sales gimmick, or both, many American makers are switching to 154-CM just because it's American.

 

[Bennett Richards]

Amen,

Buying American is reason enough!

Ben

 

[Walt Welch]

Joe gave a much more detailed description of the difference between the two alloys on KFC. Here is the URL:
http://www.knifeforums.com/ubb/Forum13/HTML/000279.html

Hope this helps, Walt

 

[Samurai6]

My purely subjective impression, based on the Speed-Tech Synergy and a 154CM Benchmade 730, is that 154CM is coming out of heat treat as a finer grained steel than any of the production ATS-34 blades I've owned. During sharpening, it feels more like the custom heat treated, cryo-quenched and double- or triple-tempered ATS-34. It doesn't form a big floppy burr, and it takes a very fine edge. I like it.